Norman’s story: thriving on teamwork

Mar. 12, 2026

Norman SchoberKey Accounts Manager, Sodexo Global Strategic Accounts

My Sodexo career started in 2011, and if you’d asked me then where I’d be today, I couldn’t have guessed.

From my first role as a chef at Frankfurt Airport to Key Account Manager for several Global Strategic Accounts in Germany has been quite a journey, and I think that sums up what working for Sodexo means to me. It’s a company full of opportunity and there are no doors closed when it comes to personal and professional development if you’re willing to go the extra mile.

From school age, I always wanted to be a cook and that’s what I trained for. After finishing my training, I spent some time travelling then returned to Germany to settle in Frankfurt. My catering career kickstarted with jobs in hotels and restaurants but the evening and weekend shifts didn’t really fit with home life. Through friends, I heard about Sodexo and I haven’t looked back.

Working together as one team

From my starting chef role, I’ve enjoyed working my way up, with periods as sous chef, deputy head chef, kitchen manager, gastronomic director, service manager and project manager across key international pharmaceutical contracts.

The common thread has always been the strong sense of teamwork. At one point I was part of a small team of 40 who provided a full FM service, and everyone was trained to do each other’s roles and cover sickness and holidays. It’s one of our hallmarks. We’re flexible and really support each other.

You build solid relationships over time, and my teams have all given me something back, to help me develop as a manager. Although I’m in a managerial role now, you will still find me in the kitchen if I’m needed, preparing food or manning the dishwasher. We’re working as one; there’s no hierarchy to me.

Sodexo creates a great working environment for its employees and actively encourages people to develop and grow. That’s something that’s pushed me on in my own career. It’s how I approach my leadership with my teams – giving people the same opportunities to take the next step is important.

Sharing knowledge and strengths

As Key Accounts Manager, I look after teams providing services at a collection of our international contracts, responsible for more than 260 Sodexo employees serving 6,500 people every day. New business tenders and contract renewals are part of my role too. I always make sure I’m there with the team during mobilizations. There have been challenges along the way – my English needed improvement and the increase in travel was new – but it’s been an exciting path so far.

I have 126 locations in my remit and there’s an amazing spirit of collaboration. I thrive on that. Being able to meet colleagues at every level of the organization face to face and have a lively and regular exchange is energizing. We can feed off each other’s knowledge, share our highlights and benchmarks with each other and draw on the strengths of the wider team. Everyone has a different background.

The freedom to think innovatively

Sodexo is an innovative business, pushing new technologies and challenging ourselves to be different. I love the freedom that gives me. I can work independently, manage my own schedule and drive innovations that inspire me, things like sustainability initiatives or accessibility issues.

Requirements can change quickly, and we need to be a strong partner for our customers – not only reacting but being proactive in working together to create flexible solutions long term.

The catering landscape is evolving and we’re keeping up the pace. Not just in tracking food trends, but with digital innovation, both customer-facing and in the kitchen. The Everyday app allows customers to view our menus on the move, pre-order and collect. Behind the scenes, innovations like WasteWatch are helping us fulfill our commitments to reducing food waste. There’s always a positive sense of momentum.

Where could I be in another 15 years’ time? Right now, I’m happy where I am. At the same time, it’s good to know what’s possible and the potential is there for your career to move at pace. That’s the strength of being part of a large and forward-thinking global organization.

Find out more about a career with Sodexo!

Read Norman's story in German

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Norman’s story: thriving on teamwork

Working together as one team

Sharing knowledge and strengths

The freedom to think innovatively

Read Norman's story in German

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