General Manager 5 - Food

Trenton, NJ, USA|Onsite

Job Overview

Employment Type

Full-time

Compensation

Salary

Range $110,075.00 - $142,450.00

Work Schedule

Standard Hours

Benefits

Medical

Dental

Vision care

wellness programs

401(k) Plan with Matching Contributions

Paid Time Off

company holidays

Career growth opportunities

Tuition Reimbursement

Job Description

Sodexo, a global leader in food services and facilities management, is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for its clients and their communities. The company partners with organizations across various industries, delivering integrated solutions that ensure exceptional dining experiences, efficient facilities management, and robust catering services worldwide. With a strong commitment to diversity, inclusion, and sustainability, Sodexo fosters an environment where every employee is valued and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives and talents.

Sodexo's Campus Segment seeks a passionate and strategic leader for the role of General Manager 5 at The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) located in Ewing, NJ. This leadership position focuses on directing multiple dining operations including resident dining, a 60-seat buffet restaurant, campus catering services, a convenience store, and summer athletic camp dining. As a dynamic fast-paced environment, this role demands an individual who embraces innovation and has a dedication to delivering exceptional hospitality experiences to students, faculty, staff, and campus guests.

The General Manager will be accountable for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the on-campus dining services while ensuring financial targets, budget compliance, and operational efficiency are met. This includes managing a unionized workforce by fostering a culture of engagement, accountability, and teamwork, which directly impacts the overall customer and client satisfaction. Additionally, the person in this role will implement and maintain Sodexo’s operational systems and standards, ensuring adherence to food safety, sanitation, and workplace safety regulations.

Beyond operational management, this leadership role offers a clear progression path toward becoming a Resident District Manager for those who consistently demonstrate strong business acumen, client relationship skills, and operational excellence. The General Manager will also play a pivotal role in working with university leadership to build strong partnerships, identify opportunities for continuous improvement, and innovate to enhance customer experiences. The environment is fast-evolving and challenging, which makes it an ideal opportunity for a professional with high energy, creativity, and a passion for hospitality and student engagement.

Compensation is commensurate with education, experience, and qualifications. Sodexo offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision care, wellness programs, a 401(k) plan with matching contributions, paid time off, and company holidays, alongside career growth opportunities and tuition reimbursement. These offerings support employee well-being and professional development, reinforcing Sodexo’s purpose of creating a better everyday for everyone. The company’s inclusive culture ensures that every team member can be themselves, contribute meaningfully, and thrive in their career.

Job Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
minimum 5 years management experience
minimum 5 years functional experience in food service or hospitality
ability to work in a fast-paced environment
knowledge of labor and workplace safety regulations
excellent leadership and communication skills
capability to manage a unionized workforce
financial management experience including budgeting and forecasting

Job Qualifications

Proven leadership experience in food service, hospitality, or dining operations management
campus dining, higher education, or large-volume food service experience preferred
strong financial acumen with experience managing budgets, forecasting, and P&L responsibility
demonstrated ability to lead and develop diverse teams in a unionized environment
excellent client relationship and stakeholder management skills
a track record of delivering exceptional customer service and operational results
strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and workplace safety regulations
exceptional communication, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities
high energy, creativity, and a passion for hospitality and student engagement
a desire to grow professionally and pursue future leadership opportunities within Sodexo

Job Duties

Lead and oversee all day-to-day resident dining operations across multiple service areas
manage the dining program while ensuring financial performance, budget compliance, and operational efficiency
drive student, customer, and client satisfaction through exceptional hospitality and service standards
lead, coach, and develop a unionized workforce, creating a culture of engagement, accountability, and teamwork
oversee campus catering operations, convenience store services, and summer camp dining programs
implement and maintain Sodexo systems, programs, and operational standards
ensure compliance with food safety, sanitation, labor, and workplace safety regulations
build strong relationships with university leadership and become a trusted campus partner
identify opportunities for innovation, continuous improvement, and enhanced customer experiences
monitor key performance indicators and execute strategies to achieve financial and operational goals
foster a positive, inclusive, and customer-focused environment for employees and students