Job Description

Job Introduction

40 hours per week

Monday - Friday - with evenings and weekends where required for the business

30,000 - 31,900 per annum

Sodexo rewards and benefits

Job Introduction


Sodexo 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 & Operations

Plan, organise and coordinate daily catering operations within the dining facility Oversee food preparation, cooking and presentation to the highest quality standards Manage menu planning using the central menu bank, ensuring cost control and stock management Plan and deliver functions, including menu design and costing, in conjunction with the General Manager Support attached messes and ensure continuity of service in the absence of senior kitchen staff Drive continuous improvement through audits, inspections and action planning

Leadership & People Management

Lead by example, role modelling Sodexo values at all times Manage, motivate and develop front of house and catering teams Support performance management, training, welfare and disciplinary processes in line with HR policies Assess team competence and ensure all legislative and business requirements are met Champion effective communication and colleague engagement

Governance, Safety & Compliance

Ensure full compliance with food safety, health & safety, and quality management systems Maintain standards in line with UBHC, QA, Safeguard and ROL requirements Be accountable for cash handling, stock control and banking activities

Financial & Commercial Management

Take full responsibility for financial performance against weekly, monthly and annual budgets Deliver menu and function costing in line with company policy Contribute to monthly financial reviews, KPIs and improvement plans Drive revenue growth and continuous improvement in gross profit

Client & Relationship Management

Build and maintain strong relationships with the client, customers and key stakeholders Act as the main conduit for all PAYD-related internal and external relationships Deliver services aligned to defence client objectives and customer needs

Service Excellence

Champion food quality, craft skills, innovation and brand standards Ensure all food, marketing and merchandising initiatives are delivered to specification Support PAYD training plans to improve food quality, presentation and skills Embed Sodexo service excellence, CSR and compliance standards across the business

What you bring:

Proven management experience in catering or hospitality Relevant qualification (e.g. BSc Catering, MHCIM, HND, City & Guilds 706/1 & 2, NVQ Level 2 & 3) Intermediate Food Safety qualification Strong numerical, written and verbal communication skills Sound knowledge of health & safety and food safety legislation Experience in a similar role within the service industry Competent in MS Word, Excel and Outlook High attention to detail and commitment to standards

Desirable

IOSH or CIEH qualification Experience managing client relationships Proven ability to lead, manage and develop teams Experience in a military or defence environment Previous PAYD experience

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!