Vice President, Culinary - Airline Lounges

Sodexo

$156K — $242K *
Hospitality & Recreation
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Proven success in leading multi-unit food service or hospitality operations at a senior or director level
  • Deep experience in menu development and culinary innovation
  • Background in contract negotiation and business development
  • Track record of building and mentoring high-performing management and culinary teams
  • Strategic mindset aligning guest experience, brand standards, and operational efficiency
  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience required
  • 10 years of management experience, 7 years of related experience.

Responsibilities

  • Oversee strategic direction and execution of hospitality experiences in airport lounges
  • Guide culinary innovation and manage high-performing teams
  • Collaborate with Sales, Marketing, Operations, and Innovation teams to enhance offerings
  • Lead high-visibility initiatives that shape the future of guest experience
  • Mentor and develop culinary talent for operational excellence
  • Drive culinary development from concept to execution with measurable impact
  • Play a key role in strategic partnerships and business development.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision care
  • 401(k) plan with matching contributions
  • Paid time off and company holidays
  • Career growth opportunities and tuition reimbursement for continued education.
Full Job Description
Sodexo Live! Airport Lounges is seeking a Vice President of Culinary to lead and elevate how we design, deliver, and continuously improve the culinary experience across our airport lounges portfolio in North America.

Senior executive leading culinary strategy, innovation, menu development, sourcing, food quality and financial performance across multi-unit operations. Drives operational excellence, talent development, guest satisfaction and growth. Remote role with 50-

About the job

In this senior leadership role, you will oversee the strategic direction and execution of elevated hospitality experiences across premium environments. You'll guide culinary innovation, manage high-performing teams, and collaborate with cross-functional partners to deliver consistent excellence and brand distinction.

The role of an individual contributor within the organization focuses on completing specific tasks and projects; contributing directly through their skills and expertise. Performs specialized technical tasks to support operations. Work is primarily achieved independently, however may collaborate with a team.

Provides strategic vision and direction, leading organization or its business function. Oversees area of responsibility, directing the responsibilities of employees. Holds management accountability for a business, division, major geography, corporate function or major corporate sub-function. Develops, establishes and approves long-term vision and strategy for the area managed. Goal achievement is typically accomplished through performance of direct and / or indirect reports. The scope of responsibility includes the entire organization and / or selected line of business / business entity.

Pay Range: $156230 - $242550

Incentive Eligibility: Eligible to participate in Sodexo's incentive plan and earn variable compensation in addition to base salary

What's in it for you
  • Lead high-visibility initiatives that shape the future of guest experience and hospitality innovation.
  • Drive culinary development from concept to execution, influencing everything from menu design to production standards.
  • Collaborate with Sales, Marketing, Operations, and Innovation teams to create compelling and competitive offerings.
  • Play a key role in strategic partnerships, including participation in RFP processes and business development efforts.
  • Mentor and develop top culinary talent to ensure consistent quality and operational excellence.
  • Gain ownership of end-to-end processes, from recipe testing to supply coordination, with measurable impact on client satisfaction.
  • Be part of a fast-paced, premium environment where creativity, leadership, and strategy intersect.


What you'll bring
  • Proven success leading multi-unit food service or hospitality operations at a senior or director level.
  • Deep experience in menu development, culinary innovation, and end-to-end food program execution.
  • Background in contract negotiation, business development, and partnership cultivation.
  • A track record of building, mentoring, and scaling high-performing management and culinary teams.
  • Strategic mindset with the skillset to align guest experience, brand standards, and operational efficiency.


Requirements
  • Education Requirement: Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience
  • Management Experience: 10 years
  • Related Experience: 7 years


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.

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