Marquis’ story: 26 years of milestones and memories


I started working during my college days and I was ready to work my way up. I knew each step would teach me something and every role would help me along the career path. Of course there would be challenges along the way, but I’ve always believed those moments teach you the most. They help you to build new skills, gain confidence and learn from your weaknesses.
I wanted to experience another country and culture so travelled from the Philippines to France, spending two years working in a restaurant. I was having a chat with a friend who was working as a food service operations manager for Sodexo and they suggested I try out for a position with the company back home in the Philippines. I thought it was a great chance to expand my skills, and although I wasn’t hired for the food-based role I’d applied for, I was offered a move into a facilities coordinator role at an international pharmaceutical client contract in Taguig City.
It was a new area for me and there were gaps in my knowledge, but my line manager gave great guidance. It didn’t take long for me to see that Sodexo was a company that valued people, and I wanted to be part of it.
With each move I became more involved in other parts of the business. One highlight was a meet and greet in Singapore with Sodexo clients and facilities professionals, and I also supported with mobilizations during the pandemic.
In 2022, I started my current role, as general services manager for a different international FMCG organization account in the Philippines. I look after three sites: one HQ and two factories which are up there with the largest of this company’s manufacturing sites worldwide.
We provide cleaning, reception, mail, vending and technical services to around 2,000 people. Day to day, you’ll find me on the factory floor – supporting visits, inspections and toolbox meetings, and then back in the office putting my ‘strategy hat’ on and working with the clients to keep our service at its best, while looking at future growth plans.
I’ve found my ‘happy place’ as a general service manager. It gives me this great balance; working directly with people and managing the operational side. I can support my team members one on one and make the workplace experience the best it can be – for them and our clients.