40 hours per week Mon - Fri with occasional weekend - 08:00 - 17:00 Up to £32,500 per annum Sodexo rewards and benefits Job Introduction We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Centre Manager to lead the catering, retail, and leisure operations at Merville Barracks, Colchester. This is a fantastic opportunity for a motivated leader with strong hospitality and management experience to make a real impact in a fast-paced and rewarding environment. As Centre Manager, you’ll be responsible for delivering exceptional service standards, driving commercial performance, and maintaining excellent client and customer relationships. You’ll lead a dedicated team to ensure operational excellence across catering, retail, and leisure services — ensuring every experience meets both client expectations and Sodexo’s high standards. What you’ll do: Manage and oversee all catering, retail, and leisure operations within the centre. Drive performance through effective promotion, marketing initiatives, and service delivery. Plan, organise, and coordinate all catering activities — including menu planning, costing, and function management. Maintain and develop service standards in line with the Service Level Agreement (SLA) and contractual obligations. Ensure strict adherence to food safety, hygiene, and health & safety standards. Monitor budgets closely to meet client and commercial expectations. Conduct performance reviews and implement development plans for direct reports. Build and sustain strong relationships with clients, customers, and the Authority. Promote continuous improvement, innovation, and high levels of team engagement. Attend briefings, meetings, and performance development reviews as required. Support a culture of safety, accountability, and operational excellence. What you bring: Proven experience in a similar management role within the service or hospitality industry. Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and develop a team. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, both verbal and written. Sound knowledge of health & safety and food safety management. Confident using Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook). Strong numerical, organisational, and problem-solving abilities. Experience in stock management, cash control, and customer service delivery. High attention to detail and commitment to upholding standards. Desirable: Experience managing client relationships in a contracted services environment. Previous experience working within a military or defence setting. 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!