Technical Manager- Food

at  Sodexo

Job Introduction
At Sodexo, as a Technical Manager - Food, you are not just a technical expert; you are a strategic thinker and a global influencer. In this role, you will play a vital part in shaping our food category management on a global scale, ensuring that our products are not only fit-for-purpose but also aligned with the highest standards of quality and safety. Your contributions will directly impact the efficiency and effectiveness of our global supply chain, driving cost savings and enhancing the safety and sustainability of our operations.

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.

As a Technical Manager - Food at Sodexo, you will be at the forefront of global food supply management. This is a unique opportunity to influence the product range across multiple regions, engage with diverse stakeholders, and make a significant impact on our business strategy. You’ll have the chance to lead the technical agenda, drive innovation, and optimise our product portfolio, all while working within a dynamic and multicultural environment. This role offers a blend of strategic planning and hands-on implementation, perfect for a professional who thrives on challenges and is passionate about delivering excellence.

What you’ll do:

• Lead the global technical strategy for food categories, working closely with Category Leads and suppliers to design a fit-for-purpose product range.
• Stay updated with regulatory changes, technical trends, and emerging risks that impact our categories, and share insights with stakeholders.
• Drive the harmonisation and optimisation of our product portfolio by collaborating with regional and local teams to ensure operational criteria are met.
• Provide technical expertise and influence the development of category strategies, including supplier selection and management.
• Develop and implement supplier development plans in partnership with the Global Quality and Food Safety Team to ensure compliance with Sodexo’s standards.
• Engage with internal and external stakeholders to build a deep understanding of technical requirements and enhance technical category expertise across the organisation.
• Lead the creation and implementation of processes to ensure that product specifications align with industry standards and Sodexo’s requirements.

What you bring:

• Science background with a minimum of 10 years of experience in the technical field, ideally within food and beverages, quality, safety, or product development.
• Prior experience in supplier quality assurance or category management, with the ability to quickly learn new categories.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, with an excellent eye for detail.
• Outstanding communication, motivation, and influencing skills, particularly in a multicultural environment.
• Proven ability to build effective relationships across different levels and functions within an organisation.
• Resilience under pressure, with the ability to manage changing priorities and make decisions that challenge the status quo.
• Fluency in English is essential; proficiency in another European language is advantageous.
• Willingness to travel internationally up to 25% of the time.

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:

• Flexible and dynamic work environment
• Competitive compensation
• Access to ongoing training and development programs
• Countless opportunities to grow within the compan