The role of a Sodexo Facility Manager is critical in ensuring the smooth operation and maintenance of commercial or residential properties. As a Facility Manager, you oversee everything from building maintenance, safety compliance, vendor management, to budget control and team leadership. With an average salary ranging between £35,000 to £45,000 per year in the UK, this role offers a rewarding career path with opportunities to grow within one of the world’s leading facilities management companies.
If you’re preparing for a Sodexo Facility Manager interview, understanding the type of questions you might face and how to answer them confidently can make all the difference. Drawing on over 25 years of experience in UK career coaching, I, Jerry Frempong, have put together 25 fully explained interview questions and answers tailored specifically to this role. These include opening questions, competency-based questions using the STAR model, and closing questions, alongside important do’s and don’ts to boost your chances of success.
1. Tell me about yourself.
This common opener helps interviewers get to know you. Keep it relevant to the Facility Manager role.
Answer: “I have over eight years’ experience in facilities management, focusing on operational efficiency, team leadership, and cost management. I’m passionate about maintaining high standards of safety and service, which aligns well with Sodexo’s values.”
2. What do you know about Sodexo?
Demonstrate company knowledge and enthusiasm.
Answer: “Sodexo is a global leader in integrated facilities management, committed to quality service and sustainability. I admire its focus on employee well-being and community impact.”
3. Why do you want to work as a Facility Manager at Sodexo?
Show alignment of your skills with their mission.
Answer: “I want to contribute to Sodexo’s reputation for excellence by bringing my strong organisational skills and experience in managing multi-site facilities efficiently.”
4. How do you prioritise maintenance tasks?
This question assesses your organisational skills.
Answer: “I assess tasks based on urgency, safety implications, and operational impact, ensuring compliance with regulations and minimal disruption.”
5. Describe a time you managed a challenging project.
Competency question using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
Answer: “At my previous job, I inherited a site with outdated HVAC systems (Situation). My task was to upgrade the system within a tight budget (Task). I negotiated with suppliers for discounts, phased the project in stages, and coordinated closely with the engineering team (Action). This resulted in a 20% energy saving and improved tenant satisfaction (Result).”
6. How do you handle vendor relationships?
Focus on communication and negotiation skills.
Answer: “I establish clear expectations, regularly review performance metrics, and maintain open communication to foster partnerships that align with company standards.”
7. What experience do you have with health and safety compliance?
A key part of the Facility Manager role.
Answer: “I have led multiple safety audits, ensured all teams completed mandatory training, and implemented corrective actions to maintain full compliance with UK regulations.”
8. How do you manage a team of diverse staff?
Focus on leadership and inclusivity.
Answer: “I promote open communication, recognise individual strengths, and encourage continuous professional development to build a cohesive, motivated team.”
9. Can you explain your experience with budget management?
Demonstrate financial acumen.
Answer: “I have managed annual maintenance budgets up to £500,000, implementing cost-saving initiatives while maintaining quality standards.”
10. How do you respond to unexpected facility emergencies?
Show problem-solving under pressure.
Answer: “I follow an established emergency protocol, communicate promptly with stakeholders, and mobilise resources efficiently to resolve issues quickly.”
11. Describe a time you improved operational efficiency.
Another STAR answer example.
Answer: “I identified redundant cleaning schedules (Situation), proposed a revised rota with leaner resource allocation (Task), trained staff on new procedures and monitored results (Action). This led to a 15% reduction in labour costs (Result).”
12. What software tools are you familiar with?
Mention relevant CMMS or FM software.
Answer: “I am proficient in CAFM systems like Archibus and FM:Systems, as well as Microsoft Office Suite for reporting and data analysis.”
13. How do you stay updated with industry trends?
Show commitment to professional development.
Answer: “I regularly attend industry conferences, subscribe to FM journals, and participate in relevant training courses.”
14. What motivates you in your role?
Personal insight.
Answer: “I’m motivated by delivering safe, comfortable environments that positively impact clients and users.”
15. Tell me about a time you had to manage conflicting priorities.
STAR response recommended.
Answer: “During a power outage and urgent maintenance request simultaneously (Situation), I delegated teams, prioritised safety and communication (Task and Action), ensuring minimal downtime (Result).”
16. How do you ensure excellent customer service?
Show customer focus.
Answer: “I regularly engage with clients to understand their needs, train staff on service excellence, and respond promptly to feedback.”
17. Describe a difficult decision you made in a previous role.
STAR format works well here.
Answer: “I had to decide to replace a longstanding supplier due to poor service (Situation). I evaluated alternatives, communicated transparently with all stakeholders (Action), resulting in improved service levels and cost savings (Result).”
18. How do you handle feedback, both positive and negative?
Self-awareness question.
Answer: “I welcome feedback as an opportunity to learn, acknowledging strengths and addressing weaknesses constructively.”
19. What qualities make a great Facility Manager?
Your understanding of the role.
Answer: “Strong leadership, excellent organisational skills, technical knowledge, communication, and adaptability.”
20. How do you approach sustainability in facilities management?
Growing focus area.
Answer: “I implement energy-efficient solutions, promote waste reduction, and ensure compliance with environmental standards.”
21. What would you do if you noticed a safety hazard that others ignored?
Test of integrity and initiative.
Answer: “I would immediately report the hazard, ensure it is clearly marked, and work with the team to resolve it swiftly.”
22. How do you manage subcontractors?
Vendor management detail.
Answer: “I set clear contracts, monitor performance closely, and maintain regular communication to ensure quality delivery.”
23. What steps do you take when preparing for an audit?
Attention to detail.
Answer: “I review compliance documentation, conduct internal checks, and train staff to be audit-ready.”
24. Why should Sodexo hire you as their Facility Manager?
Your pitch.
Answer: “My combination of experience, proactive approach, and commitment to excellence aligns perfectly with Sodexo’s high standards.”
25. Do you have any questions for us?
Opportunity to show interest and engagement.
Answer: “Can you tell me more about the team I’d be working with and how success is measured in this role?”
Interview Coaching Encouragement and Tips
Preparing for a Sodexo Facility Manager interview requires more than just knowing answers. Use the STAR method to structure your responses: clearly describe the Situation, your Task, the Actions you took, and the Results achieved. This approach helps you communicate your experience in a clear, compelling way.
Remember to research Sodexo’s culture and values thoroughly — showing cultural fit is as important as technical ability. Practice common questions and don’t forget to prepare your own questions; it demonstrates your genuine interest.
Do’s include dressing professionally, arriving early, maintaining eye contact, and listening actively. Don’ts are speaking negatively about past employers, giving vague answers, or interrupting the interviewer. Above all, stay calm, confident, and authentic.
For additional support, consider booking a session with an interview coach who can guide you through tailored interview training techniques and strategies. Whether it’s practising mock interviews or refining your communication, expert interview coaching can significantly boost your chances of success.
Good luck on your Sodexo Facility Manager journey — you’ve got this!
