General Manager Food - Schools; Enrollment

Sodexo is seeking a General Manager 4 to lead food service operations for West Haven Public Schools in West Haven, CT. This high-impact role oversees a large operation serving 6,400 students across 11 schools with a team of 60+.

We’re seeking a hands-on leader with strong financial and operational expertise, culinary vision, and exceptional client skills to elevate food quality, drive consistency, and lead innovative K-12 programs, including farm-to-school and catering.

In this leadership role, you will oversee daily food service operations, ensuring exceptional quality, efficiency, and customer satisfaction. You’ll guide and develop your team while managing financial performance and building strong relationships with clients and customers to support sustained success.

Accountable for managing people, setting direction and deploying resources; typically is responsible for performance evaluation, pay reviews and hire/fire decisions. Results are primarily achieved through the work of others and typically depend on the manager's ability to influence and negotiate with parts of the organization. Progression within Career Band reflects acquisition of broad technical expertise, business and industry knowledge, and process and people leadership capabilities.

Accountable for business, functional or operational areas, processes or programs, which may include dotted-line or matrixed management.

• Lead dynamic teams to deliver outstanding food and nutrition services in diverse environments.
• Drive operational excellence while meeting financial goals and performance targets.
• Develop meaningful client and customer partnerships that enhance service quality and loyalty.
• Gain valuable experience managing large-scale, fast-paced food service operations.
• Influence team growth through coaching, engagement, and professional development opportunities.
• Collaborate across departments to innovate and improve service delivery.
• Be part of a mission-driven organization focused on nutrition, customer care, and operational success.

• Proven experience in food service management or directorship, preferably in large or complex settings.
• Leadership skills with a track record of building positive team culture, employee retention, and staff development.
• Solid financial expertise, including budgeting, cost control, and performance analysis.
• Hands-on, results-oriented approach with the skillset to support and motivate teams in a fast-paced environment.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills to work cross-functionally and maintain strong client relationships.

• Education Requirement:
  Associate’s degree, with academic major in food and nutrition, food service management, dietetics, family and consumer sciences, nutrition education, culinary arts, business, or a related field
• Management
  
  Experience:
  
  3 years
• Related
  
  Experience:
  
  4 years

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.

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…