Job Description

Job Introduction

40 hours per week

Monday - Friday

up to 40,000 per annum

Sodexo rewards and benefits

Job Introduction


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.

What you'll do:

Lead, coordinate, and oversee food services across two junior ranks diners, two satellite units, and associated facilities. Deliver high-quality catering, cafe 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!