Darren's Sodexo journey: from apprenticeship to leadership
As our workplace environment continues to evolve, Sodexo remains committed to nurturing the professional development of our people. One such example is our Corporate Services colleague, Darren Buckley, the DPD Group Deputy General Service Manager for the UK Regions, who recently commenced an apprenticeship.
Darren joined Sodexo in December 2018, and he has steadily climbed the ranks, assuming roles such as Shift Head Chef, Catering Manager and Group Catering Manager before reaching his current position, where he oversees the catering and general services operations for multiple sites. However, Darren's ambition to further enhance his skills and knowledge led him to enrol on the "Facilities Management Level 3" apprenticeship programme, offered in partnership with Grey Seal Academy.
The culinary industry has always captivated me due to its dynamic nature and the endless opportunities for creativity and innovation. The joy of crafting unique dishes and the satisfaction of delighting customers with exceptional dining experiences are what drew me to this field.
Prior to joining Sodexo, Darren had a diverse professional background, honing his skills in various establishments across Staffordshire. He started his career at the age of 17, enrolling in Stafford College, where he developed a solid foundation in basic cookery. He then gained valuable experience in several small restaurants before securing a position at a prestigious two-rosette hotel, where he advanced through the ranks to become a Senior Chef de Partie.
Craving new challenges and broader horizons, Darren then became a chef on a P&O Cruise Ship, where he spent two demanding yet immensely rewarding seasons on a world cruise. This experience not only expanded his culinary repertoire but also tested his resilience and adaptability.
Upon his return to the UK, Darren assumed a Head Chef position at a distinguished one-rosette hotel, where he achieved numerous accolades for the establishment, significantly bolstering his professional reputation. It was also during this period that he began to cultivate his skills in management and mentorship, guiding the next generation of aspiring chefs.
My greatest career achievement so far has been leading a team to win several prestigious awards at a one-rosette hotel, significantly enhancing its reputation and establishing myself as a respected leader in the culinary field.
With a young son to support, Darren's drive for career advancement intensified, fuelling his pursuit of excellence and leadership within the culinary industry. This determination ultimately led him to Sodexo, where he has been working since December 2018.
The apprenticeship programme has been a crucial step in my career progression. Sodexo's unwavering support and guidance throughout this journey have been invaluable, and I am truly grateful for the company's investment in my growth.
The two-year apprenticeship programme provided Darren with a well-rounded curriculum, covering topics such as project management, customer service and operational efficiency – all of which are directly applicable to his day-to-day responsibilities as the DPD Group Deputy General Service Manager.
The alignment between the coursework and my work duties allowed me to seamlessly apply theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios, further solidifying my understanding and enhancing my team's performance.
Darren's manager, Nicky Brown, played a crucial role in supporting him throughout the apprenticeship. "Nicky provided regular feedback on my performance, offered guidance on applying theoretical knowledge to practical tasks, and was flexible with my work schedule to accommodate study time," Darren says. "Her support was invaluable in helping me navigate challenges and stay motivated."
The apprenticeship journey was not without its challenges, however. Balancing work responsibilities, coursework deadlines and personal commitments was, at times, overwhelming. Darren's ability to create a detailed schedule, communicate openly with his manager, and maintain strong organisational skills were key factors in his success.
The most challenging aspect was managing my time effectively. But by proactively planning and staying organised, I was able to overcome these hurdles and excel in my studies.
Darren's increased knowledge has positively impacted his team's performance, leading to improved collaboration, productivity and overall efficiency. For instance, during a project aimed at improving their service delivery process, Darren utilised project management techniques from his coursework, including planning, resource allocation and timeline management, all of which contributed to the project's success.
My increased knowledge has positively impacted my team's performance and efficiency. By applying best practices learned during the apprenticeship, I have been able to streamline processes, enhance communication and implement more effective problem-solving strategies. This has led to improved team collaboration and productivity, ultimately benefiting our overall performance.
This success has further fired up Darren's aspirations within Sodexo, as he now sets his sights on progressing to a senior managerial position where he can continue to lead teams, develop individuals and drive strategic initiatives.
The apprenticeship has been a crucial step in this direction, providing me with the essential skills and knowledge needed to excel. I believe it has also allowed me to demonstrate my commitment to professional development, positioning me as a strong candidate for future advancement opportunities.
Darren's story is indicative of Sodexo's commitment to supporting the professional growth of our colleagues.
I would highly recommend the apprenticeship programme to other Sodexo employees. The programme offers a structured learning experience that is directly applicable to our work, enhancing both personal and professional growth. It provides valuable insights, practical skills, and a support network that can significantly boost your career within the company.
By investing in our people and empowering them to reach their full potential, Sodexo continues to set the standard for excellence in our industry.