Deputy Centre Manager
Location: Merville Barracks, Circular Road South, Colchester, CO2 7UT, United Kingdom.
Hours: 40 hours per week, including 5 over 7 including weekends as required.
Salary: Up to £27,635.61 per annum.
Benefits: Sodexo rewards and benefits.
Job Introduction
Sodexo is seeking a Deputy Centre Manager to support and lead our operations at Merville Barracks. This pivotal role involves managing the Junior Ranks Diner’s catering and retail teams, overseeing service delivery across catering, retail, and leisure functions, and deputising for the Centre Manager as needed.
We look for a motivated leader with strong operational and people management skills, passionate about delivering high‑quality service and eager to grow within a global service provider.
What you’ll do
* Manage the front‑of‑house catering team and retail team within the Junior Ranks Diner.
* Deputise for the Centre Manager across catering, retail, and leisure operations.
* Drive operational performance and business growth through adherence to promotional activity, marketing initiatives, and budget targets.
* Conduct performance reviews and create development plans for all direct reports, fostering a motivated and skilled team.
* Support the planning, organisation, and execution of functions, menus, event costing, and catering activities.
* Ensure service standards, as defined in the Service Level Agreement (SLA), are achieved, maintained, and continually improved.
* Monitor and maintain the highest food hygiene, health & safety, and operational standards at all times.
* Maintain excellent client and customer relationships, responding promptly to enquiries, feedback, and requests.
* Develop, implement, and monitor processes to achieve gross margin, sales targets, and control waste in line with business objectives.
* Oversee daily operations of catering, retail, and leisure areas/services in the absence of the Centre Manager.
* Liaise with the authority and client representatives to develop relationships, promote Sodexo services, and ensure client satisfaction.
* Continually develop own skills and knowledge within the role, including attending any mandatory training courses.
* Ensure all areas of responsibility are clean, organised, and maintained to the required service standards.
* Ensure effective communication with line managers, teams, clients, and customers, fostering a collaborative environment.
* Manage resources, including equipment, materials, and supplies, ensuring they are used efficiently and maintained properly.
* Report any incidents, near misses, accidents, or equipment faults promptly to management.
* Attend and actively participate in team briefings, huddles, meetings, and performance development reviews.
* Promote and supervise all aspects of catering, retail, and leisure functions, ensuring smooth execution and customer satisfaction.
* Monitor, evaluate, and improve operational processes to deliver consistent service quality and efficiency.
* Perform any other reasonable tasks or instructions as directed by management, supporting the overall success of the centre.
What You Bring
* Proven experience in a hospitality or service management role at a comparable level.
* Strong leadership, communication, and numerical skills.
* Knowledge of Health & Safety and Food Safety standards and legislation.
* Experience in stock management, cash handling, and customer service.
* Able to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
* Proficient in MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).
* Strong attention to detail, problem‑solving skills, and ability to implement innovative solutions.
Desirable
* Experience managing client relationships.
* Previous experience in a military environment.
What We Offer
Working with Sodexo is more than a job; it’s a chance to be part of something greater. You’ll belong to a company and team that values you and you’ll thrive in your own way.
* Mental health & wellbeing support
* Employee Assistance Programme for personal, legal, and financial advice
* 24/7 virtual GP & lifestyle rewards
* Discounts for you & family
* Financial tools & retirement plan
* Cycle to Work & Paid volunteering day
Attached documents
* 2025 Benefits UK Brochure V9.pdf
Seniority Level
* Mid‑Senior level
Employment Type
* Full‑time
Job Function
* Other
Industries
* Facilities Services
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