General Manager 1 - Conference Center
Company : Sodexo
Location : Augusta, ME, 04330
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 9 January 2026
Role Overview
Let your passion for people be the driver of your success at Sodexo. Through your leadership, your team will make a real impact every day.
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE!
Sodexo’s Campus Segment is seeking a dynamic General Manager – Conference Center to lead event and conference operations at the University of Maine at Augusta (UMA). This role is responsible for developing, promoting, and executing both on- and off-campus events that align with the university’s mission and goals.
This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced event management professional to make a meaningful impact by expanding UMA’s event portfolio and enhancing its community presence.
What You'll Do
- have oversight of day-to-day operations;
- deliver high quality food service;
- achieve company and client financial targets and goals;
- develop and maintain client and customer relationships;
- develop strategic plans;
- create a positive environment; and/or
- ensure Sodexo standards are met.
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
- High profile conference/banquet/catering management in addition to hotel/overnight lodging experience
- strong understanding of financial - P&Ls, controllable and non-controllable expenses
- Sales / business development background – grow and develop conference services for existing and current accounts
- strong communication skills - working with client and administration,
- Hiring, training, and motivating a high performing team of managers, supervisors and front-line staff across various disciplines and operating departments including; Food & Beverage, Catering, Conference Services & Audiovisual Technology
- Previous experience in Event & Space Management
- Proven expertise in fostering relationships with executive level
- Managing complex presentation technologies including video conferences and broadcasts
- Seeking Bilingual candidates, the ability to speak Spanish would be helpful managing this workforce.
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 or equivalent experience
Minimum Management Experience - 5 years
Minimum Functional Experience - 5 years of work experience in hospitality services including hotel management, conference center services, food services, etc.
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Frequently asked questions
This role uniquely combines overseeing daily conference center operations with proactive client engagement, ensuring events align with institutional goals while expanding the event portfolio. Success hinges on strategic planning and fostering strong partnerships to boost both service quality and business development in Augusta's local market.
Expertise in handling multifaceted event logistics, financial acumen over P&Ls, and managing diverse teams across food, catering, and AV technologies distinguish this role. Additionally, bilingual capabilities and experience in university campus environments enhance leadership effectiveness within Maine's hospitality sector.
Daily focus includes orchestrating smooth event execution, driving team performance, maintaining high food service standards, and steering financial targets. Building client rapport and adapting to dynamic event requirements are equally vital for thriving in this leadership role.
Sodexo provides a comprehensive benefits package including wellness programs, 401(k) matching, and tuition reimbursement, fostering career growth. Its commitment to diversity and inclusion creates a supportive work environment tailored for leaders managing campus-based conference operations.
Conference center management demands a blend of hospitality finesse and event coordination acumen, contrasting with more facilities-focused roles. Sodexo's culture emphasizes client-centered innovation and team motivation, requiring adaptable leadership to harmonize diverse service elements.
Market data suggests annual compensation typically falls between $75,000 and $95,000, influenced by experience, education, and specific skills in event and hospitality management. The package often includes benefits enhancing total remuneration in Augusta’s cost-of-living context.
Augusta has shown growing interest in skilled conference management professionals due to expanding event activities at institutions like UMA. This demand fosters competitive hiring landscapes, encouraging candidates to highlight leadership and multi-departmental coordination expertise.
Campus settings require balancing academic schedules, diverse event types, and technology integration within shared spaces. Navigating these complexities demands flexibility and proactive communication with university stakeholders to maintain seamless operations.
This leadership role involves cultivating collaboration among food service, catering, conference services, and AV tech teams. Effective managers inspire performance through targeted training, clear communication, and aligning team objectives with broader organizational goals.
Candidates with over five years in hospitality management, especially in high-profile conference and banquet operations, are favored. Proven financial oversight, sales acumen, and experience managing multidisciplinary teams, ideally with bilingual skills, align with Sodexo’s selection criteria.