Food Operations Manager 2
Company : Sodexo
Location : Chattanooga, TN, 37403
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 12 January 2026
Role Overview
We believe in quality ingredients – and not just for our food. Our most valuable ingredient – the heart of our business – is you.
Sodexo is seeking a well rounded operations enthusiast to join the team as a Food Operations Manager 2 at Erlanger Main Hospital located in Chattanooga, TN. Erlanger is a 800 bed academic medical center with over $5M in retail sales operating both "At Your Request" and "Expressly For You" Patient Dining programs.
This Food Operations Manager 2 will have direct oversight of retail dining, patient services and catering operations. Leading a team 5 salaried managers this position will responsible for some aspects of financial reporting, patient satisfaction and employee engagement.
What You'll Do
- have a strong P&L background;
- have experience managing multiple locations or business segments;
- can direct other leaders in a high-volume business;
- can build and foster relationships across Sodexo internally to ensure additional market growth and the promotion of comprehensive solutions offerings to clients – this includes collaborating with senior leaders and Business Development to grow Sodexo’s business in the assigned market;
- can develop exceptional client relations and ensure the facility’s product offerings/solutions align with client needs;
- drive solutions that optimize the current business portfolio;
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
- develop and execute a strategy to accelerate business growth throughout the region;
- play a key role and enthusiastically supports the succession planning and development of key personnel within area of responsibility;
- can ensure the organization’s brand reputation; and/or
- lead and motivate the management team, inspiring strategic direction; secure and/or deploy resources; cultivate relationships with clients and other teams within Sodexo; ensure the fulfillment of all contract commitments; sustain client satisfaction and retention; and maintain strong employee relations.
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 yearsMinimum Functional Experience - 2 years work experience in food or culinary services including restaurants, fast food, vending, catering services, institutional services, mall food courts, etc.
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Frequently asked questions
This position shapes patient satisfaction by overseeing retail dining and patient services, ensuring food quality aligns with hospital standards. Managing a team and tailoring menus to patient needs directly impacts the dining atmosphere in a high-volume academic medical center like Erlanger.
Effective communication, strategic decision-making, and team motivation are vital to lead multiple managers. Cultivating client relationships and driving operational growth ensures smooth coordination across patient services and catering within the hospital environment.
Progression can lead to senior operations roles, regional management, or specialized positions in healthcare food service administration. Experience managing complex dining programs at Erlanger sets a solid foundation for leadership in larger or multi-site food operations.
Sodexo emphasizes inclusive leadership and values diverse perspectives, empowering managers to foster strong team relations. The role includes nurturing employee development and ensuring workplace respect, which boosts morale and operational success in hospital food services.
Navigating complex patient dietary needs, coordinating multiple dining venues, and meeting high-volume demand require adaptability. Balancing financial oversight with quality service and collaborating with healthcare stakeholders adds to the role’s complexity.
Certifications like ServSafe or healthcare nutrition credentials can be advantageous locally. Given Chattanooga’s healthcare market, knowledge of hospital food regulations and culinary management degrees often enhance a candidate’s competitiveness.
Salaries typically range from $60,000 to $75,000 annually, reflecting the managerial level and healthcare setting. Sodexo’s compensation is competitive locally, factoring in experience, education, and the specialized nature of hospital dining operations.
This role uniquely combines multi-site oversight with healthcare-focused catering and patient dining. Sodexo’s commitment to sustainability and inclusion also enriches the work culture, differentiating it from conventional restaurant operations management.
Managers are expected to embed Sodexo’s dedication to quality of life and community progress into team leadership and client relations. Promoting diversity, equitable treatment, and environmental responsibility aligns daily operations with the company’s broader mission.
Applicants should weigh Chattanooga’s growing hospital sector demand, cost of living, and regional workforce trends. Familiarity with the city’s culinary culture and transportation options can influence job satisfaction and operational effectiveness.