At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage a high-performing catering team to deliver exceptional food 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: Inclusive workplace with diverse employee networks and a commitment to personal development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment while developing your leadership skills.
- 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)
- 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 Irelands 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.
Business Manager employer: Sodexo
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 continuous improvement, Sodexo provides extensive benefits including wellbeing support, a robust Employee Assistance Programme, and opportunities for professional growth through various learning tools. Join a team that values your contributions and empowers you to thrive while making a meaningful impact in the catering industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the catering and hospitality industry. Attend local events or join online forums where you can meet potential employers or colleagues who might know of openings. Remember, it’s all about who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its values. Understand what Sodexo stands for and how you can contribute to their mission. Tailor your responses to highlight your leadership skills and experience in managing teams and delivering exceptional service.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your achievements! When discussing your past roles, focus on specific examples where you improved service quality or led successful projects. Use metrics to demonstrate your impact, like increased client satisfaction or cost savings.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll find all the latest opportunities and resources to help you land that Business Manager role with us at Sodexo.
We think you need these skills to ace Business Manager
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 tell us why you're passionate about this role and how your background aligns with our values at Sodexo. Be genuine and let your personality come through!
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your past roles, focus on your achievements rather than just responsibilities. Use numbers and examples to illustrate how you've driven improvements or enhanced service quality. We love seeing results!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of success. It’s super easy and ensures your application gets to the right people. Plus, you’ll be one step closer to joining our amazing team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sodexo
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you brush up on your knowledge of food safety, health & safety, and compliance standards. Familiarise yourself with Sodexo's values and how they align with your own experience in catering management.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership and team management abilities. Think about times when you've successfully led a team or improved service delivery, and be ready to discuss these during the interview.
✨Be Data Savvy
Since the role involves monitoring KPIs and financial performance, be prepared to discuss your proficiency with Microsoft Office and data tools like Power BI. Bring examples of how you've used data to drive improvements in past roles.
✨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 team culture. This will show that you're not just looking for a job, but a place where you can contribute and grow.
