Job Description

We are seeking an experienced and proactive Mess Manager at Aliwal Barracks, Tidworth to oversee the day-to-day operations of our Mess. This role isintegral to delivering high-quality catering and hospitality services,promoting excellent client and customer relationships, and ensuring alloperational standards are met and maintained.
As Mess Manager, you will be responsible for planningand supervising all Mess activities, managing functions, menus, and costing,liaising with stakeholders, and driving continuous improvement across allservices. You will lead a team, ensuring the highest standards of service,operational efficiency, and compliance with health, safety, and contractualrequirements.
Key Responsibilities:

• Perform and supervise the day-to-day activities of the Mess to the benefit of all members and residents.
• Plan, organise, and manage delivery of all services within the Mess operational business area.
• Promote and manage functions, including planning, menus, and costing in conjunction with the catering team.
• Ensure standards of service detailed in the schedule of requirements (SOR), service level agreements (SLA), and KPIs are achieved, maintained, and developed.
• Liaise with the PMC/RSM and mess committee to develop relationships and promote Sodexo.
• Contribute to the growth of services to meet client and commercial expectations while maintaining strict budgetary control.
• Manage performance of assigned direct reports, including recruitment, training, and performance management.
• Maintain excellent client/customer relationships and attend relevant team meetings.
• Act as duty manager 'on call' and provide holiday/weekend cover as directed.
• Ensure the security of company and client property and assets under your control.
• Embrace Collaborative Business Relationships principles (BS11000) in line with Sodexo's vision and values.

Essential Skills and Experience:

• Proven experience in a management role within the soft FM services industry.
• Strong leadership and people management skills, including HR processes (recruitment, training, performance management, disciplinary, and grievance procedures).
• Excellent numerical, interpersonal, and communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Knowledge of health & safety and food safety management.
• Ability to make independent decisions and work on own initiative within a team environment.
• Proficient in MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Strong attention to detail and adherence to standards.
• Analytical problem-solving skills and the ability to implement innovative solutions.

Desirable Skills and Experience:

• Experience working within a military environment.
• Previous experience in managing a similar role.
• Health and Safety qualification equivalent to IOSH Managing Safely.
• Soft FM technical skills including contract catering, hospitality, retail, and cleaning.
• Proven experience managing client relationships within a contract environment.
• Track record of leading, managing, and developing a team.

Why Join Us:
This is an exciting opportunity to work in a dynamicenvironment where you can make a real impact on the experience of Mess membersand residents. You will be part of a supportive team, with opportunities todevelop your skills and grow within the organisation.
What weoffer:
Working with Sodexo is more than a job; it's achance to be part of something greater. You'll belong in a company and teamthat values you for you; you'll act with purpose and have an impact throughyour everyday actions; and you'll be able to thrive in your own way. Inaddition, 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 bepart of something greater? Apply today!
Attached documents
Salary 15.53
Frequency Annual
Job Reference SDX/TP/2006755/150176
Contract Type Permanent - Full Time
Closing Date 11 November, 2025
Job Category Hospitality
Business Unit UK Government - Frontline
Location Tidworth , United Kingdom
No. of positions 1
Posted on 04 November, 2025

Skills Required