General Manager

Job Description

We are seeking an experienced General Manager 5 for Descanso Gardens in La Cañada Flintridge, CA. 

Descanso Gardens is a renowned nonprofit botanical garden in La Cañada Flintridge, CA, welcoming 750,000+ visitors annually. Known for its world-class plant collections, seasonal displays, and International Camellia Garden of Excellence designation.  

About the job 

In this leadership role, you will oversee daily food service operations, ensuring exceptional quality, efficiency, and customer satisfaction. You’ll guide and develop your team while managing financial performance and building strong relationships with clients and customers to support sustained success. 

Accountable for managing people, setting direction and deploying resources; typically is responsible for performance evaluation, pay reviews and hire/fire decisions. Results are primarily achieved through the work of others and typically depend on the manager's ability to influence and negotiate with parts of the organization. Progression within Career Band reflects acquisition of broad technical expertise, business and industry knowledge, and process and people leadership capabilities. Accountable for business, functional or operational areas, processes or programs, which may include dotted-line or matrixed management. 

What’s in it for you

• Lead dynamic teams to deliver outstanding food and nutrition services in diverse environments. 

• Drive operational excellence while meeting financial goals and performance targets. 

• Develop meaningful client and customer partnerships that enhance service quality and loyalty. 

• Gain valuable experience managing large-scale, fast-paced food service operations. 

• Influence team growth through coaching, engagement, and professional development opportunities. 

• Collaborate across departments to innovate and improve service delivery. 

• Be part of a mission-driven organization focused on nutrition, customer care, and operational success.

What you’ll bring  

• Proven experience in food service management or directorship, preferably in large or complex settings. 

• Leadership skills with a track record of building positive team culture, employee retention, and staff development. 

• Solid financial expertise, including budgeting, cost control, and performance analysis. 

• Hands-on, results-oriented approach with the skillset to support and motivate teams in a fast-paced environment. 

• Effective communication and collaboration skills to work cross-functionally and maintain strong client relationships.

Requirements

• Education Requirement: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience 

• Management Experience: 2-5 years 

• Related Experience: 2-5 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. 

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.