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Centre Manager

Job Introduction

  • 40 hours per week
  • Mon - Fri with occasional weekend - 08:00 - 17:00
  • Up to £32,500 per annum
  • Sodexo rewards and benefits

Job Introduction

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Centre Manager to lead the catering, retail, and leisure operations at Merville Barracks, Colchester. This is a fantastic opportunity for a motivated leader with strong hospitality and management experience to make a real impact in a fast-paced and rewarding environment.

As Centre Manager, you’ll be responsible for delivering exceptional service standards, driving commercial performance, and maintaining excellent client and customer relationships. You’ll lead a dedicated team to ensure operational excellence across catering, retail, and leisure services — ensuring every experience meets both client expectations and Sodexo’s high standards.

 Whatyou’ll do:

  • Manage and oversee all catering, retail, and leisure operations within the centre.

  • Drive performance through effective promotion, marketing initiatives, and service delivery.

  • Plan, organise, and coordinate all catering activities — including menu planning, costing, and function management.

  • Maintain and develop service standards in line with the Service Level Agreement (SLA) and contractual obligations.

  • Ensure strict adherence to food safety, hygiene, and health & safety standards.

  • Monitor budgets closely to meet client and commercial expectations.

  • Conduct performance reviews and implement development plans for direct reports.

  • Build and sustain strong relationships with clients, customers, and the Authority.

  • Promote continuous improvement, innovation, and high levels of team engagement.

  • Attend briefings, meetings, and performance development reviews as required.

  • Support a culture of safety, accountability, and operational excellence.

What you bring:

  • Proven experience in a similar management role within the service or hospitality industry.

  • Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and develop a team.

  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, both verbal and written.

  • Sound knowledge of health & safety and food safety management.

  • Confident using Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).

  • Strong numerical, organisational, and problem-solving abilities.

  • Experience in stock management, cash control, and customer service delivery.

  • High attention to detail and commitment to upholding standards.

Desirable:

  • Experience managing client relationships in a contracted services environment.

  • Previous experience working within a military or defence setting.

 What we offer:

 Workingwith Sodexo is more than a job; it’s a chance to be part of somethinggreater. You’ll belong in a company and team that values youfor you; you’ll act with purpose and have an impact through your everydayactions; 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 ofsomething greater? Apply today!


Apply
Salary Up to £32,500
Frequency Annual
Job Reference SDX/TP/1324814/149376
Contract Type Permanent
Closing Date 31 October, 2025
Job Category Catering Management
Business Unit UK Government
Location Colchester, United Kingdom
No. of positions 1
Posted on 17 October, 2025
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