Deputy Business Director

JR United Kingdom; Romford; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Deputy Business Director to lead operational management and performance of Soft FM services. This dynamic role involves developing business plans, overseeing budgets, and ensuring compliance with policies while driving service innovation and financial performance. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in managing multi-service operations within healthcare, with a focus on client relationships and operational excellence. Join a company that values your contributions and offers a supportive environment to thrive in your career.

Benefits

Performance-related bonus up to 15%

Employer pension contribution

Life assurance – 1 x annual salary

Qualifications

• Experience managing multi-service operations within a healthcare environment.
• Strong track record in client relationship management and financial acumen.

Responsibilities

• Lead operational management and ensure compliance with policies.
• Build strong client relationships and drive service excellence.

Skills

Leadership

Client Relationship Management

Financial Management

Operational Management

Compliance and Governance

Communication Skills

Results-driven

Education

Senior-level Business Management Expertise

Experience in Healthcare Environment

Job description

The Deputy Business Director is responsible for leading the operational management, performance, and compliance of all Soft FM services. This role ensures adherence to Sodexo and Trust policies while driving service innovation, financial performance, and continuous improvement. The manager will develop business plans, oversee budgets, and maintain service standards in line with contractual agreements.

Additionally, they will foster strong relationships with key stakeholders, ensure high levels of client and service user satisfaction, and uphold governance processes. Acting as a deputy for the Business Director, they will also champion workforce management, health & safety, and efficiency initiatives to enhance operational excellence.

What you’ll do:

• Leadership & People: Lead by example, reinforcing company values, effective communication, and team development. Manage recruitment, performance, and employee progression in line with HR policies.
• Risk, Governance & Compliance: Ensure full compliance with risk, governance, and reporting processes, including cash and stock control where applicable.
• Financial Management: Oversee financial performance, contribute to monthly reviews, and implement improvement plans to achieve budget targets.
• Client & Team Relationships: Build and maintain strong client and customer relationships, aligning Sodexo’s services with client business objectives and fostering a collaborative culture.
• Operational Management: Oversee contract operations, ensure legal and regulatory compliance, implement health & safety procedures, and deputise for the Business Director when required.
• Service Excellence: Drive brand integrity, compliance, and corporate social responsibility while embedding service excellence initiatives aligned with client needs.
• Continuous Improvement: Enhance service quality, boost efficiency, and optimise financial performance through ongoing development and monitoring.

What you Bring:

• Experience managing multi-service operations within a healthcare environment.
• Preferably experienced in Private Finance Initiative (PFI) contracts within healthcare.
• Senior-level business management expertise.
• Strong track record in client relationship management with the ability to influence key stakeholders.
• Skilled in overseeing operations within agreed specifications, demonstrating P&L expertise, commercial insight, and strong financial acumen.
• Results-driven with exceptional communication skills.
• Proven financial management experience, including P&L responsibility for projects exceeding £15M.

What we offer:

Working with Sodexo is more than just a job. You'll be part of a company that values you and provides opportunities to act with purpose and thrive.

We offer a salary of £80,000 - £85,000 (depending on experience) plus access to a range of excellent benefits, including:

• Performance-related bonus up to 15%
• Employer pension contribution
• Life assurance – 1 x annual salary.

For more information on all the great benefits Sodexo offers to support you and your loved ones, check out the attached Benefits Guide at the bottom of this advert!

Join Sodexo, a global leader in services that improve quality of life and take your career to the next level in a dynamic and impactful role.

Lead with empathy. Belong in Health and Care.