Food Director - Be Part of Our Future Growth

Job Introduction

As the Food Director, you will play a central role in driving the strategic, commercial and operational success of our food offering across the UK&I region. Reporting directly to the Executive Leadership Team, you will provide essential consumer, market and category insight to inform decision‑making and ensure our food strategy aligns with broader business and brand priorities.

In this role, you will lead the development and delivery of our food vision and growth plans, ensuring key initiatives, innovation pipelines and operational programmes are executed effectively and deliver measurable impact. You will oversee the coordination, management and quality assurance of food development and operational workstreams, supporting the delivery of best‑in‑class customer experiences while proactively identifying opportunities to elevate quality, strengthen competitiveness and expand our proposition.

Join Sodexo and be part of something greater. You belong in a team where you can act with purpose and thrive in your own way.

For more information on Sodexo Careers please visit Sodexo Careers  

Main Responsibilities 

• Strategic Thinker: Able to translate consumer insight, category trends and commercial priorities into clear food strategy and actionable development plans 

• Customer‑Centric Leader: Builds strong, trusted relationships with internal stakeholders, suppliers and culinary teams, confidently representing the food vision in high‑stakes discussions 

• Commercially Astute: Understands P&L drivers, cost structures, pricing and margin management, with a strong ability to identify growth opportunities and optimise commercial performance 

• Strong Operational & Programme Leader: Skilled at overseeing complex food development, innovation and operational programmes, ensuring quality, consistency and delivery excellence across multiple sites or channels 

• Collaborative Influencer: Works seamlessly with operations, supply chain, marketing, procurement and culinary teams, bringing people together to deliver cohesive, high‑impact food propositions 

• Calm Under Pressure: Thrives in fast‑paced environments, navigating operational challenges and market shifts with resilience, clarity and sound judgement 

• Team Developer: Passionate about mentoring chefs, managers and food development teams, fostering a culture of creativity, accountability and continuous improvement 

• Excellent Communicator: Articulate, persuasive and confident in presenting concepts, leading tastings, influencing senior stakeholders and simplifying complexity across the organisation 

• Proactive & Innovation‑Focused: Naturally curious, always scanning the market for emerging trends, new techniques and opportunities to elevate the food offer and strengthen competitive advantages, fostering capability, collaboration and continuous improvement across the client service function

 The Ideal Candidate 

• Senior Food Leadership: Brings extensive experience in food, hospitality or retail, with a strong record in shaping food strategy and elevating product quality 

• Commercially Sharp: Combines strong commercial awareness with deep understanding of consumer behaviour, category trends and competitive dynamics 

• Operationally Strong: Confident leading large‑scale food operations, translating complex culinary, operational and commercial data into clear, actionable direction 

• Influential Communicator: Builds trust quickly, manages senior stakeholders effectively and collaborates seamlessly across operations, supply chain, marketing and finance 

• Cross‑Functional Leader: Comfortable driving innovation, optimisation and large‑scale food initiatives, aligning chefs, suppliers and operational teams behind shared goals 

• Quality‑Driven: Thrives in environments where consistency, customer experience and high standards are essential, bringing clarity, creativity and sound judgement to every challenge

Package Description

Competitive Salary + bonus + car allowance + 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 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. 

For further details regarding our Sodexo benefits please see attached.  

Ready to be part of something greater? Apply today! 

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.