Airline Lounges Food Operations Manager
Company : Sodexo
Location : Honolulu, HI, 96819
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 1 January 2026
Role Overview
Sodexo's Airline Lounge Segment has an exciting opportunity for a Operations Manager to join the elite team of professionals who will operate the United Club Lounge, at Honolulu International Airport in Honolulu, HI. We are seeking a talented individual who will commit to the challenges of creating and delivering a culinary-driven, upscale experience within a thoughtfully designed travel oasis. The ideal manager candidate will have eclectic menu knowledge and upscale a la carte experience. This is a hands-on manager role requiring previous experience managing upscale food production.
What You'll Do
The successful candidate will:
- have oversight of daily food operations and deliver a high-quality product;
- achieve company and client financial targets and goals;
- develop and maintain client and customer relationships;
- motivate, coach, mentor and develop frontline (hourly) staff; and/or
- ensure Sodexo standards are met to include compliance with company food and physical safety programs.
- Fully versed in Profit and Loss, inventory and fiscal responsibilities of operating a stand alone business.
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
Is this opportunity right for you? We are looking for candidates who:
- have a work history demonstrating strong leadership skills and the ability to work collaboratively with all levels of the organization;
- 2-3 years experience at the Ops Mgr or AGM level with a recognized concept or company;
- possess the ability to manage multiple priorities, demonstrate professional communication skills, and exhibit a passion for a high-level of customer service;
- exhibit flexibility to take on additional responsibilities as needed; and/or
- demonstrate working knowledge of automated food inventory, ordering, production and management systems as well as menu graphics programs;
- has experience in financials, preparation and oversight.
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.
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Frequently asked questions
Honolulu’s airport lounge food operations roles are moderately competitive due to limited positions and high tourism demand. Candidates with upscale culinary experience and strong leadership skills stand out, especially those familiar with managing food services in high-traffic, premium environments like airline lounges.
In Honolulu, knowledge of state food safety certifications and compliance with Hawaii Department of Health regulations is crucial. Managers with ServSafe certification and experience navigating local health codes often have an advantage in airport lounge food operations.
Managing food operations in Honolulu’s airport lounges requires balancing upscale culinary standards with fluctuating passenger volumes and diverse dietary preferences. Coordinating logistics for perishable inventory in a remote island location adds complexity to maintaining freshness and consistent service.
Strong communication, team motivation, and flexibility are key. Effective managers must coach frontline staff, handle multiple priorities simultaneously, and uphold high food quality standards while driving operational efficiencies in a fast-paced, customer-focused environment.
Sodexo emphasizes a culture of inclusion and respect, encouraging managers to foster collaborative teams. Their approach combines rigorous food safety compliance with personalized mentoring, ensuring managers align with both community values and premium service expectations at Honolulu’s United Club Lounge.
Yes, Sodexo supports career advancement through tuition reimbursement and targeted leadership development programs. Managers in Honolulu benefit from ongoing culinary training and operational workshops tailored to upscale food service demands within airport lounge settings.
Salary for this role typically ranges between $65,000 and $80,000 annually in Honolulu, reflecting the specialized skills required in upscale food service management combined with the higher cost of living in Hawaii’s airport hospitality sector.
Expertise in upscale a la carte menu execution, hands-on operational oversight, and proficiency in automated food inventory systems distinguish this role. Additionally, managing profitability in standalone lounge environments requires both culinary insight and financial acumen.
With experience, managers typically take on broader responsibilities such as strategic menu planning, client relationship development, and comprehensive P&L management, enhancing both guest satisfaction and financial outcomes in exclusive lounge settings.
Daily tasks include supervising food preparation quality, managing inventory and ordering, mentoring staff, ensuring compliance with health standards, and liaising with airline clients to maintain premium service levels within the United Club Lounge.