Catering Manager

Sodexo; Carterton; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading catering services company is seeking a Catering Manager to lead operations at RAF Brize Norton. The role involves managing front and back of house teams, ensuring food quality, and operational excellence. Candidates must have proven management experience in catering or hospitality, relevant qualifications, and a strong understanding of food safety regulations. Join a company that values its employees and offers comprehensive support and development opportunities.

Benefits

Mental health & wellbeing support

Employee Assistance Programme

24/7 virtual GP

Discounts for you & family

Financial tools & retirement plan

Cycle to Work & Paid volunteering day

Qualifications

• Proven management experience in catering or hospitality required.
• Relevant qualification such as BSc Catering or NVQ Level 2 & 3.
• Intermediate Food Safety qualification necessary.

Responsibilities

• Lead food and catering operations at RAF Brize Norton.
• Manage teams and ensure compliance with safety standards.
• Drive revenue growth and manage financial performance.

Skills

Proven management experience in catering

Strong numerical, written and verbal communication skills

High attention to detail

Competent in MS Word, Excel and Outlook

Sound knowledge of health & safety and food safety legislation

Education

Relevant qualification (e.g. BSc Catering, MHCIM, HND)

Intermediate Food Safety qualification

Job description

40 hours per week

Monday - Friday - with evenings and weekends where required for the business

£30,000 - £31,900 per annum

Sodexo rewards and benefits

Job Introduction

Sodexo is seeking an experienced and motivated Catering Manager to lead food and catering operations at RAF Brize Norton, one of the RAF's largest and busiest stations. This is a high-profile role where you will be responsible for delivering outstanding food quality, service excellence, and operational performance within a demanding and dynamic environment.

You will lead and inspire front and back of house teams, ensure compliance with food safety and health & safety standards, manage budgets and financial performance, and act as a key representative for Sodexo at unit level.

What you'll do:

Service Delivery & Operations

• Plan, organise and coordinate daily catering operations within the dining facility
• Oversee food preparation, cooking and presentation to the highest quality standards
• Manage menu planning using the central menu bank, ensuring cost control and stock management
• Plan and deliver functions, including menu design and costing, in conjunction with the General Manager
• Support attached messes and ensure continuity of service in the absence of senior kitchen staff
• Drive continuous improvement through audits, inspections and action planning

Leadership & People Management

• Lead by example, role modelling Sodexo values at all times
• Manage, motivate and develop front of house and catering teams
• Support performance management, training, welfare and disciplinary processes in line with HR policies
• Assess team competence and ensure all legislative and business requirements are met
• Champion effective communication and colleague engagement

Governance, Safety & Compliance

• Ensure full compliance with food safety, health & safety, and quality management systems
• Maintain standards in line with UBHC, QA, Safeguard and ROL requirements
• Be accountable for cash handling, stock control and banking activities

Financial & Commercial Management

• Take full responsibility for financial performance against weekly, monthly and annual budgets
• Deliver menu and function costing in line with company policy
• Contribute to monthly financial reviews, KPIs and improvement plans
• Drive revenue growth and continuous improvement in gross profit

Client & Relationship Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with the client, customers and key stakeholders
• Act as the main conduit for all PAYD-related internal and external relationships
• Deliver services aligned to defence client objectives and customer needs

Service Excellence

• Champion food quality, craft skills, innovation and brand standards
• Ensure all food, marketing and merchandising initiatives are delivered to specification
• Support PAYD training plans to improve food quality, presentation and skills
• Embed Sodexo service excellence, CSR and compliance standards across the business

What you bring:

• Proven management experience in catering or hospitality
• Relevant qualification (e.g. BSc Catering, MHCIM, HND, City & Guilds 706/1 & 2, NVQ Level 2 & 3)
• Intermediate Food Safety qualification
• Strong numerical, written and verbal communication skills
• Sound knowledge of health & safety and food safety legislation
• Experience in a similar role within the service industry
• Competent in MS Word, Excel and Outlook
• High attention to detail and commitment to standards

Desirable

• IOSH or CIEH qualification
• Experience managing client relationships
• Proven ability to lead, manage and develop teams
• Experience in a military or defence environment
• Previous PAYD experience

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:

• 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 of something greater? Apply today!