Carly's career progression with Sodexo

Life at Sodexo
Published on Mar. 13, 2025

Carly Grattage's career journey began in catering, a path she chose straight from school. Starting at Alton Towers and then developing her skills in restaurants and pubs, she quickly gained valuable experience and began accumulating qualifications, driven by an innate desire to learn and progress.

While she thrived in the dynamic environment, the demanding hours eventually led her to seek a better work-life balance. This search brought her to the sector of care homes, where she further refined her culinary expertise and ultimately achieved the position of Head Chef. However, she soon realised that her potential for growth within that setting was limited. That's when she discovered Sodexo, opening up a world of possibilities she had never envisioned.

In 2019, Carly joined Sodexo at Nuffield Health, initially unaware of the company's impressive scope and the diverse opportunities it offered. Starting as a Chef, she immediately immersed herself in the role, showcasing her passion for creating delicious food and enhancing the dining experience. Eager to contribute beyond the kitchen, she proactively shadowed the Head Chef, absorbing knowledge and insights, and quickly earned a reputation for her dedication and proactive approach. Within six months, her hard work and enthusiasm were rewarded with a promotion to Head Chef.

This new role ignited a passion in Carly, fuelling her desire to make a real difference. This was particularly evident during the challenging times of the Covid-19 pandemic. As Head Chef, Carly and her team faced unprecedented pressure when they began serving not only the 38 patients at Nuffield Health, but also an additional 100 NHS staff members who required free meals. With staff furloughed and strict Covid-19 regulations to adhere to, Carly’s adaptability and strong work ethic shone through as she navigated these difficult circumstances, ensuring that everyone was fed and cared for. This experience not only instilled a sense of pride but also revealed her natural leadership abilities. It was a pivotal moment, solidifying her sense of belonging at Sodexo and setting the stage for further growth.

"It just made me feel proud of myself that I was actually doing something. It was what I enjoyed. It's what I missed from the care home because it just… I couldn't go any further, but I knew with this, I could go further."

CarlySodexo apprentice

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As her love for kitchen management evolved, Carly began to explore new avenues for growth within Sodexo. When the Business Manager position became available, she seized the opportunity with steady determination. Preparing a compelling presentation that showcased her achievements, including team recruitment and process improvements, Carly demonstrated her commitment to the company and her ability to excel in a new capacity. Her experience, enthusiasm and firm support from her mentors shone through, securing her the position.

Carly's success has been significantly aided by the opportunities for development she's found here. Access to a variety of courses and qualifications, from Level 3 Food Safety and Supervision to a Level 5 Diploma in Departmental Operational Management, has allowed her to continually expand her skillset. She’s now pursuing a Level 3 Safety, Health and Environment Technician qualification, showing her ambition and the chance she's been given to move into health and safety. Carly is particularly grateful for the guidance and encouragement she has received from her line manager and other key individuals. These mentors have played a crucial role, providing support, advice and connections that have broadened her understanding of what's possible within the company. This supportive environment has allowed her to thrive and grow.

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"I have had so much support with Sodexo. Helping me through all these courses, especially my line manager who's helping me with everything. He's pointing me in the right direction. That's what I want to be, I want to be that person that they look up to knowing that they can probably get as far as me."

CarlySodexo apprentice

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Carly's story is an inspiration, demonstrating that with hard work, dedication and the right support system, the possibilities for growth and achievement are endless.

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