We ensure you're rewarded for all your hard work, which is why we offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes but is not limited to:
Free meals
Free on-site gym
Free onsite swimming pool access
Subsidised car parking
Contributory pension scheme
Grow your career with our Career Pathways and MyLearning programmes
Quick access for you and your immediate family to a Digital GP, and wider healthcare benefits
Exclusive travel discounts with TUI, Expedia, Booking.com and many more
Save money on your food shop with discounts on Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrisons and many more
Up to 44% off cinema tickets to enjoy your favourite blockbuster
Receive cash rewards every time you spend and use them on a wide range of brands
Un-wind with us with free wellness, mindfulness and exercise classes
You can share all discounts and offers with your friends and families
The Role
We are looking for an experienced Catering Manager to lead a diverse catering operation across cafés, restaurants, retail outlets and hospitality services. This is a highly visible role, combining operational leadership, people development, commercial performance and client engagement in a fast-paced university environment.
You'll play a key role in shaping customer experience, developing teams and driving standards across multiple outlets while working collaboratively with the senior leadership team.
Key Responsibilities
Operational Leadership
Manage day-to-day catering operations across cafés, restaurants, retail outlets and hospitality services
Ensure consistently high standards of food quality and customer service in line with Chartwells standards
Deliver menu implementation, promotions and seasonal offers in line with Compass Group guidelines
Work closely with peers, the Operations Manager and Contract Director to share best practice and build a strong, collaborative team culture
People Management
Lead, coach and develop catering teams, creating a positive and inclusive working environment
Manage HR processes including rotas, performance reviews, return-to-work meetings and recruitment support
Ensure staffing levels meet operational demands while effectively managing labour costs
Process staff timesheets and payroll accurately and on time using company systems
Health, Safety & Compliance
Ensure full compliance with food safety legislation, allergen management, HACCP and Health & Safety policies
Maintain excellent hygiene standards across all front- and back-of-house areas
Carry out regular audits and implement corrective actions where required
Promote a strong health and safety culture, including PPE and process compliance
Financial & Commercial Performance
Manage budgets, forecasting, stock control and cost efficiencies to achieve financial targets
Analyse sales data and introduce initiatives to drive revenue and increase student and staff engagement
Manage supplier relationships, ordering processes and waste-reduction initiatives
Support the senior team to deliver strong commercial outcomes and an outstanding customer experience
Client & Stakeholder Engagement
Build and maintain strong relationships with university partners, student representatives and internal Compass stakeholders
Attend and lead regular team and peer meetings
Respond effectively to customer feedback, escalating where appropriate
Support university events, open days and bespoke hospitality requirements
About You
Essential
Proven experience managing a large, busy retail catering outlet or multiple outlets
Strong commitment to delivering excellent customer service
Passion for creating and sustaining a positive team culture
Organised, pragmatic and able to adapt to changing priorities
Solid understanding of line management and HR processes
Ability to work under pressure while maintaining attention to detail
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
You'll also be:
A natural people-person, confident engaging with students and senior stakeholders alike
A role model for honesty, respect and fairness
Commercially aware, with experience managing budgets and driving revenue
Flexible and adaptable within a dynamic university environment
Desirable
Experience using OurTime or a similar system
Background in contract catering or large operational teams
Strong interest in food & beverage, retail and events
About Us
As part of Compass you'll help to feed people, fuel progress and forge connections in around 6,000 venues. Join us to grow your career with the industry leader, and get competitive pay, great perks and unrivalled opportunities for learning and development, at one of the UK's biggest businesses.
Job Reference: com/0501/91076001/52781946/SU #Universities & Colleges
Compass Group UK&I is committed to fostering an environment where every individual can truly be themselves at work and has equal opportunities to advance in their careers. We strive to build a culture that respects and celebrates the unique talents, beliefs, backgrounds, and abilities of all our team members. We want our colleagues to feel valued, empowered to reach their full potential, and to thrive - because diversity is our strength!
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