Food Operations Lead

Job Introduction

As a Food Operations Lead at MARS Slough, you are also a leader and innovator. You will manage and control the catering services at MARS Slough to meet the agreed specifications, performance, qualitative, and financial targets. This includes overseeing catering, vending, and hospitality, with responsibility for some large events throughout the year in a 24/7 operation. 

Part of this role will be bringing the Sodexo Health & Nutrition recommendations to life within our Slough food service operation as well as assisting and guiding our teams on Health & Nutrition at MARS Kings Lynn, MARS Birstall and our vending solutions at MARS Castle Cary. Join Sodexo and be part of something greater. 

You belong in a team where you can act with purpose and thrive in your own way.

What you’ll do: 

• Deliver Integrated Facilities Management (IFM) ownership of designated areas, focused on delivering excellent customer service.

• Meet customer demands by providing exceptional catering services driven by innovation within the agreed Service Level Agreement (SLA) and contract agreement.

• Ensure financial documentation and accountancy of the catering unit (and those from suppliers) are accurate and within agreed budget levels.

• Manage the quality and hygiene of the food cycle from preparation through to delivery.

• Actively enforce relevant statutory, company, and site OH&S compliance, along with monitoring related equipment.

• Motivate and lead a high-performing catering team to achieve personal and business objectives.

• Actively seek and identify opportunities for business growth within the contract and external market.

• Ensure the prompt provision and efficient service of all meals and catering requirements at the specified time to the standards laid down in the contract KPIs.

• Maintain levels of stock, cash, local credit, and debt outstanding to the agreed establishment targets.

• Comply with all relevant sections of the Quality Assurance Audit and complete routine audits as indicated in the “Unit Activity Calendar.”

• Ensure that all Sodexo employees project a positive, approachable, friendly, and professional image.

What you bring:

• Proven experience in managing and leading a motivated catering function.

• Willingness to work with other service teams and build on knowledge/experience of other services, aiming to assist with management of other site soft services.

• Industry acumen and knowledge of external catering developments and innovations.

• Strong financial understanding and demonstrable budgeting management.

• Experience in adhering to and driving company initiatives.

• Personal innovation and passion.

• Demonstrative customer focus and service skills.

• Strong communication and negotiation skills.

• Experience working in a standards/compliance environment.

• Relevant craft and health & safety qualifications and training.

• Recognised health and safety qualifications, e.g. IOSH.

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:

• Flexible and dynamic work environment.

• Competitive compensation.

• Access to ongoing training and development programs.

• Countless opportunities to grow within the company.

• Full training and full protective uniform supplied.

Ready to be part of something greater? Apply today!

About Sodexo

At Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better every day for everyone to build a better life for all. We operate in 55 countries, serving over 100 million consumers each day through our unique combination of On-Site Food and FM Services, Benefits & Rewards Services, and Personal & Home Services.

We are committed to being an inclusive employer. We are a forces-friendly employer. We welcome and encourage applications from people with a diverse variety of experiences, backgrounds, and identities.

We encourage our employees to get involved with our Employee Networks such as Pride, Sodexo Parents & Carers, Sodexo Disability, Ability network, So Together, Generations, and Origins.

We’re a Disability Confident Leader employer. We’re committed to changing attitudes towards disability, and making sure disabled people have the chance to fulfil their aspirations. We run a Disability Confident interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria for the job.