Food Services Manager

Sodexo; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job description

You care for our patients. We care for your career. At Sodexo Health and Care, we are committed to providing exceptional food services that enhance the patient experience and support hospital staff. As our Food Services Manager, you’ll play a key role in ensuring high-quality patient meals and retail catering at Colchester Hospital.

You’ll lead food production, compliance, and service delivery, working closely with our teams to maintain excellence in patient and retail dining. This is an exciting opportunity to make a real difference in healthcare catering while driving efficiency and innovation. At Sodexo Health & Care, we provide world-class facilities management solutions that enhance patient experiences and support the vital work of the NHS.

This role is critical in ensuring the seamless delivery of high-quality patient and retail food services, maintaining compliance with food safety regulations, and driving continuous improvement to enhance the overall dining experience. This position is an exciting brand-new role which you can really make your own! You’ll be part of a global organisation committed to making a real difference in healthcare environments. Join us and be part of something greater. You belong in a team where you can act with purpose and thrive in your own way.

Main Responsibilities

What you'll do:

1. Lead and manage the patient and retail catering services to deliver high standards of food quality, safety, and customer satisfaction.
2. Oversee daily operations to ensure smooth service, efficient food production, and compliance with food safety regulations.
3. Work closely with ward hosts and the Hotel Services team to enhance patient meal experiences.
4. Manage budgets, stock control, and cost-saving initiatives to drive financial performance.
5. Ensure compliance with HACCP, food hygiene, and health & safety standards.
6. Conduct service audits and track key performance indicators (KPIs) to maintain quality and efficiency.
7. Provide training and development opportunities for catering staff to enhance skills and performance.
8. Handle complaints and service improvements, working with hospital staff to meet patient needs.
9. Monitor menu planning and food wastage to optimise resources and sustainability.
10. Champion Sodexo values and service excellence, fostering a positive and collaborative team environment.

For a full list of responsibilities please view the attached job description.

The Ideal Candidate

What you bring:

1. A minimum of Food Safety Level 4.
2. Proven experience of leading a team within a service environment.
3. Proven experience of managing operations within a catering service.
4. Ability to communicate effectively with team members and line manager.
5. Experience of delivering relevant training, using company guidelines.
6. Understanding of relevant Health & Safety, Employment and other legislative requirements.
7. Experience of implementation and adherence to HACCP.
8. Strong attention to detail and adherence to standards.
9. Proven IT skills.
10. Ability to deal with stressful situations with a flexible approach to the role.
11. Analyse problems, develop opportunities and implement innovative solutions.

What we offer

£35,000pa - £38,500pa + excellent bonus and benefits. 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:

1. Great sites to work on.
2. Competitive compensation.
3. Access to ongoing training and development programs.
4. Countless opportunities to grow within the company.

We also offer Sodexo Discounts site promoting discounted mobile phone tariffs, savings across restaurant chains and days out, where you and your family can save money on everything from your weekly food shop to the latest cinema blockbuster and much more!

Ready to be part of something greater? Apply today!

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.