District Manager, Management

SAGE Dining Services® is seeking a District Manager with extensive experience in all areas of multi-venue food service management, preferably in campus dining for venues in Chicago and the Midwest. Residing near one of the airports is ideal as some travel will be by air for this district.

We are looking for a standout candidate with a proven track record of supervising multiple locations in the contract food service industry, ideally within the academic sector. A minimum of ten years of exceptional experience in catering, food service, budget preparation, and management across various locations is essential.

As our District Manager, you will play a crucial role in shaping the development, direction, and success of your assigned locations. Your mission will go beyond merely meeting operational and financial goals; you will inspire and lead food service directors and executive chefs while fostering a culture of excellence. You will be the key to strengthening client relationships and enhancing client and customer service.

Your role will involve managing a diverse portfolio of all-inclusive and retail accounts. You will ensure adherence to our high standards while tailoring solutions to meet the specific needs of each client partnership, guaranteeing that our food quality and customer service exceed expectations.

Join us in making a positive impact in the world of food service management!

Pay Type:
Full Time $125,000 - $140,000 Salary range

What you’ll get:

• Competitive salary and benefits.
• Emphasis on training and development.
• Opportunities for advancement.
• Mission based company with values you trust.
• Regional Manager promoted from within to guide you.
• Extensive training program.

What you’ll do:

• Building strong working relationships with a broad range of clients/stakeholders at every venue.
• Making sure that all accounts are operating within budget.
• Guaranteeing that client catering expectations are met and exceeded through impeccable organization and flawless execution at every venue.
• Ensuring that venues achieve operational excellence at every meal, every day.
• Enforcing all safety standards and protocols are followed.
• Monitoring the menu writing process to assure compliance with SAGE standards.
• Hiring a great team for every venue, teaching, motivating, and constructively reviewing the workforce, making staffing changes as necessary to maintain excellence.
• Keeping the SAGE officers and senior managers fully apprised of issues in your district.
• Writing clear and achievable budgets, setting reasonable expectations for both clients and managers.

What you’ll need:

• Minimum ten years prior food management experience, preferably as a District Manager, or in an academic setting.
• Strong leadership abilities.
• Substantial culinary knowledge of trends, techniques, and processes.
• Proven ability to hire, train, evaluate and lead teams.
• High energy, positive attitude, and superior ethics.
• Planning and organizational proficiency.
• Intermediate to advanced computer skills.
• Fluency in sanitation and safety standards, including HACCP.
• Ability to travel extensively, by air and car.

About SAGE

As a Manager with SAGE, you’ll lead a talented culinary team in a collaborative environment where passionate people come together to create great food and feed the future.

At SAGE, Managers do more than oversee operations. They shape the dining experience for students, faculty, and staff with fresh, chef-inspired menus made from scratch. You’ll guide your team, build strong client relationships, and make a lasting impact.

We offer better work-life balance than restaurants, as well as ongoing training and real opportunities to grow. If you’re excited about food, leadership, and making a difference, SAGE is the place for you!

Management Team Members enjoy comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage with multiple plan options; company-paid short-term disability; company-paid life insurance; supplemental life insurance; long-term disability; a 401(k) with company match; a discount buying program; an employee assistance program; paid holidays and personal days; and benefits through the SAGE Foundation, including access to apply for academic scholarships for dependents and disaster assistance.

All Team Members accrue sick time, and full-time Team Members accrue vacation time.

GROW. CREATE. COLLABORATE.

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This job advertisement should not be misconstrued as an offer of employment or a comprehensive listing of position responsibilities/expectations.

Equal opportunity employer.

If you’re a candidate living in California or applying for a position in California, please visit  employees-and-job-applicants for information regarding SAGE’s California privacy practices.