Chef Manager
Company : Sodexo
Location : Bridgeport, CT, 06610
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 12 January 2026
Role Overview
Lead Culinary Innovation: Chef Manager, Healthcare Excellence at Bridgeport Hospital
Sodexo is seeking a dynamic and experienced Chef Manager to join our culinary leadership team at Bridgeport Hospital, a premier 500-bed acute care facility in Bridgeport, CT.
This critical role will focus on ensuring the highest standards of culinary execution and quality across all food service functions, which include patient feeding, high-volume retail dining, and executive catering.
The Chef Manager will report directly to the Area General Manager and collaborate closely with the Executive Chef and the Retail Chef Manager. You will be responsible for direct oversight of a dedicated team of approximately 8–10 employees, ensuring they are trained, motivated, and performing at peak level to meet both Sodexo's standards and the clinical needs of the hospital.
Joining the Sodexo team at Bridgeport Hospital means you'll play a vital role in supporting the recovery and well-being of patients and providing excellent service to staff and visitors. We are committed to improving the Quality of Life for everyone we serve.
Apply today to advance your culinary management career in a mission-driven acute care setting!
What You'll Do
The Chef Manager is responsible for daily culinary operations, quality control, and team management:
Culinary Production: Oversee the daily preparation and execution of meals for patient services, retail venues, and catering events, ensuring consistency, quality, and timely service.
Quality & Safety: Maintain the highest standards of food quality, presentation, and taste. Strictly enforce all HACCP, ServSafe, and Sodexo food safety and sanitation protocols throughout the kitchen.
Team Leadership: Directly manage, coach, schedule, and develop 8-10 frontline culinary staff and food service workers, fostering a positive, professional, and efficient kitchen environment.
Operational Support: Work closely with the Executive Chef and Retail Chef Manager to manage inventory, control food costs, and optimize kitchen labor and workflow efficiency.
Menu Integrity: Ensure all recipes and menus are followed precisely, including adherence to therapeutic diets and dietary restrictions crucial for patient care.
Resource Management: Manage ordering, receiving, and storage of food and supplies, minimizing waste and maintaining stock levels.
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
Experience: Minimum of 2+ years of culinary experience in a high-volume setting (e.g., large restaurant, corporate dining, or institutional food service). Prior supervisory or management experience is required.
Education: Culinary degree or a degree in Food Service Management is highly desirable, or equivalent professional experience.
Healthcare Acumen: Experience in a hospital or healthcare food service environment is a significant plus, with knowledge of patient dining and dietary needs.
Certifications: Current ServSafe certification or ability to obtain one immediately upon hire.
Skills: Exceptional communication, organizational, and leadership skills. Proven ability to work collaboratively as part of a culinary management team.
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 healthcare, like at Bridgeport Hospital, must prioritize therapeutic diets and patient-specific nutritional needs, unlike restaurant managers who focus mainly on customer preferences. This role demands strict adherence to safety protocols and coordination with clinical teams to support patient recovery alongside culinary excellence.
Effective communication, adaptability, and motivational skills are vital. Managing 8-10 culinary staff requires balancing operational efficiency with training and coaching, ensuring team morale remains high while meeting strict food safety standards and delivering quality meals under pressure.
ServSafe certification is essential and often mandatory in Bridgeport, CT, especially in hospital kitchens. Additionally, knowledge of HACCP protocols and familiarity with healthcare dietary regulations can significantly improve compliance and service quality in this specialized environment.
Chef Managers in Bridgeport hospitals generally earn between $55,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience and education. Given the responsibility for patient nutrition and team leadership, compensation reflects both culinary expertise and healthcare industry demands.
Bridgeport’s healthcare culinary sector is moderately competitive due to the specialized skills required. Candidates with hospital experience and culinary management credentials have a clear advantage, as local facilities seek professionals who can handle patient dietary complexities and operational challenges.
Balancing Sodexo’s corporate standards with hospital-specific dietary restrictions can be complex. The Chef Manager must navigate high-volume meal production, stringent safety policies, and interdepartmental collaboration, all while upholding Sodexo’s commitment to quality and sustainability.
Sodexo offers tuition reimbursement, professional development programs, and clear career pathways allowing Chef Managers to expand culinary leadership skills. Working at Bridgeport Hospital provides exposure to healthcare foodservice, opening doors to specialized roles within the company’s global network.
Daily duties include supervising meal prep for patients and retail dining, ensuring food safety compliance, managing inventory and food costs, coaching staff, and maintaining menu fidelity to therapeutic diets. This multitasking ensures quality service and supports patient care continuity.
While a Chef focuses on cooking and recipe execution, a Chef Manager integrates culinary skills with staff leadership, cost control, scheduling, and compliance oversight. Experience in managing teams and operational workflows is key to excelling in managerial roles within high-volume settings.
Bridgeport’s diverse community and healthcare focus encourage a collaborative and patient-centered approach. Chef Managers often adapt menus to meet local dietary trends, work closely with clinical staff, and foster inclusive team dynamics reflecting the city’s multicultural environment.