Catering Manager

Sodexo; Salisbury; On-site; GBP 32,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading catering service provider is seeking a Catering Manager to oversee operations at a military facility in Salisbury. Responsibilities include planning and managing catering services, team leadership, and ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations. Ideal candidates will have management experience in catering and relevant qualifications. The role offers a competitive salary and various employee benefits.

Benefits

Employee Assistance Programme

24/7 virtual GP

Discounts for you & family

Financial tools & retirement plan

Qualifications

• Proven management experience within catering or hospitality.
• Strong communication, leadership, and organisational skills.
• Experience managing client relationships and performance improvement.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily catering operations and supervise all activities.
• Plan menus ensuring nutritional balance and cost control.
• Manage catering budgets and monitor financial performance.

Skills

Management experience in catering or hospitality

Strong communication skills

Leadership skills

Financial control competence

Proficiency in Microsoft Office

Education

BSC Catering or NVQ L2/3

Intermediate Food Safety Certification

Job description

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• Monday to Friday with occasional weekend required as per business needs
• Flexibility required but standard hours 0800-1630
• £32,000 per annum
• Plus performance related bonus
• Sodexo rewards and benefits

Job Introduction

Sodexo believes that government agencies should foster an environment of respect, operating with efficiency and effectiveness to promote productivity. We prioritize employee well-being and play a vital role in fostering stronger communities.

Sodexo has an exciting opportunity for a passionate and driven Catering Manager to join our team at Larkhill Garrison, Larkhill, SP4 8QT, delivering first-class food and service excellence within a dynamic dining facility.

As our Catering Manager, you will be responsible for planning, organising, and overseeing all aspects of catering service delivery — from menu development to team management and client relations. You’ll be the heartbeat of our front and back of house operations, ensuring quality, compliance, and innovation are maintained at the highest standards.

What you’ll do:

• 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 food safety compliance.
• 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 at all times, maintaining brand integrity and promoting a positive dining experience.
• 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 you bring:

• 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
• 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 chance to be part of something greater. You’ll belong to a company and team that values you, acts with purpose, and allows you to thrive in your own way. In addition, we offer:

• Employee Assistance Programme for personal, legal, and financial advice
• 24/7 virtual GP & lifestyle rewards
• Discounts for you & family
• Financial tools & retirement plan

Ready to be part of something greater? Apply today!