Risevoic
Food Operations Manager 1 - Airport Lounge
Company : Sodexo
Location : Arlington, VA, 22202
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 14 January 2026
Role Overview
Sodexo Live! has an exciting opportunity for a Food Operations Manager at the United Club within Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). Our airport lounges are dedicated spaces for passengers to relax and rejuvenate while awaiting their next adventure. Join our team of experience-makers and food fanatics and be part of creating memorable experiences!
Venues and events don’t just bring people together, they create exceptional moments and lasting memories. Sodexo Live! provides hospitality services to airport lounges, stadiums, arenas, convention and conference centers, zoos, museums, and more. Working at one of these locations is exciting and allows you to be part of creating memorable experiences for people.
Incentives
Paid Airport ParkingWhat You'll Do
- be responsible for purchasing, menu compliance, inventory, food cost analysis and food production forecasting;
- ensure Sodexo Culinary standards including recipe compliance and food quality are implemented;
- have the ability and willingness to develop and motivate team members to embrace culinary innovations;
- ensure food safety, sanitation and workplace safety standard compliance; and/or
- have working knowledge of automated food inventory, ordering, production and management systems.
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
- a restaurant/hotel/lounge food and beverage background;
- excellent leadership and communication skills with the ability to maintain the highest of service standards;
- strong coaching and employee development skills; and/or
- have a passion for hospitality and elevating the guest experience.
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 - Associate's Degree or equivalent experienceMinimum Management Experience - 2 years Minimum Functional Experience – 1 year work experience in food or culinary services including restaurants, fast food, vending, catering services, institutional services, mall food courts, etc.
Related Jobs
Arlington, VA
Top trending job titles hiring now
Popular Searches for Food Operations Manager
Frequently asked questions
Managing food operations in an airport lounge like Ronald Reagan National requires quick decision-making and precise coordination to meet fluctuating passenger volumes. The role involves optimizing inventory and ensuring culinary standards while maintaining efficiency during peak travel times, making adaptability key to success.
Strong communication skills and the ability to motivate diverse teams are crucial. Leading with a focus on culinary innovation and maintaining high service standards helps create memorable guest experiences, especially in a dynamic airport setting where customer expectations are elevated.
This role offers exposure to multi-faceted food service operations, including inventory forecasting, cost control, and team development. Gaining expertise here can lead to advanced managerial roles in hotels, catering, or large-scale event venues, broadening leadership and operational skills.
Arlington’s proximity to major travel hubs like DCA creates steady demand for skilled food operations professionals. Employers often seek managers who can handle the unique pace and customer diversity of airport lounges, making it a competitive yet rewarding market for these positions.
Arlington’s cost of living and hospitality industry standards typically yield salaries ranging from $55,000 to $70,000 annually for this role. Sodexo’s compensation aligns with market norms, factoring in experience and education to offer competitive pay within the region.
Sodexo emphasizes a holistic approach combining culinary excellence with employee development and sustainability practices. Their commitment to diversity and inclusion, along with benefits like paid airport parking, sets their management roles apart in the airport hospitality sector.
Candidates typically need at least an associate’s degree, two years of management experience, and familiarity with food safety and inventory systems. A strong background in food and beverage within restaurants or lounges is preferred to thrive in this role.
Sodexo offers tuition reimbursement and diverse career pathways across its global hospitality services. Managers gain valuable experience in high-profile venues, with opportunities to advance through leadership training and exposure to varied operational challenges.
Daily tasks include overseeing food production quality, managing inventory levels, analyzing food costs, and ensuring compliance with safety standards. The role also involves coaching staff and adapting menus to meet guest preferences in a fast-moving environment.
Sodexo promotes an inclusive and respectful environment where diverse ideas are valued. Managers are encouraged to innovate while maintaining high service standards, contributing to a supportive workplace that prioritizes both employee satisfaction and guest experience.