Chef Manager
Company : Sodexo
Location : Columbia, MD, 21045
Job Type : Full Time / Part Time
Date Posted : 15 January 2026
Role Overview
Sodexo's Senior Living is seeking a Chef Manager to join our culinary team at Lutheran Village at Miller's Grant in Ellicott City, Maryland nearby Baltimore! This Chef Manager will oversee mainly the food service operations for the Bistro serving lunch and dinner and assist with catering.
The Chef Manager will report to the Executive Chef and will train and mentor approximately 10 cooks. This position is hands-on and will move in and out of the kitchen. We are looking for a candidate who is comfortable with interfacing with our residents. Typical shift will be 11am - 7pm, may vary with rotating weekend coverage.
What You'll Do
- oversee daily operations of the bistro, catering and assist with 2 restaurants on campus as needed;
- have high expectations for the quality of food and presentation;
- have the ability and willingness to mentor and train employees; and
- knowledge of Food Management Systems/Software is preferred.
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
- prior food service management experience with restaurants, catering and/or retirement living dining;
- strong cooking skills;
- knowledge of ordering and inventory management;
- experience supervising and training staff with exceptional human resource and supervisory skill-set;
- strong computer skills;
- an enthusiasm for working with a diverse set of people and are confident and warm;
- a positive approach to tasks with a can-do attitude and impeccable attention to detail.
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
A Chef Manager in Columbia, MD, especially within Sodexo's senior living, combines active kitchen duties with mentoring about 10 cooks. This hybrid role demands strong culinary skills alongside leadership to maintain food quality and smooth daily bistro and catering operations.
Starting as a Chef Manager in Maryland’s senior living often leads to executive chef positions or culinary operations management. Gaining experience in staff training, catering, and food service systems opens doors to higher leadership roles across hospitality and healthcare food services.
Beyond cooking skills, a Chef Manager excels with supervisory abilities, inventory management, and effective communication with residents. These competencies ensure high food quality, efficient kitchen workflow, and a positive dining experience tailored to senior living environments.
Sodexo emphasizes diversity, inclusion, and respect, fostering a workplace where ideas and individuality matter. Chef Managers here are expected to contribute to a supportive team that values community impact and employee well-being alongside culinary excellence.
Sodexo supports Chef Managers with tuition reimbursement and internal advancement pathways, encouraging continuous learning and leadership development. Employees benefit from structured mentorship and diverse culinary experiences within its senior living and catering operations.
Columbia’s culinary job market is moderately competitive, with a premium on management experience and proficiency in food management software. Demonstrating adaptability to senior living dining and a commitment to resident engagement enhances a candidate’s appeal.
Considering Columbia’s moderate cost of living, Chef Manager salaries typically range between $50,000 and $65,000 annually. Compensation often reflects experience, education, and supervisory skills, aligning with the region’s standards for culinary management roles.
Daily duties include managing bistro lunch and dinner services, supporting catering events, and assisting with two campus restaurants. The role demands quality control, staff training, inventory oversight, and occasional direct cooking to ensure smooth operations.
While formal culinary certifications enhance a Chef Manager’s profile, Sodexo prioritizes hands-on experience, management skills, and food safety knowledge. Certifications in food handling or nutrition are advantageous but not always mandatory.
Sodexo’s Chef Manager role stands out due to its focus on senior living and leadership opportunities. Candidates with multi-faceted skills in catering, staff mentoring, and resident interaction find this position more attractive than typical kitchen chef or line cook jobs locally.