Role Overview

General Manager 1 - Conference Center

Location: Washington, DC
Client Site: Fannie Mae
Company: Sodexo Corporate Services

Are you a dynamic hospitality leader who thrives in high-profile environments? Do you excel at creating seamless, unforgettable event experiences for executive-level clients? Sodexo Corporate Services is seeking an exceptional General Manager 1 - Conference Center / Director of Events to join our team at the prestigious Fannie Mae headquarters in Washington, DC.

In this influential, client-facing role, you will oversee a premier conference center operation, lead a talented service team, and shape the experience for C-Suite executives and enterprise-wide events. If you're energized by high standards, strategic partnership, and operational excellence, this is an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful impact.

Your leadership will guide a team of 10 skilled hourly employees-including porters and waitstaff-while collaborating with cross-functional groups to deliver superior service every day.

Why This Role Matters

As the everyday face of Sodexo to our Fannie Mae partners, you will:

• Build and sustain high-trust client relationships
• Identify new, forward-thinking enhancements to elevate the meeting and event experience
• Play a vital role in the success of one of our most high-profile client accounts

This is more than an operational position-it's an opportunity to champion service excellence at an enterprise level.

Incentives

M-F 8am to 5pm with some evenings

What You'll Do

Your Areas of Impact

You will coordinate and elevate the full spectrum of event and meeting operations, including:
Event & Hospitality Operations

• Oversee conference services, meeting planning, catering, banquets, and premium food & beverage experiences
• Serve as lead liaison supporting C-Suite executives and high-level client partners
• Drive excellence in both daily operations and large-scale, multi-day event production

Cross-Department Collaboration

Partner closely with teams in:

• Hospitality and front desk services
• Housekeeping
• Audiovisual/technology
• Finance, HR, Sales & Marketing

Leadership & Development

• Mentor and develop management team members
• Guide event team members across additional client locations
• Act as the primary point of contact for all enterprise-level event needs

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

We're looking for a polished, service-driven leader with:

• Strong expertise in catering and high-end banquet service
• Experience in Client Dining Services and AV/event management systems
• A background in events or conference center operations, including large-scale or multi-day productions
• Proven success managing union hourly staff
• A passion for innovation and elevating the client experience

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.