Catering Manager

Job Introduction

• 40 hours per week
• Monday to Friday with occasional weekend required as per business needs
• Flexibility required but standard hours 0800-1630
• £32,333.86 per annum 
•  Plus performance related bonus
• Sodexo rewards and benefits 

JobIntroduction

 Sodexo believes thatgovernment agencies should foster an environment of respect, operating withefficiency and effectiveness to promote productivity. We prioritize employeewell-being and play a vital role in fostering stronger communities.

Sodexo has anexciting opportunity for a passionate and driven Catering Manager to joinour team at Larkhill Garrison, Larkhill,SP4 8QT in delivering first-class food and service excellencewithin a dynamic dining facility.

As our CateringManager, you will be responsible for planning, organising, and overseeing allaspects of catering service delivery — from menu development to team managementand client relations. You’ll be the heartbeat of our front and back of houseoperations, ensuring quality, compliance, and innovation are maintained at thehighest standards.

 What you’lldo:

• Lead Daily Catering Operations: Plan, coordinate, and supervise all catering activities including food preparation, presentation, and service within the dining facility.
• Menu Planning & Costing: Utilise central menu banks to design menus and plan functions, ensuring nutritional balance, cost control, and compliance with company and client requirements.
• Food Production Oversight: Manage the preparation and cooking of meals to the highest standards, ensuring consistency, quality, and compliance with food safety regulations.
• Team Leadership & Development: Recruit, lead, coach, and develop front of house and kitchen teams to foster a culture of excellence, engagement, and high performance.
• Service Delivery: Ensure excellent customer service is delivered at all times, maintaining brand integrity and promoting a positive dining experience for all customers.
• Client & Stakeholder Engagement: Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, the Authority, and internal teams, acting as a key point of contact for all catering-related services.
• Compliance & Governance: Ensure full compliance with health and safety, food hygiene, allergen management, and company policies. Conduct regular audits and drive continuous improvement.
• Financial Accountability: Manage catering budgets, monitor financial performance, and contribute to monthly financial reviews. Deliver cost-effective operations while meeting quality standards.
• Operational Reporting & Analysis: Analyse audit reports and performance metrics to identify areas for improvement. Implement corrective actions and monitor progress.
• Support Wider Catering Functions: Provide operational support to attached messes and other catering areas as required, including covering chef/management absence where necessary.
• Craft Excellence & Innovation: Drive continuous improvement in food quality, presentation, and innovation. Promote and deliver training initiatives in line with Sodexo’s culinary standards.
• Marketing & Merchandising: Ensure effective implementation of all food promotions, marketing campaigns, and merchandising standards across the dining facility.
• Sustainability & Social Responsibility: Support company initiatives related to sustainability, waste reduction, and corporate social responsibility within the catering operation.
• Emergency Response & Flexibility: Respond effectively to operational needs, business continuity plans, or urgent requests, demonstrating adaptability and resilience in fast-paced environments.

What youbring: 

• Proven management experience within catering or hospitality
• Industry-recognised qualifications (e.g., BSC Catering, NVQ L2/3, City & Guilds 706/1 & 2)
• Intermediate Food Safety Certification
• Strong communication, leadership, and organisational skills
• Competence in food safety, health & safety, and financial control
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)
• A collaborative mindset with the ability to lead by example

 Desirable 

• IOSH/CIEH qualifications
• Experience in military or PAYD catering environments
• A track record of managing client relationships and performance improvement
• Experience managing in a multi-site or complex service environment

What we offer:

Working with Sodexo is more than a job; it’s a chanceto be part of something greater. You’ll belong in a company and team thatvalues you for you; you’ll act with purpose and have an impact through youreveryday actions; and you’ll be able to thrive in your own way. In addition, weoffer:

• 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 ofsomething greater? Apply today!