Soft FM Operations Manager

Sodexo Group; Stoke-on-Trent; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Soft FM Operations Manager to lead operations at Haywood Hospital. This role involves overseeing service delivery, managing client relationships, and driving operational improvements. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in the Soft FM sector, strong leadership abilities, and a commitment to enhancing patient experiences. Join a supportive team that values your contributions and offers numerous benefits, including flexible working and professional development opportunities. Make a meaningful impact every day in a role that truly matters.

Benefits

Mental health and wellbeing resources

Employee Assistance Programme

Free health & wellbeing app

Discounts on high street brands

Retirement savings plan

Full training provided

Cycle to Work scheme

Flexible working opportunities

Qualifications

• Extensive management experience in Soft FM services, particularly in catering and cleaning.
• Strong people management skills including recruitment and training.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day operations ensuring compliance with contracts.
• Lead operational change projects and manage client relationships.

Skills

Management Experience in Soft FM

Leadership Skills

People Management

Numerical Skills

Communication Skills

Health & Safety Knowledge

Tools

MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)

Job description

Healthy outcomes start with positive patient experiences.

Please take the time to read the attached job description.

Job Introduction

Lead with Empathy. Belong in Health and Care.

As a Soft FM Operations Manager at Sodexo, Haywood Hospital you will oversee the day-to-day operational management of contracted services on site, ensuring that services are delivered efficiently and in full compliance with the contract and statutory obligations. Additionally, the position is responsible for managing daily relationships with clients and colleagues to identify and develop new business opportunities.

What You'll Do:

• Lead operational change projects and drive improvements through innovation and staff engagement.
• Oversee management reviews, including monthly reporting, and ensure strong supervisor control processes.
• Participate in client meetings, proposals, and continuous improvement plans for existing and new services.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with senior client managers and assist with uplifts, variations, and proformas.
• Support senior management in strategic decisions for Haywood PFI’s as part of the onsite team.
• Identify risks, issues, and opportunities with supervisors, ensuring action plans are in place for the operations team.
• Analyse performance trends, provide insights, and support implementation of improvements.
• Manage the operational budget, monitor variations, address inconsistencies, and resolve concerns or disputes with clear plans.

What You'll Bring:

• Extensive management experience in the Soft FM service industry, with expertise in catering, cleaning, and retail.
• Adaptable, flexible, and resilient with inclusive leadership skills.
• Proven ability to lead, manage, and develop teams effectively.
• Strong people management skills, including recruitment, training, performance management, and handling disciplinary/grievance issues.
• Excellent numerical, interpersonal, and communication skills, with proficiency in verbal and written communication.
• Knowledge of health & safety, food safety, and relevant regulations (HSWA, IOSH, COSHH, CIEH Level 3).
• Skilled in MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and attention to detail.
• Proven experience in managing client relationships, developing new business, and making independent decisions.

What we offer:

Working at Sodexo isn’t just a job — it’s a chance to make a difference every day. You'll be part of a supportive team, act with purpose, and thrive in a role where your work matters. We also offer a range of benefits to support you and your loved ones:

• Mental health and wellbeing resources
• Employee Assistance Programme (including financial/legal advice & personal support)
• Free health & wellbeing app with 24/7 virtual GP access
• Discounts on high street brands for you and your family
• Salary finance tools and financial wellbeing resources
• Retirement savings plan and life insurance
• Full training and protective uniform provided.
• Opportunities to gain experience through learning and development.
• Cycle to Work scheme & volunteering opportunities.
• Flexible working and a dynamic team environment
• Competitive pay

Ready to be part of something greater? Apply now and bring your energy, purpose, and passion to Sodexo.

We may close this advert early if we receive a high number of applications — so don’t wait!

About Sodexo

At Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better every day for everyone to build a better life for all. As the global leader in services that improve the Quality of Life, we operate in 55 countries, serving over 100 million consumers each day through our unique combination of On-Site Food and FM Services, Benefits & Rewards Services and Personal & Home Services.

We are committed to being an inclusive employer. We are a forces friendly employer. We welcome and encourage applications from people with a diverse variety of experiences, backgrounds, and identities. We encourage our employees to get involved with our Employee Networks such as Pride, Sodexo Parents & Carers, Sodexo Disability, Ability network, So Together, Generations, and Origins.

We’re a Disability Confident Leader employer. We’re committed to changing attitudes towards disability, and making sure disabled people have the chance to fulfill their aspirations. We run a Disability Confident interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria for the job.

Click here to read more about what we do to promote an inclusive culture.