Chef Manager
Company : Sodexo
Location : Milford, CT, 06460
Job Type : Full Time / Part Time
Date Posted : 15 January 2026
Role Overview
Lead Culinary Innovation: Chef Manager, Healthcare Excellence at Bridgeport Hospital
Sodexo is seeking a dynamic and experienced Chef Manager to join our culinary leadership team at Bridgeport Hospital, a premier 500-bed acute care facility in Bridgeport, CT.
This critical role will focus on ensuring the highest standards of culinary execution and quality across all food service functions, which include patient feeding, high-volume retail dining, and executive catering.
The Chef Manager will report directly to the Area General Manager and collaborate closely with the Executive Chef and the Retail Chef Manager. You will be responsible for direct oversight of a dedicated team of approximately 8–10 employees, ensuring they are trained, motivated, and performing at peak level to meet both Sodexo's standards and the clinical needs of the hospital.
Joining the Sodexo team at Bridgeport Hospital means you'll play a vital role in supporting the recovery and well-being of patients and providing excellent service to staff and visitors. We are committed to improving the Quality of Life for everyone we serve.
Apply today to advance your culinary management career in a mission-driven acute care setting!
What You'll Do
The Chef Manager is responsible for daily culinary operations, quality control, and team management:
Culinary Production: Oversee the daily preparation and execution of meals for patient services, retail venues, and catering events, ensuring consistency, quality, and timely service.
Quality & Safety: Maintain the highest standards of food quality, presentation, and taste. Strictly enforce all HACCP, ServSafe, and Sodexo food safety and sanitation protocols throughout the kitchen.
Team Leadership: Directly manage, coach, schedule, and develop 8-10 frontline culinary staff and food service workers, fostering a positive, professional, and efficient kitchen environment.
Operational Support: Work closely with the Executive Chef and Retail Chef Manager to manage inventory, control food costs, and optimize kitchen labor and workflow efficiency.
Menu Integrity: Ensure all recipes and menus are followed precisely, including adherence to therapeutic diets and dietary restrictions crucial for patient care.
Resource Management: Manage ordering, receiving, and storage of food and supplies, minimizing waste and maintaining stock levels.
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
Experience: Minimum of 2+ years of culinary experience in a high-volume setting (e.g., large restaurant, corporate dining, or institutional food service). Prior supervisory or management experience is required.
Education: Culinary degree or a degree in Food Service Management is highly desirable, or equivalent professional experience.
Healthcare Acumen: Experience in a hospital or healthcare food service environment is a significant plus, with knowledge of patient dining and dietary needs.
Certifications: Current ServSafe certification or ability to obtain one immediately upon hire.
Skills: Exceptional communication, organizational, and leadership skills. Proven ability to work collaboratively as part of a culinary management team.
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 - High School Diploma or GED or EquivalentMinimum Management Experience - 1 year
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Frequently asked questions
At Sodexo's Bridgeport Hospital, a Chef Manager ensures meals meet strict dietary needs crucial for patient recovery. By overseeing culinary quality and adherence to therapeutic diets, they directly impact patient wellbeing through nutritious, safe, and appetizing food service.
Managing 8-10 culinary staff in a hospital requires balancing high food safety standards with team motivation. A Chef must foster teamwork, ensure training compliance with ServSafe and HACCP, and adapt swiftly to patient dietary changes, all while maintaining a positive kitchen atmosphere.
Successful Chef Managers develop strong organizational abilities, menu precision, cost control expertise, and adaptability to diverse culinary settings. Mastery in healthcare nutrition and team leadership further enhances career growth in culinary operations.
ServSafe certification is highly valued in Milford's healthcare kitchens to ensure food safety compliance. Additionally, local healthcare employers may favor candidates with HACCP training and experience in dietary management tailored to patient needs.
Milford's healthcare sector shows moderate demand for experienced Chef Managers due to the presence of sizable hospitals like Bridgeport Hospital. Candidates with healthcare culinary experience and certifications typically find favorable opportunities amidst regional competition.
Sodexo offers a mission-driven environment focused on enhancing quality of life through food service in healthcare. The role blends operational management with patient-centered culinary innovation, supported by comprehensive benefits and a culture valuing diversity and employee input.
Yes, Sodexo supports career advancement through tuition reimbursement and skill-building opportunities. Chef Managers benefit from structured leadership pathways and collaborative environments that nurture growth in culinary management and healthcare food service.
Chef Managers in Milford, CT healthcare institutions typically earn between $55,000 and $70,000 annually. Salaries vary by experience, education, and certifications, with roles at larger facilities like Bridgeport Hospital often offering competitive compensation packages.
Unlike restaurant managers, hospital Chef Managers prioritize therapeutic diets and food safety aligned with clinical standards. They oversee patient meal services alongside retail and catering, requiring specialized knowledge in healthcare nutrition and regulatory compliance.