Role Overview:
Lead Independent Food Service Operations in a Specialized Healthcare Environment
Sodexo is seeking a highly independent and experienced Chef Manager to lead food service operations at Yale New Haven Health’s Yale Psychiatric Hospital in New Haven, Connecticut.
This is a unique opportunity for a hands-on leader who thrives in an autonomous environment and is passionate about delivering exceptional food service within a healthcare setting. As the on-site operational leader at this satellite behavioral health location, you will have full responsibility for daily food service operations, patient meal service, food quality, regulatory compliance, and team leadership.
Reporting to senior leadership at Yale New Haven Health, this role requires a self-directed professional who can confidently manage operations, build strong client relationships, and ensure a positive dining experience for patients and staff alike.
What You'll Do:
- Independently oversee all aspects of food service operations at a behavioral health satellite location
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Manage patient tray service, serving line operations, and daily food production activities
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Ensure food quality, presentation, consistency, and compliance with dietary requirements
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Lead, coach, and develop a team of approximately 10 union employees
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Manage staffing, scheduling, performance management, and employee engagement initiatives
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Maintain compliance with HACCP, food safety, sanitation, and regulatory standards
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Monitor inventory, food costs, and operational efficiencies
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Serve as the primary on-site operational contact for client leadership and healthcare partners
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Support patient satisfaction initiatives through service excellence and continuous improvement
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Foster a culture of safety, accountability, and teamwork
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:
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Medical, Dental, Vision Care and Wellness Programs
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401(k) Plan with Matching Contributions
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Paid Time Off and Company Holidays
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Career Growth Opportunities and Tuition Reimbursement
More extensive information is provided to new employees upon hire.
What You Bring:
- Proven success managing food service operations with a high degree of independence and accountability
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Prior food operations management experience, preferably within healthcare, behavioral health, long-term care, or other institutional food service environments
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Strong leadership skills with experience supervising and developing frontline teams
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Experience working in a unionized environment is highly preferred
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Knowledge of food safety, sanitation standards, and healthcare dietary operations
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Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills
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Ability to build strong relationships with clients, patients, and interdisciplinary teams
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CDM (Certified Dietary Manager) or Diet Technician certification preferred, but not required
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 Equivalent
Minimum Management Experience - 1 year
