Area Food Operations Manager

Sodexo•Cleveland, OH

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Sodexo is seeking a highly motivated and operationally strong Area Food Operations Manager to support University Hospitals Health System’s 13 community hospitals across Northeast Ohio. In this strategic, multi-site leadership role, you will drive operational excellence, ensure consistency in food operations, and elevate the patient and retail dining experience system‑wide. Reporting to the System Culinary Director, you will lead standardization, compliance, performance optimization, and team development across a diverse healthcare portfolio while strengthening relationships with clients, teams, and community partners. A valid driver’s license and acceptable driver’s license record check is required. Travel Requirement: This position involves regular regional travel to multiple sites and locations across Ohio. Candidates should be prepared to spend time on the road visiting different facilities, ensuring consistent support and collaboration across the region. Reliable transportation and flexibility to accommodate varying schedules are essential. Sodexo offers a range of services to healthcare facilities, including food, nutrition, environmental, facilities management, healthcare technology management, retail, and patient experience services. Employees at our healthcare sites play a crucial role in enhancing patient experience and well-being

Requirements

Multi-site food operations leadership with strong skills in standardization and process improvement.
Expertise in regulatory compliance, food safety, and healthcare service standards.
Strong project management abilities with experience executing system-wide initiatives.
Excellent communication skills and the ability to influence and collaborate across diverse teams.
A coaching mindset with a commitment to training, development, and elevating team performance.
A forward‑thinking, solutions‑driven approach focused on operational excellence and continuous improvement.
Minimum Education Requirement - Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience
Minimum Management Experience - 5 years
Minimum Functional Experience - 3 years

Responsibilities

Lead and standardize food operations across 13 community hospitals, ensuring consistent processes and service quality.
Conduct routine site visits to assess safety, compliance, patient experience, and operational performance.
Drive system-wide initiatives, new program rollouts, and operational projects.
Support financial performance through procurement consistency, inventory accuracy, and cost‑effective practices.
Train and mentor managers and frontline teams to strengthen operational capabilities and service standards.
Build strong client relationships and participate in community and system engagement events.