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General Manager 1 - Conference Center
Company : Sodexo
Location : Portland, ME, 04103
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 4 January 2026
Role Overview
Join a great team where students and guests are at the heart of everything we do!
Sodexo’s Campus Segment is seeking an experienced General Manager – Conference Center to lead conference and event operations at the University of Southern Maine (USM) in Portland, Maine.
The Conference General Manager oversees all aspects of summer conference and external client event operations—ensuring smooth coordination of housing, dining, and meeting logistics for a wide range of programs, including academic conferences, youth camps, and community events.
This position leads both year-round and seasonal teams, fostering strong partnerships with campus departments and vendors while delivering exceptional guest experiences aligned with the university’s mission and Sodexo’s service standards.
What You'll Do
Lead and manage the planning and execution of conferences, camps, and special events on campus.
Oversee daily operations including housing assignments, dining coordination, and meeting space logistics.
Develop and promote new business opportunities, including academic, community, and external client events.
Collaborate with campus partners, faculty, and staff to support mission-driven programming.
Supervise and mentor Sodexo managers, student staff, and seasonal employees.
Ensure financial goals and client expectations are met through strategic planning and operational excellence.
Maintain a visible leadership presence during key events and ensure top-tier guest satisfaction.
Uphold all Sodexo and University standards for safety, quality, and service.
What We Offer
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.
What You Bring
Managerial experience in hospitality, conference services, or event management.
Proven success in event sales, operations, and client relationship management.
Strong organizational and communication skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
A customer-focused mindset with a passion for delivering memorable guest experiences.
Experience developing and leading diverse teams in a high-volume, service-oriented environment.
Ability to build partnerships across departments and collaborate with university stakeholders.
A valid driver’s license is required.
Who We Are
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 communities where we operate. Sodexo partners with clients to provide a truly memorable experience for both customers and employees alike. We do this by providing food service, catering, facilities management, and other integrated solutions worldwide.
Our company values you for you; you will be treated fairly and with respect, and you can be yourself. You will have your ideas count and your opinions heard because we can be a stronger team when you’re happy at work. This is why we embrace diversity and inclusion as core values, fostering an environment where all employees are valued and respected. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to individuals regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, military status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. If you need assistance with the application process, please complete this form.
Qualifications & Requirements
Minimum Education Requirement - Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience
Minimum Management Experience - 5 years
Minimum Functional Experience - 5 years of work experience in hospitality services including hotel management, conference center services, food services, etc.
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Frequently asked questions
The General Manager 1 leads comprehensive planning, coordination, and execution of conferences and events ensuring seamless housing, dining, and meeting logistics. They engage campus partners and vendors to deliver exceptional experiences, maintaining Sodexo’s standards while supporting the University of Southern Maine’s mission.
Effective communication, multitasking, and team mentorship are vital. The role demands strong organizational skills to harmonize event sales, client relations, and operational oversight, ensuring high-volume, service-oriented environments run smoothly while fostering diverse team collaboration.
Sodexo supports career advancement via leadership development, tuition reimbursement, and cross-departmental exposure. General Managers can progress into regional management or specialized operational roles, leveraging experience managing complex campus events and large, seasonal teams.
Portland’s seasonal and academic event cycles require agility to manage variable demand and diverse client needs. The city's evolving hospitality scene increases competition for experienced managers who can blend operational excellence with local community engagement.
Salaries generally range from $70,000 to $90,000 annually, depending on experience and education. Sodexo’s compensation also includes competitive benefits like health coverage, 401(k) matching, and paid time off, reflecting local market standards for managerial hospitality roles.
Conference center managers must juggle event logistics, housing, dining, and client relations simultaneously, often collaborating with academic institutions. This contrasts with hotel general management, which focuses more on guest accommodations and less on large-scale event coordination.
This role uniquely integrates academic mission alignment with community engagement, requiring managers to balance operational efficiency with fostering partnerships across campus departments and external clients, enhancing the university’s reputation and guest satisfaction.
Sodexo provides ongoing training, comprehensive policies for safety and service quality, and leadership mentoring. Managers receive resources to ensure compliance with both company and university standards while promoting a culture of excellence and inclusivity.
With Portland’s growing event and academic activities, demand is steadily increasing. Employers seek versatile leaders who can handle seasonal fluctuations and coordinate complex logistics, making experienced conference center general managers highly sought after locally.