Catering Manager

Job Introduction

Job Title: Catering Manager

Location: Leeds, LS11 9EH

Contract Type: Full-time  Permanent

Hours: 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday

Salary: Up to £30,000 per annum

We are looking for apassionate Catering Manager to join our team on a permanent basis at our sitein Leeds. You will be responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of thecatering department, ensuring high-quality service delivery in full compliancewith client contractual obligations, Sodexo policies, legislative requirements,and best practices. The Catering Manager will be accountable for operationalefficiency, financial performance, team management, and client satisfaction.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Management

• Oversee day-to-day catering service delivery in line with the client contract and defined service scope.
• Maintain full compliance with all relevant Sodexo and client policies, procedures, and standards.
• Ensure that Health, Safety, and Environmental practices are embedded and maintained across all catering operations.
• Maintain full compliance with food safety standards and achieve/retain a 5-star Food Hygiene Rating.

Financial and Resource Management

• Manage catering-related budgets and P&L, including labour, consumables, stock, and waste, ensuring financial targets are met or exceeded.
• Control purchasing and stock levels, ensuring all orders are placed via approved suppliers.
• Process costs accurately within relevant systems and produce timely financial reports as required.
• Collate, submit, and verify payroll information to ensure staff are paid correctly and on time.

People and Team Leadership

• Lead, develop and manage a team of approximately 15 staff, including a Head Chef and Catering Supervisor.
• Ensure all team members receive appropriate training and performance appraisals.
• Conduct regular team meetings and maintain effective communication across the team.
• Manage staff absences, sickness, and performance issues in line with company HR policies.
• Foster a positive working environment that reflects Sodexo’s values of Service Spirit, Team Spirit, and Spirit of Progress.

Client & Stakeholder Engagement

• Build and maintain a positive relationship with the client, ensuring consistent satisfaction with catering services.
• Prepare reports and attend client and team meetings as required.
• Support Sodexo initiatives, community involvement, and mobilisation activity when needed.

Quality Assurance & Compliance

• Conduct audits and ensure continuous improvement in service delivery.
• Ensure that documentation, certificates, and training records are accurate and up to date.
• Take corrective actions promptly following incidents, accidents, or non-conformances.

Key Deliverables / Accountabilities

• Delivery of catering services within agreed financial and operational parameters.
• Leadership and development of a compliant, engaged, and high-performing catering team.
• Maintenance of excellent standards in food hygiene and safety.
• Strong stakeholder relationships and responsive service adjustments as needed.

Essential Qualifications & Experience

• Proven experience in catering or hospitality management, ideally within contract catering.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and manage teams effectively.
• Strong knowledge of food safety standards and health & safety regulations.
• Financial acumen with experience managing budgets and cost controls.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and relevant catering/HR systems.

Key Skills & Competencies

• Commitment to service excellence and continuous improvement.
• Strong commercial awareness and ability to drive operational efficiencies.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills.
• Organised and methodical approach with attention to detail.
• Able to manage competing priorities and work under pressure.

Why Sodexo?

Working with Sodexo is more than a job; it’s a chanceto be part of something greater. 

Belong in a company and team that values you for you. 

Act with purpose and have an impact through youreveryday actions.

Thrive in your own way. 

We also offer a range of perks, rewards and benefitsfor our colleagues and their families:

• Unlimited access to an online platform offering wellbeing support 
• An extensive Employee Assistance Programme to help with everyday issues or life's larger problems, including legal and financial advice, support with work or personal issues impacting your wellbeing
• Access to a 24hr virtual GP Service
• Sodexo Discounts Scheme, offering great deals 24/7 across popular big-brand retailers
• Save for your future by becoming a member of the Pension Plan
• Opportunities to enable colleagues to grow and succeed throughout their career at Sodexo, including a variety of learning and development tools
• Bike to Work Scheme to help colleagues to do their bit for the environment whilst keeping fit
• Sodexo UK and Irelands enhanced benefits and leave policies

Ready to be part of somethinggreater?

Feed our customersand we’ll fuel your career.

Sodexo reserves the right to closethis advert early if we are in receipt of a high number of applications