Food Cost and Compliance Lead

Sodexo; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Career growth

Inclusive workplace

Sodexo discounts

Pension plan

Learning & development

Bike to work

Mental health support

Employee assistance

Job summary

Sodexo is seeking a Food Cost and Compliance Lead in Salford to oversee food cost, menu and supplier compliance across up to 160 schools. You will coordinate ordering, drive data-driven improvements, and partner with school catering teams, suppliers and Finance to meet budgets and deadlines.

The role emphasizes data analysis, process improvement and cost-saving opportunities, with hybrid working and a comprehensive benefits package from Sodexo.

Qualifications

• Experience in foodservice purchasing, ordering, catering administration or similar.
• Understanding of food costing, recipes, product substitution and margin impact.
• Knowledge of suppliers, ordering processes, cut-off times and dietary/allergen controls.

Responsibilities

• Maintain food cost and compliance across Schools by coordinating ordering activity.
• Act as central point between schools, suppliers, Finance and Food Platform teams.
• Analyse data, manage exceptions and identify savings opportunities.

Skills

Data analysis

Stakeholder management

Problem solving

Planning & organisation

Tools

Excel

Power BI

E-profit

Drive

Job description

Join Our Team as a Food Cost and Compliance Lead in the Schools segment of Sodexo - Make an Impact Every Day

Location:Salford, M50 2UE
Days/Shift Pattern:Monday - Friday, Hybrid working
Total Hours Per Week:40 Hours
Salary: Competitive, with excellent benefits

At Sodexo, we believe in delivering outstanding service, fostering meaningful experiences, and empowering our teams to thrive.We're on the lookout for a passionate and motivated Food Cost and Compliance Lead become an integral part of our dynamic team. If you're ready to drive excellence and innovation, this is the opportunity for you!

Purpose of the job:

To maintain food cost, menu and supplier compliance across the Schools estate by coordinating, validating and monitoring ordering activity. The Food Cost and Compliance Lead provides a central control point between schools, suppliers, Finance and Food Platform teams, helping schools order the right products, in the right quantities, within agreed budgets and supplier deadlines.

The role combines day-to-day ordering control with data analysis, exception management and process improvement to reduce avoidable overspend, support margin performance and maintain reliable foodservice delivery. It identifies and challenges non-compliance, coordinates corrective action and provides clear insight into ordering performance and opportunities for savings.

• Scope: Up to 160 schools and associated suppliers, working across multiple ordering cycles, menus and delivery schedules.
• Key interfaces: School catering teams, operational leaders, suppliers, Finance and Food Platform teams.
• Key measures: Food cost compliance, ordering accuracy, exception rate, supplier compliance, realised savings, menu adherence and ordering service levels.

Experience in school catering or another dispersed catering operation, and experience improving or standardising administrative or ordering processes.

Experience and knowledge

• Experience in foodservice purchasing, ordering, catering administration, stock control or a comparable operational support role involving multiple locations and deadlines.
• Understanding of food costing, recipes, product substitution, purchasing controls and the relationship between ordering decisions, waste and margin performance.
• Knowledge of foodservice suppliers, ordering processes, cut-off times and distribution models, with an understanding of the importance of approved specifications and dietary or allergen controls.

Data and systems

• Ability to analyse ordering, compliance and supplier data, identify anomalies and translate findings into clear actions.
• Strong Excel skills for checking, organising and analysing data, and the ability to produce clear reports.
• Familiarity with Power BI, or the ability to learn it.
• Ability to work with E-profit for inventory, Drive for planning and supplier portals for ordering. Experience of these systems is desirable; the ability to learn and use them accurately is essential.

Planning and organisation

• Strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple schools, ordering cycles, deadlines and competing demands.
• Ability to prioritise urgent service issues while maintaining routine checks, accurate records and consistent follow-through.

Stakeholder management

• Clear written and verbal communication, with confidence working with schools, suppliers, Finance, operations and Food Platform teams.
• Ability to challenge non-compliance constructively, explain requirements and secure action without relying on direct management authority.

Problem solving and judgement

• Ability to identify root causes, evaluate practical options and coordinate corrective action.
• Sound judgement about when to resolve an issue within agreed procedures and when to elevate, particularly where service continuity, specifications or delegated authority are affected.

Desirable experience

• Experience in school catering or another dispersed catering operation, and experience improving or standardising administrative or ordering processes.
  

What We Offer

At Sodexo, this is more than just a job-it's your chance to be part of something greater.We celebrate individuality, encourage purpose-driven work, and empower you to succeed on your own terms. Here's what you can expect when you join us:

• A competitive salary & excellent benefits package.

• Opportunities for career growth and development.

• A diverse, supportive, and inclusive workplace.

• A chance to make a tangible impact on[specific area, e.g., client satisfaction, sustainability, operational excellence].

Additional Perks & Benefits

• Unlimited access to an online mental health and wellbeing support platform.

• An Employee Assistance Programme for legal, financial, and personal support.

• 24/7 access to a virtual GP service.

• Exclusive discounts for you, your family, and friends through the Sodexo Discounts Scheme.

• Membership in the Mercer Aspire Pension Plan to help you save for your future.

• Learning and development opportunities to enhance your career growth.

• A Bike to Work Scheme, supporting both your fitness and the environment.

Ready to Be Part of Something Greater?

If you're looking for an opportunity where you can bring your passion, skills, and ambition to a company that truly values you, then this is it.

Friendly customers. Vibrant communities. Exciting careers.