Quartermaster Services Unit Manager

Sodexo Ltd; Colchester; On-site; GBP 34,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading service provider in Defence logistics is seeking a Quartermaster Services Unit Manager to oversee critical services at Merville Barracks. You will manage logistics, ensure compliance with MOD requirements, and lead a dedicated team. Ideal candidates will have strong management experience in military logistics and be proficient in MJDI. This role offers a competitive salary of £33,650 per annum and various employee benefits.

Benefits

Mental health & wellbeing support

Employee Assistance Programme

24/7 virtual GP

Discounts for family

Financial tools & retirement plan

Cycle to Work

Paid volunteering day

Qualifications

• Proven management experience in military logistics, distribution, or supply chain operations.
• Experience managing operations in warehouse or Soft FM environments.
• Detail-focused and analytical.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning and delivery of Quartermaster and Area Support Unit services.
• Oversee Defence Supply and Distribution activities.
• Manage sub-contractor services ensuring quality and compliance.

Skills

Management experience in military logistics

Knowledge of MJDI and MOD accounting procedures

Leadership and HR skills

Health & Safety understanding

Numerical and organisational abilities

MS Office proficiency

Job description

PLEASE NOTE - Interviews are taking place on Friday 28th November 2025

• 40 hours per week
• Monday - Friday
• £33,650.00 per annum
• Sodexo rewards and benefits

Job Introduction

Are you a skilled logistics or supply management professional with a background in Defence operations? Join Sodexo at Merville Barracks, Circular Road South, Colchester, CO2 7UT and lead the delivery of critical services that keep the Armed Forces running efficiently.

As a Quartermaster Services Unit Manager, you’ll be at the heart of operational logistics overseeing Defence supply, distribution, and accommodation support services. You’ll manage a dedicated team, maintain operational standards, and ensure that all service delivery aligns with MOD requirements, Sodexo standards, and client expectations.

This is a hands‑on, high‑responsibility leadership role where no two days are the same. You’ll be leading people, driving compliance, managing budgets, and finding new ways to deliver exceptional service to our Defence community.

Whatyou’ll do:

• Lead the planning, organisation, and delivery of all Quartermaster and Area Support Unit services to meet SLAs, KPIs, and contractual standards.
• Oversee all Defence Supply and Distribution activities, ensuring full compliance with MOD regulations and Sodexo procedures.
• Act as Sodexo’s Subject Matter Expert (SME) for the MOD accounting system and manage outputs through MJDI (Management of the Joint Deployed Inventory) and other MOD platforms.
• Manage all sub‑contractor services, including pest control, tailoring, laundry/dry cleaning, and footwear repair — ensuring quality, compliance, and cost control.
• Oversee Transit Accommodation operations at building K18, ensuring rooms are maintained, allocated, and serviced to the highest standard.
• Take Health & Safety leadership responsibility for buildings D07 and K18, promoting a proactive safety culture and ensuring compliance with legislation and Sodexo policies.
• Support financial and commercial performance, helping the site achieve budget targets and business objectives through cost‑effective management.
• Develop, lead, and support your team – ensuring clear objectives, fair performance management, and engagement through regular briefings and PDRs.
• Manage day‑to‑day people processes, including attendance, holidays, and the Time Management System for your team.
• Drive continuous improvement by identifying efficiencies, supporting audit success, and implementing effective action plans.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with the MOD, DIO, and other Defence partners, promoting collaboration and open communication.
• Work alongside other Sodexo managers to deliver smooth, integrated site operations.
• Provide cover for the Logistic Support Services Unit Manager during planned and unplanned absences.
• Act as Duty Manager on call, including some evening, weekend, or out‑of‑hours support as required.

What you bring:

• Proven management experience in military logistics, distribution, or supply chain operations.
• Strong working knowledge of MJDI (Management of the Joint Deployed Inventory) and MOD accounting procedures.
• Experience managing operations in warehouse or Soft FM environments.
• Excellent leadership and HR skills (recruitment, performance, and development).
• Sound understanding of Health & Safety, welfare, and auditing standards.
• Excellent numerical, organisational, and communication abilities.
• Confident user of MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Able to make sound, independent decisions and thrive in a collaborative environment.
• Detail‑focused, analytical, and committed to continuous improvement.

Desirable:

• Experience in a MOD or Defence contracting environment.
• IOSH Managing Safely (or equivalent) qualification.
• Experience managing Soft FM contracts, transport, or pest control services.
• Proven success managing client relationships in a contract environment.
• MJDI UAA level or Security Clearance (SC) preferred.

What 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!