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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design and execution of workforce strategy to optimise our team.
- Company: Join Sodexo, a global leader in improving Quality of Life services.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, annual incentives, car allowance, and 20+ additional benefits.
- Why this job: Shape workforce planning and make a real impact in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Senior experience in workforce management and strong analytical skills required.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace committed to diversity and personal growth.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
We are looking for a Head of Workforce Strategy to lead the design, development, and execution of our workforce and labour strategy. This is a high impact, enterprise level role which will shape how we plan, forecast, deploy, and optimise our workforce so we have the right people, in the right place, at the right time, and at the right cost. Operating in a dynamic, multi sector environment, you will translate organisational priorities, service models, and demand signals into robust short, medium, and long term workforce plans. As our senior authority on workforce strategy, you will champion predictive, insight led labour planning and position workforce management as a core commercial and operational enabler. This is an opportunity for a strategic thinker and strong operator to lead high-impact transformation, embed consistent planning practices, and uplift capability across a complex organisation. This role is primarily home based with business travel, as required.
Main Responsibilities
- Define and deliver a clear enterprise workforce and labour strategy aligned to organisational goals.
- Lead a high performing workforce strategy team, working collaboratively across HR, Operations, Finance, Technology, and Transformation.
- Lead end to end workforce planning, including forecasting, capacity modelling, scheduling, and deployment.
- Champion the effective use of workforce management and data analysis tools (UKG Pro WFM, Microsoft Fabric, Power BI, etc.) to improve forecasting accuracy and scheduling efficiency.
- Identify opportunities to optimise labour performance, productivity, utilisation, and cost to serve.
- Build planning capability, drive consistent standards, and embed modern workforce management practices.
The Ideal Candidate
Essential
- Senior level experience in workforce management, labour planning, or workforce strategy in a complex, geographically dispersed and diverse operational context.
- Deep knowledge of workforce management platforms such as UKG Pro WFM, with proven ability to leverage forecasting, scheduling, and optimisation tools.
- Strong analytical capability; able to turn complex workforce data into actionable insight and executive level recommendations.
- A track record of defining strategy and leading teams in workforce planning, labour optimisation, or operational performance enablement.
- Credibility and influence with senior stakeholders across HR, Operations, Finance, and Technology.
- Experience driving transformation, capability uplift, or large scale change programmes.
Desirable:
- Hands on experience implementing or enhancing UKG Pro WFM or similar WFM technology.
- Experience in multi site, multi sector, or contract based operating models.
- Familiarity with large, matrixed, decentralised organisations.
Package Description
The role attracts a competitive basic salary, 15% annual incentive plan, £5,000 car allowance and £1,300 flexible benefit fund. 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.
About The Company
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.
Head of Workforce Strategy in Manchester employer: Sodexo
Contact Detail:
Sodexo Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Workforce Strategy in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. A personal recommendation can go a long way in landing that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company inside out. Understand their workforce strategy and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what they’re about.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your answers and boost your confidence. The more comfortable you are, the better you'll perform when it counts.
✨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, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Workforce Strategy 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 management and strategy. We want to see how your skills align with our needs, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: Since this role involves a lot of data analysis, be sure to include examples of how you've turned complex data into actionable insights. We love seeing candidates who can demonstrate their analytical prowess!
Highlight Leadership Experience: As a senior role, we’re looking for someone who can lead teams effectively. Share your experiences in leading workforce strategy teams and driving transformation initiatives. We want to know how you’ve made an impact!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sodexo
✨Know Your Workforce Strategy Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the specifics of workforce strategy. Familiarise yourself with key concepts like forecasting, capacity modelling, and scheduling. Be ready to discuss how you would align these strategies with organisational goals, as this will show your understanding of the role's impact.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to demonstrate your analytical capabilities by discussing past experiences where you've turned complex workforce data into actionable insights. Bring examples of how you've used tools like UKG Pro WFM or Power BI to improve forecasting accuracy and scheduling efficiency.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Highlight your experience in collaborating with senior stakeholders across various departments. Think of specific instances where you've influenced decision-making or driven transformation initiatives. This will showcase your credibility and ability to work in a multi-sector environment.
✨Emphasise Your Leadership Experience
As a Head of Workforce Strategy, leading a high-performing team is crucial. Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you've successfully managed teams in the past. Share examples of how you've uplifted capability and embedded consistent planning practices within an organisation.
