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- Tasks: Lead workforce planning and optimise labour across the UK & Ireland for operational success.
- Company: Join Sodexo, a global leader in improving Quality of Life services.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 20+ benefits, gym discounts, and 24/7 employee support.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace celebrating diversity and offering excellent career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by enhancing workforce management and driving performance.
- Qualifications: Experience in workforce planning and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We’re recruiting a Workforce & Labour Optimisation Manager on a 6‑month fixed‑term contract to lead workforce planning and labour optimisation across the UK & Ireland. This role is central to ensuring we have strong forecasting, scheduling, and workforce insight capabilities that support operational delivery, financial performance, and a great colleague experience. Working closely with HR, Operations, Finance, and Technology, you’ll translate demand signals into effective workforce plans and data‑led labour decisions, using platforms such as UKG Pro WFM, PowerApps, and Power BI/Fabric. The focus is on embedding consistent planning practices, strengthening capability, and ensuring workforce management is proactive, reliable, and commercially aligned.
Main Responsibilities:
- Lead end-to-end workforce planning activity including forecasting, capacity modelling, and scheduling governance.
- Ensure planning processes are structured, consistent, and aligned to operational and financial objectives.
- Oversee effective use of UKG Pro WFM, PowerApps and PowerBI/Fabric to drive forecasting accuracy, schedule efficiency, and labour visibility.
- Partner with operational leaders to translate demand requirements into executable workforce plans.
- Drive improvement in labour performance metrics including productivity, utilisation, scheduling efficiency, and overtime control.
- Act as functional lead for workforce management systems (including UKG Pro WFM, PowerApps and PowerBI/Fabric), ensuring optimal configuration and usage.
- Embed consistent workforce planning standards, reporting, and governance practices across contracts and sectors.
- Build a high-performing, service-oriented team culture focused on analytical insight and operational impact.
The Ideal Candidate:
- Experience in workforce planning, workforce management, or labour performance within a complex operational environment.
- Strong working knowledge of workforce management systems (e.g., UKG Pro WFM).
- Strong analytical and problem‑solving capability.
- Experience leading a small specialist team.
- Ability to translate data into practical operational recommendations.
- Strong stakeholder engagement skills across HR, Finance, and Operations.
- Hands‑on experience enhancing workforce management platforms, including UKG Pro WFM.
- Experience in multi‑site, contract‑based operations.
- Exposure to labour optimisation or workforce transformation initiatives.
Package Description:
- Competitive salary depending on experience.
- 6 months Fixed term contract.
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 20+ Sodexo benefits such as Sodexo retirement plan, discounts to over 1,900 brands to shop online, Gym discount to maintain a healthy lifestyle, a confidential 24/7 employee assistance programme providing independent support to overcome whenever life has its obstacles including emotional support, legal and financial advice.
Ready to be part of something greater? Apply today!
At Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better everyday 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’re all about building a workplace for the future, we believe in equal opportunities, and we celebrate diversity. We’re an inclusive workplace, where everyone is welcome, everyone can be natural, and be the best versions of themselves. We recognise that we’re on a journey with regards to diversity and inclusion and would therefore welcome applications for candidates from underrepresented backgrounds. 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.
Workforce & Labour Optimisation Manager in Manchester employer: Sodexo Group
Contact Detail:
Sodexo Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Workforce & Labour Optimisation Manager in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, especially those who work at Sodexo. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info about the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into workforce management systems like UKG Pro WFM. Show us you know your stuff and can hit the ground running!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your storytelling skills. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've optimised workforce planning or improved labour performance in past roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Workforce & Labour Optimisation Manager in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in workforce planning and management. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t just list your skills; demonstrate how you've used them in past roles. If you've worked with systems like UKG Pro WFM or Power BI, share specific examples of how you improved processes or outcomes.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and ensure your key achievements stand out. This helps us see your potential impact quickly!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows your enthusiasm for joining our team at Sodexo.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sodexo Group
✨Know Your Workforce Management Systems
Familiarise yourself with UKG Pro WFM, PowerApps, and Power BI/Fabric. Be ready to discuss how you've used these platforms in the past to drive forecasting accuracy and improve scheduling efficiency.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare examples of how you've translated data into actionable workforce plans. Highlight your problem-solving capabilities and be ready to discuss specific metrics you've improved in previous roles.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you've collaborated with HR, Finance, and Operations in the past. Be prepared to share experiences where you successfully engaged stakeholders to align workforce planning with operational and financial objectives.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Experience
As this role involves leading a small specialist team, come equipped with examples of how you've built high-performing teams. Discuss your approach to fostering a service-oriented culture focused on analytical insight and operational impact.