Overview
We are looking for a highly motivated and experienced Food Services Manager to lead the catering and hospitality services at Merville Barracks, Circular Road South, Colchester, CO2 7UT and affiliated sites. This is a pivotal role, responsible for overseeing all aspects of food service operations across junior ranks diners, satellite units, and associated facilities.
You will manage a team to deliver outstanding service, ensure compliance with contractual obligations, and drive innovation to enhance both the client and customer experience.
We are seeking a confident leader with a proven track record of managing large-scale catering or hospitality operations. You will be commercially astute, client-focused, and able to balance operational excellence with financial performance.
Responsibilities
* Lead, coordinate, and oversee food services across two junior ranks diners, two satellite units, and associated facilities.
* Deliver high-quality catering, café bar, retail, and hospitality services that meet client and customer expectations.
* Ensure compliance with SLAs, KPIs, food safety, health & safety, fire safety, and statutory regulations.
* Drive financial performance through effective P&L management, budget preparation, payroll control, and cost efficiency.
* Monitor daily standards of service and conduct inspections, audits, and safety walks, ensuring corrective actions are completed.
* Manage, coach, and develop staff to deliver consistently high standards while promoting employee engagement and wellbeing.
* Lead labour management processes, ensuring optimal staffing levels and effective workforce planning.
* Drive continuous improvement through innovation in food offers, promotions, marketing initiatives, and special events.
* Build and maintain strong client relationships with senior military and civilian stakeholders, resolving issues proactively.
* Represent Sodexo catering as contract champion and work collaboratively with other managers to drive innovation.
* Ensure accurate use of company systems (e.g., Eprophit, DRIVE, Clarity/Epos, TMS, UDC billing) and compliance with all financial procedures.
* Support additional onsite and offsite catering, functions, and events, some outside normal working hours.
* Lead on compliance at the Personal Recovery Centre and Pegasus Sports Clubhouse.
* Promote and maintain Sodexo’s brand standards, CSR commitments, and community engagement.
* Implement training and development plans to ensure all staff meet statutory and professional requirements.
* Champion a zero-harm culture, ensuring safety is the top priority across all food service operations.
* Prepare and present financial forecasts, business plans, and reports, recommending improvements to service provision.
* Drive growth by identifying and developing new sales opportunities while maintaining budgetary control.
* Ensure robust stock, cash, and asset management processes are followed, minimising waste and shrinkage.
What you bring
* Experience in a management role within soft FM or food service operations.
* Strong leadership and people management skills, including HR processes.
* Food Safety qualification (CIEH Level 3 or equivalent).
* Knowledge of health & safety and compliance requirements.
* Excellent communication, interpersonal, and numerical skills.
* Proven ability to manage budgets and P&L.
* IT literate (MS Office, catering systems).
* Strong client relationship management skills.
Desirable
* Experience working within a military environment.
* IOSH Managing Safely or equivalent H&S qualification.
* Previous experience in a similar contract service provider role.
What we offer
Working with Sodexo is more than a job; it’s a chance to be part of something greater. You’ll belong in a company and team that values you for you; you’ll act with purpose and have an impact through your everyday actions; and you’ll be able to thrive in your own way. In addition, we offer:
* 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
Ready to be part of something greater? Apply today!
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