Resident District Manager

Role Overview

Join Sodexo and make an impact by creating exceptional campus dining experiences while building strong partnerships and leading a talented team at the University of New Haven.

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE!

Sodexo's Campus Segment is seeking a dynamic and strategic Resident District Manager to lead dining operations at the University of New Haven in West Haven, Connecticut
. This highly visible leadership role serves as the primary point of contact for a complex campus dining program with multiple locations and service offerings.

The ideal candidate will bring prior higher education dining experience, exceptional client relationship skills, and a proven ability to drive operational excellence, financial performance, and team development. This position is heavily client-focused, with approximately 70% of time dedicated to client engagement, strategic partnership, and stakeholder relations, while balancing operational leadership and financial accountability.

We are looking for a solution-oriented leader who understands how to align dining services with client expectations, build strong teams, and grow a successful business within a unionized environment.

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE!

• Serve as the senior Sodexo leader and primary client partner for the University of New Haven dining program.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with university leadership, campus stakeholders, and student groups to ensure exceptional client satisfaction.
• Lead multiple dining locations and managers while ensuring operational excellence across all service areas.
• Drive financial performance through budget management, forecasting, labor management, and cost controls.
• Develop and execute strategies that support business growth, student engagement, and innovation.
• Ensure compliance with Sodexo standards, company policies, safety regulations, and client contractual obligations.
• Coach, mentor, and develop management teams to foster engagement, accountability, and career growth.
• Partner with campus leadership to identify opportunities, solve challenges, and deliver customized solutions that meet evolving client needs.
• Manage labor relations and maintain a positive working relationship within a unionized workforce.
• Monitor key performance indicators and implement continuous improvement initiatives that enhance service, quality, and profitability.

Compensation is fair and equitable, partially determined by a candidate's education level or years of relevant experience. Salary offers are based on a candidate's specific criteria, like experience, skills, education, and training. Sodexo offers a comprehensive benefits package that may include:

• Medical, Dental, Vision Care and Wellness Programs
• 401(k) Plan with Matching Contributions
• Paid Time Off and Company Holidays
• Career Growth Opportunities and Tuition Reimbursement

More extensive information is provided to new employees upon hire.

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
• Proven leadership experience within higher education dining, campus dining, or a similarly complex food service environment.
• Strong client-facing skills with a demonstrated ability to build trusted partnerships and influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Experience leading large, multi-unit food service operations with accountability for financial performance and operational results.
• Strong understanding of budgeting, forecasting, labor management, and P&L accountability.
• Experience managing within a union environment.
• A track record of developing high-performing teams and creating a culture of engagement and accountability.
• Demonstrated success growing a business, driving operational improvements, and delivering innovative solutions.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.
• A solution-minded approach with the ability to anticipate client needs and deliver results that exceed expectations.

At Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better everyday for everyone and build a better life for all. We believe in improving the quality of life for those we serve and contributing to the economic, social, and environmental progress in the…