Mess Manager

Sodexo; Hook; On-site; GBP 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading catering and hospitality company is seeking a Mess Manager for RAF Odiham. In this key role, you will oversee daily operations of the Mess, ensuring high standards of catering and hospitality are maintained. You will manage a team, liaise with stakeholders, and drive improvement across services. The ideal candidate will have experience in management roles within soft FM services, strong leadership skills, and knowledge of health and safety standards. A competitive salary is offered, along with attractive benefits.

Benefits

Mental health & wellbeing support

Employee Assistance Programme

24/7 virtual GP

Discounts for you & family

Financial tools & retirement plan

Cycle to Work program

Paid volunteering day

Qualifications

• Proven management experience in soft FM services.
• Strong leadership and HR management skills.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day Mess operations and activities.
• Plan and manage service delivery and functions.
• Ensure operational standards and compliance are met.

Skills

Management experience in soft FM services

Leadership and people management

Numerical and interpersonal skills

Health & safety knowledge

Problem-solving skills

Tools

MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)

Job description

• 40 hours per week
• 5 Days out of 7
• £30,000 per annum
• Sodexo rewards and benefits

Job Introduction

We are seeking an experienced and proactive Mess Manager at RAF Odiham, RG29 1QT to oversee the day-to-day operations of our Mess. This role is integral to delivering high-quality catering and hospitality services, promoting excellent client and customer relationships, and ensuring all operational standards are met and maintained.

As Mess Manager, you will be responsible for planning and supervising all Mess activities, managing functions, menus, and costing, liaising with stakeholders, and driving continuous improvement across all services. You will lead a team, ensuring the highest standards of service, operational efficiency, and compliance with health, safety, and contractual requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform and supervise the day-to-day activities of the Mess to the benefit of all members and residents.
• Plan, organise, and manage delivery of all services within the Mess operational business area.
• Promote and manage functions, including planning, menus, and costing in conjunction with the catering team.
• Ensure standards of service detailed in the schedule of requirements (SOR), service level agreements (SLA), and KPIs are achieved, maintained, and developed.
• Liaise with the PMC/RSM and mess committee to develop relationships and promote Sodexo.
• Contribute to the growth of services to meet client and commercial expectations while maintaining strict budgetary control.
• Manage performance of assigned direct reports, including recruitment, training, and performance management.
• Maintain excellent client/customer relationships and attend relevant team meetings.
• Act as duty manager on call and provide holiday/weekend cover as directed.
• Ensure the security of company and client property and assets under your control.
• Embrace Collaborative Business Relationships principles (BS11000) in line with Sodexo's vision and values.

Essential Skills and Experience

• Proven experience in a management role within the soft FM services industry.
• Strong leadership and people management skills, including HR processes (recruitment, training, performance management, disciplinary, and grievance procedures).
• Excellent numerical, interpersonal, and communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Knowledge of health & safety and food safety management.
• Ability to make independent decisions and work on own initiative within a team environment.
• Proficient in MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Strong attention to detail and adherence to standards.
• Analytical problem-solving skills and the ability to implement innovative solutions.

Desirable Skills and Experience

• Experience working within a military environment.
• Previous experience in managing a similar role.
• Health and Safety qualification equivalent to IOSH Managing Safely.
• Soft FM technical skills including contract catering, hospitality, retail, and cleaning.
• Proven experience managing client relationships within a contract environment.
• Track record of leading, managing, and developing a team.

Why Join Us

This is an exciting opportunity to work in a dynamic environment where you can make a real impact on the experience of Mess members and residents. You will be part of a supportive team, with opportunities to develop your skills and grow within the organisation.

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!