At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage catering operations, ensuring high-quality food and service standards.
- Company: Join Sodexo, a global leader in improving quality of life.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, wellbeing support, discounts, and career growth opportunities.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with diverse employee networks and a commitment to personal development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while leading a passionate team in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in catering management and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 35000 € per year.
Location: Derry, Londonderry, Northern Ireland
Contract Type: Full-Time | Permanent
Salary: £35,000 per annum plus Sodexo Benefits
About the Role
We are currently seeking an experienced and driven Business Manager to lead our catering operations within a well-established contract. This is an exciting opportunity for an innovative and passionate professional who is committed to delivering exceptional food quality and outstanding front‑of‑house service. You will play a key leadership role, ensuring all services are delivered in line with agreed service level agreements (SLAs), KPIs, and contractual standards while driving continuous improvement across operations.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead, manage, and develop a high‑performing catering team
- Ensure consistent delivery of high‑quality food and service standards
- Maintain compliance across all sites (Finance, Health & Safety, Food Safety, HR)
- Deliver training programmes and ensure all staff are fully trained and up to date
- Monitor performance against KPIs and implement improvements where needed
- Conduct regular site audits and ensure audit readiness at all times
- Manage recruitment processes, including right‑to‑work compliance
- Build strong relationships with clients and stakeholders
- Oversee budgets, cost control, and financial performance
What We’re Looking For
Essential- Proven experience in a similar catering or service management role
- Strong leadership and team management skills
- Excellent communication and influencing abilities
- Solid knowledge of food safety, health & safety, and compliance standards
- Ability to analyse problems and implement effective solutions
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and data tools (e.g. Power BI)
- Hospitality qualification (or equivalent)
- IOSH or similar health & safety certification
- Experience managing client relationships
- Training qualifications (e.g. Train the Trainer, IFM Accreditation)
What You’ll Deliver
- High levels of client satisfaction and service excellence
- Strong financial performance through effective cost and labour management
- A positive safety culture across all sites
- Increased employee engagement and team development
Why Sodexo?
Working with Sodexo is more than a job; it’s a chance to be part of something greater. Belong in a company and team that values you for you. Act with purpose and have an impact through your everyday actions. Thrive in your own way. We also offer a range of perks, rewards and benefits for our colleagues and their families:
- Unlimited access to an online platform offering wellbeing support
- An extensive Employee Assistance Programme to help with everyday issues or life’s larger problems, including legal and financial advice, support with work or personal issues impacting wellbeing
- Access to a 24hr virtual GP Service
- Sodexo Discounts Scheme, offering great deals 24/7 across popular high street retailers (also open to friends and family)
- Save for your future by becoming a member of the Pension Plan
- Opportunities to enable colleagues to grow and succeed throughout their career at Sodexo, including a variety of learning and development tools
- Bike to Work Scheme to help colleagues to do their bit for the environment while keeping fit
- Sodexo UK and Ireland’s enhanced benefits and leave policies
A little more 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 faith 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, SoTogether, 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 fulfil their aspirations. We run a Disability Confident interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria for the job.
Locations
Business Manager in Derry, Londonderry employer: Sodexo Group
Sodexo is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and development of its employees, offering a supportive work culture in Derry, Londonderry. With a commitment to inclusivity and a range of benefits including wellbeing support, a comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme, and opportunities for professional growth, Sodexo empowers its team members to thrive both personally and professionally. Join us to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a fulfilling career in a dynamic environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Manager in Derry, Londonderry
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the catering and service management sectors. Attend industry events or join relevant online groups to meet potential employers and learn about job openings before they hit the mainstream.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its values. Understand Sodexo's commitment to quality and inclusivity, and think of examples from your experience that showcase your leadership and problem-solving skills. We want to see how you can fit into our culture!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your background in catering management aligns with the role. Highlight your achievements in team development and client satisfaction, as these are key to success in the Business Manager position.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Sodexo and contributing to our mission of creating a better everyday for everyone.
We think you need these skills to ace Business Manager in Derry, Londonderry
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Business Manager role. Highlight your experience in catering and service management, and don’t forget to showcase your leadership skills. We want to see how you can bring your unique flair to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your passion for delivering exceptional food quality and service. Tell us why you’re the perfect fit for this role and how you can drive continuous improvement in our operations.
Showcase Relevant Experience:When filling out your application, be sure to highlight any relevant experience you have with compliance standards, health & safety, and team training. We love candidates who can demonstrate their ability to manage and develop high-performing teams!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s quick and easy, and you’ll be one step closer to joining our amazing team at Sodexo. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sodexo Group
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you’re well-versed in the key responsibilities of a Business Manager. Brush up on your knowledge of food safety, health & safety regulations, and compliance standards. This will show that you’re not just interested in the role but also prepared to tackle its challenges head-on.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Business Manager, strong leadership is crucial. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you successfully led a team or improved service delivery. Highlight how you’ve developed staff and maintained high performance, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Be Data Savvy
Familiarise yourself with data tools like Power BI and be ready to discuss how you’ve used data to drive improvements in previous roles. Being able to analyse KPIs and implement effective solutions will demonstrate your analytical skills and commitment to continuous improvement.
✨Build Rapport
During the interview, focus on building a connection with your interviewers. Ask insightful questions about their operations and express genuine interest in their goals. This will not only showcase your communication skills but also your ability to build strong relationships, which is key for a Business Manager.