40 hours per weekMonday - Friday - with evenings and weekends where required for the business£30,000 - £31,900 per annumSodexo rewards and benefitsJob IntroductionSodexo is seeking an experienced and motivated Catering Manager to lead food and catering operations at RAF Brize Norton, one of the RAF's largest and busiest stations. This is a high-profile role where you will be responsible for delivering outstanding food quality, service excellence, and operational performance within a demanding and dynamic environment.You will lead and inspire front and back of house teams, ensure compliance with food safety and health & safety standards, manage budgets and financial performance, and act as a key representative for Sodexo at unit level.What you'll do:Service Delivery & OperationsPlan, organise and coordinate daily catering operations within the dining facilityOversee food preparation, cooking and presentation to the highest quality standardsManage menu planning using the central menu bank, ensuring cost control and stock managementPlan and deliver functions, including menu design and costing, in conjunction with the General ManagerSupport attached messes and ensure continuity of service in the absence of senior kitchen staffDrive continuous improvement through audits, inspections and action planningLeadership & People ManagementLead by example, role modelling Sodexo values at all timesManage, motivate and develop front of house and catering teamsSupport performance management, training, welfare and disciplinary processes in line with HR policiesAssess team competence and ensure all legislative and business requirements are metChampion effective communication and colleague engagementGovernance, Safety & ComplianceEnsure full compliance with food safety, health & safety, and quality management systemsMaintain standards in line with UBHC, QA, Safeguard and ROL requirementsBe accountable for cash handling, stock control and banking activitiesFinancial & Commercial ManagementTake full responsibility for financial performance against weekly, monthly and annual budgetsDeliver menu and function costing in line with company policyContribute to monthly financial reviews, KPIs and improvement plansDrive revenue growth and continuous improvement in gross profitClient & Relationship ManagementBuild and maintain strong relationships with the client, customers and key stakeholdersAct as the main conduit for all PAYD-related internal and external relationshipsDeliver services aligned to defence client objectives and customer needsService ExcellenceChampion food quality, craft skills, innovation and brand standardsEnsure all food, marketing and merchandising initiatives are delivered to specificationSupport PAYD training plans to improve food quality, presentation and skillsEmbed Sodexo service excellence, CSR and compliance standards across the businessWhat you bring:Proven management experience in catering or hospitalityRelevant qualification (e.g. BSc Catering, MHCIM, HND, City & Guilds 706/1 & 2, NVQ Level 2 & 3)Intermediate Food Safety qualificationStrong numerical, written and verbal communication skillsSound knowledge of health & safety and food safety legislationExperience in a similar role within the service industryCompetent in MS Word, Excel and OutlookHigh attention to detail and commitment to standardsDesirableIOSH or CIEH qualificationExperience managing client relationshipsProven ability to lead, manage and develop teamsExperience in a military or defence environmentPrevious PAYD experienceWhat 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 supportEmployee Assistance Programme for personal, legal, and financial advice24/7 virtual GP & lifestyle rewardsDiscounts for you & familyFinancial tools & retirement planCycle to Work & Paid volunteering dayReady to be part of something greater? Apply today!