Food Operations Manager 1

Sodexo is a global leader in food services and facilities management, dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for individuals and communities across various sectors. With a commitment to excellence and innovation, Sodexo delivers a broad range of integrated services that include food service, catering, facilities management, and other support services to clients worldwide. Their mission centers on creating a better everyday for everyone and building a better life for all by improving the economic, social, and environmental progress of the communities they serve. Sodexo is recognized for fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment where all employees are valued, respected, and empowered to bring their ideas forward. The company embraces equality and provides equal employment opportunities across all demographics, ensuring a fair and supportive workplace culture.

At Yale New Haven Health - Saint Raphael Campus, a prominent 501-bed acute care teaching hospital in New Haven, Connecticut, Sodexo is currently seeking a Food Operations Manager 1 to join their healthcare service team. This role offers an incredible opportunity for a motivated and hands-on leader who is passionate about patient service, hospitality, and operational excellence in a healthcare environment. The Food Operations Manager 1 will be tasked with overseeing the day-to-day patient meal service operations, ensuring that every meal delivered enhances the patient experience and meets the highest standards of quality and safety.

In this pivotal role, the Food Operations Manager 1 will lead, coach, and develop a team of approximately 25 to 30 frontline union associates working within a bedside dining environment that uses HealthTouch meal ordering software. Leading such a substantial team requires strong leadership skills, an ability to motivate and empower the workforce, and a commitment to creating a culture of engagement, accountability, and service excellence. The manager will be responsible for managing employee scheduling, payroll processing, and coordinating staffing needs to guarantee smooth operations across various shifts including opening and closing duties on a rotating schedule that incorporates weekends.

This position also involves direct patient interaction through patient rounding, which enables the manager to ensure satisfaction with meal service, address any concerns promptly, and implement service recovery when needed. Collaborating closely with nursing staff, dietitians, and hospital leadership is critical to maintain seamless operations and continuously improve service delivery. Additionally, the manager ensures strict compliance with food safety regulations such as HACCP and Joint Commission standards, as well as Sodexo's internal policies, promoting a safe and hygienic environment for food service.

Sodexo offers a competitive and equitable compensation package that reflects the candidate's experience, education, skills, and training. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision care, wellness programs, a 401(k) plan with matching contributions, paid time off, company holidays, and opportunities for career growth and tuition reimbursement. This role is ideal for professionals who are passionate about healthcare hospitality, experienced in managing frontline teams in a unionized environment, and committed to delivering exceptional patient experiences while maintaining operational excellence in a fast-paced healthcare setting.