At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic catering team and ensure top-notch food quality and service.
- Company: Join Sodexo, a global leader in improving Quality of Life services.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, wellbeing support, discounts, and career growth opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive team that values diversity and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while developing your leadership skills in a vibrant environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in catering management and strong leadership abilities 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)
Desirable Qualifications:
- 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 your 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 whilst 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 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, 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.
Sodexo reserves the right to close this advert early if we are in receipt of a high number of applications.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Manager - Derry/Londonderry
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Sodexo Ireland. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Sodexo Ireland
Don't be shy about reaching out to Sodexo Ireland directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Business Manager - Derry/Londonderry
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Sodexo Ireland and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sodexo Ireland
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
