Culinary Manager Operations Support
Company : Sodexo
Location : Albany, NY, 12208
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 1 January 2026
Role Overview
Sodexo Senior Living is seeking a Culinary Manager, Regional Support to join our team of professionals in the Northeast market. This is a travel role, and we're looking for someone based in the upstate/eastern New York area. We are seeking a talented individual who will commit to the challenges of creating and delivering an operational-culinary-driven fine-dining experience. This is a hands-on operations role requiring previous experience managing food production, with retail & fine dining menu knowledge and fine dining a la carte experience. This is a highly visible position and will interface with the residents and clients daily. This role is both a front of house and back of house manager role, and the right candidate will have experience managing both sides of the operation and be comfortable moving back and forth.
**This is a temporary role that will last up to an 18-month assignment. While in a full-time support role you are encouraged to apply to permanent roles at any Sodexo location**.
Hours vary depending on business needs. Will work 10 days on / 4 days off for overnight travel and 5 days on / 2 days off for local travel. Travel is 90% throughout the east coast through CT, NY, MA, or NJ as business needs. You may expense your travel mileage and hotel stays.
What You'll Do
- direct and supervise kitchen as well as dining room operations and designated back of house and front of house staff;
- ensure that the highest possible standards of food handling and preparation are achieved;
- control and ensure the company's and client's financial targets are achieved;
- engage with peers, colleagues and residents in a manner that invites interaction and feedback.
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
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 in a relevant field or equivalent experience
Minimum Management Experience - 3 years
Minimum Functional Experience - 3 years work experience in facilities (e.g., maintenance, plant operations, engineering services, grounds, custodial/environmental, or transportation) or food (e.g., food services or operations, concessions, retail sales, store operations, or vending) or HTM
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Frequently asked questions
In this role, managing both kitchen production and dining room services is crucial. The Culinary Operations Support professional seamlessly shifts between supervising food prep and ensuring exceptional guest interactions, reflecting their expertise in harmonizing operational flow and customer experience within fine dining settings.
Candidates should have at least three years leading food service teams, ideally in environments blending retail and fine dining. Familiarity with regional food operations and managing diverse staff across front and back of house ensures readiness for the dynamic travel and hands-on management this role demands.
Temporary culinary roles offer exposure to varied operational models and geographic markets, enhancing adaptability. For those in Albany and the Northeast, such assignments can accelerate career growth by providing leadership experience across multiple facilities, while still allowing pursuit of permanent positions afterward.
This position goes beyond kitchen oversight, actively fostering relationships with residents and clients to tailor the dining experience. Daily engagement helps gather feedback and build rapport, ensuring menus and service meet community expectations and contribute to a welcoming environment.
Salaries for Culinary Operations Managers in Albany typically range from $65,000 to $85,000 annually, depending on expertise and education. Sodexo complements base pay with benefits like healthcare and 401(k) plans, making total compensation competitive within the regional food service management market.
Traveling up to 90% across the East Coast necessitates flexible scheduling, with patterns like 10 days on/4 off or 5 days on/2 off. While demanding, Sodexo offers mileage and hotel expense reimbursement, helping balance the rigors of frequent travel with personal time.
Beyond a bachelor's degree, certifications such as ServSafe Manager or Culinary Management credentials boost credibility. Experience in food safety, nutrition, and hospitality tailored to senior living communities in Albany strengthens a candidate’s appeal in this specialized regional sector.
Sodexo emphasizes diversity, inclusion, and respect, fostering a workplace where culinary leaders can contribute ideas and be authentic. The company’s commitment to community well-being aligns with the role’s focus on enhancing residents’ dining experiences through operational excellence.
Yes, managing culinary operations in senior living requires sensitivity to dietary restrictions, nutritional needs, and personalized service. Unlike typical restaurants, this role demands balancing fine dining quality with health and safety protocols tailored to a vulnerable population.
Experience in this role can lead to permanent management positions within Sodexo’s vast network, including regional director roles or specialized culinary leadership. The exposure to diverse operational environments and client interactions fosters skills applicable to executive food service management.