Head of Workforce Strategy

Sodexo France; Manchester; On-site; GBP 125,000 - GBP 150,000; Full time

Job description

About the Role

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’ll 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 can be based in either the UK or the Republic of Ireland and 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.

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.