Food & Beverage OPT Jobs in New Mexico
F-1 OPT food and beverage jobs in New Mexico span the state's distinctive chile processing facilities, hospitality operations in Albuquerque and Santa Fe, and food manufacturing employers like Bueno Foods and Frito-Lay. OPT authorization lets recent graduates work in qualifying roles while employers evaluate long-term sponsorship options, making New Mexico's food sector a practical entry point.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Sodexo Government Service is seeking a General Manager 4 to lead food service at Cannon Air Force Base in Clovis, NM, serving our Airmen, families, and base civilians as we live our mission to "Improve the Quality of Daily Life for Everyone We Serve."
You will lead two Air Force dining facilities, including one near the fighting line, directing a blended team of Airmen, Sodexo Staff, and subcontractor personnel. This high profile account offers daily client interaction and phenomenal career exposure.
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.
PAY RANGE: $74290 per year - $96140 per year
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
As the senior-most Sodexo leader at Cannon AFB, you will report to the District Manager and gain visibility across a growing Air Force contract, with excellent advancement opportunities and the chance to create dining experiences, not just meals.
Enjoy an economical cost of living near Clovis, NM, close to the Texas line with easy access to Lubbock and Amarillo. Sodexo offers a competitive salary, great benefits, continuous learning, and mentoring, plus the reward of serving those who serve.
- 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
The ideal candidate is a proven leader who manages through managers and has high volume food service, ideally at more than one location, with strong contract management, compliance, and food safety skills. ServSafe certification is required.
You will direct work through people you do not directly supervise, including military personnel and subcontractor staff. You manage multiple priorities, communicate professionally, and bring a passion for customer service and high standards.
- 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. If you need assistance with the application process, please complete this form.
INTRODUCTION
Sodexo Government Service is seeking a General Manager 4 to lead food service at Cannon Air Force Base in Clovis, NM, serving our Airmen, families, and base civilians as we live our mission to "Improve the Quality of Daily Life for Everyone We Serve."
You will lead two Air Force dining facilities, including one near the fighting line, directing a blended team of Airmen, Sodexo Staff, and subcontractor personnel. This high profile account offers daily client interaction and phenomenal career exposure.
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.
PAY RANGE: $74290 per year - $96140 per year
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
As the senior-most Sodexo leader at Cannon AFB, you will report to the District Manager and gain visibility across a growing Air Force contract, with excellent advancement opportunities and the chance to create dining experiences, not just meals.
Enjoy an economical cost of living near Clovis, NM, close to the Texas line with easy access to Lubbock and Amarillo. Sodexo offers a competitive salary, great benefits, continuous learning, and mentoring, plus the reward of serving those who serve.
- 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
The ideal candidate is a proven leader who manages through managers and has high volume food service, ideally at more than one location, with strong contract management, compliance, and food safety skills. ServSafe certification is required.
You will direct work through people you do not directly supervise, including military personnel and subcontractor staff. You manage multiple priorities, communicate professionally, and bring a passion for customer service and high standards.
- 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. If you need assistance with the application process, please complete this form.
OPT Food & Beverage Job Roles in New Mexico
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Search Food & Beverage Jobs in New MexicoFood & Beverage OPT Sponsorship Jobs in New Mexico: Frequently Asked Questions
Which food and beverage companies sponsor F-1 OPT visas in New Mexico?
New Mexico employers with documented food and beverage OPT hiring include Bueno Foods, a regional chile and tortilla manufacturer based in Albuquerque, and larger national operations with New Mexico facilities such as Frito-Lay. Hotel and resort food service operations in Santa Fe and Albuquerque also hire OPT workers in qualifying roles. OPT authorization is employer-driven, so sponsorship patterns vary by company size and role type.
Which cities in New Mexico have the most food and beverage F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs?
Albuquerque concentrates the largest share of New Mexico food and beverage OPT opportunities, given its food manufacturing base and hotel food service sector. Santa Fe follows, with hospitality-driven food and beverage operations tied to its tourism industry. Las Cruces, near the agricultural corridor in the south, also has food processing and distribution roles that have historically supported OPT candidates.
What types of food and beverage roles typically qualify for F-1 OPT sponsorship?
Roles that commonly support F-1 OPT in food and beverage include food science technician, quality assurance analyst, production supervisor, supply chain coordinator, and food safety specialist. These positions generally require a degree in food science, nutrition, chemical engineering, or a related field. Roles tied directly to your field of study are most straightforward for OPT authorization. Front-of-house or general service roles typically do not qualify.
How do I find food and beverage F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs in New Mexico?
Migrate Mate is specifically built for international students and graduates seeking OPT-compatible roles, with filters for visa type and industry. Searching food and beverage positions in New Mexico on Migrate Mate surfaces employers with documented sponsorship activity, saving time compared to manually screening general job boards. Filtering by F-1 OPT and the food and beverage category narrows results to employers familiar with OPT authorization requirements.
Are there any state-specific considerations for F-1 OPT sponsorship in New Mexico's food and beverage industry?
New Mexico's food and beverage sector is strongly tied to agricultural production, particularly chile peppers, pecans, and dairy, which shapes the types of technical and scientific roles available to OPT candidates. Many employers are small to mid-size regional companies that may have less experience with OPT paperwork than large multinationals, so confirming an employer's familiarity with the process early in conversations is worth doing. STEM OPT extension eligibility depends on your specific degree classification.