Food Deployment Manager

Job Introduction

• 40 hours per week
• Monday to Friday, with occasional evening or weekends
• £50,000 per annum
• 6 Months FTC
• Sodexo rewards and benefits

Job Introduction

We’re looking for an experienced and innovative Food Development Manager to lead a high-performing contract team and drive the next generation of catering services across multiple London sites.

This is a pivotal role supporting both current contract performance and the rebid of a major catering contract, delivering exceptional food services from cafés and restaurants to vending and retail, while ensuring compliance, innovation, and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities -

• Lead the contract team to deliver excellence in food services, compliance, and client satisfaction.

• Drive rebid activities for new catering contracts.

• Develop innovative, seasonal menus aligned with sustainability, budget, and client goals.

• Ensure food safety, H&S, and contract compliance across all sites.

• Collaborate with clients, stakeholders, and suppliers to implement change and continuous improvement.

• Manage financial performance, risk, and reporting for contracts and bids.

Accountabilities

• Successful delivery of the next-generation contract bid .

• Foster a culture of operational excellence within the team and across sites.

• Deliver financial objectives – profit, cost control, and identify growth opportunities.

• Support team performance through effective people management and change programmes.

• Maintain H&S performance and compliance standards across all operations.

What you bring:

Essential:

• Proven experience in food development and large-scale catering mobilisation.
• Strong leadership and stakeholder management skills.
• Excellent knowledge of food safety, health & safety, and compliance standards.
• Ability to manage bids, budgets, and complex multi-site operations.
• Confident communicator and strategic thinker with a flair for innovation.
• Proficient in MS 365 and Power BI.

Desirable:

• Experience in bid writing or project management (PRINCE2, MSP).

• Soft FM experience (catering, hospitality, cleaning).

• Food safety or IOSH qualifications.

What we offer:

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:

• Mental health & wellbeing support
• Employee Assistance Programme for personal, legal, and financial advice
• 24/7 virtual GP & lifestyle rewards
• Discounts for you & family
• Financial tools & retirement plan
• Cycle to Work & Paid volunteering day

Ready to be part of something greater?