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- Tasks: Lead a dynamic catering team to deliver exceptional food experiences in a prestigious school.
- Company: Join the UK's top contract catering provider, dedicated to student wellbeing and excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary of £50,000 plus great benefits and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a lasting impact in education while driving performance and innovation in catering.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing large-scale operations and seven-figure budgets is essential.
- Other info: This role offers a unique chance to lead in a high-expectation environment.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 58000 £ per year.
Contract Catering - Education Sector
Dorset - SW England
Salary: £50,000 + great benefits
About the Role
We are recruiting on behalf of the UK's leading contract catering provider managing services at a prestigious independent boarding school in Dorset. The school is known for its excellence in education and commitment to student wellbeing—and food plays a central role in supporting that mission. As the Catering General Manager, you will oversee all catering operations (internal and external/commercial business), leading a well-established team of 40 staff in delivering an exceptional food experience. With revenues exceeding £2 million, this is a significant leadership role with full operational and financial accountability. You'll be empowered to drive performance, develop your team, and ensure the service reflects the high standards and values of the school. This is a rare opportunity for a commercially astute, dynamic leader to make a lasting impact in a prestigious educational environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the catering team across the school, ensuring consistently high standards of food quality, presentation, and service.
- Manage and control a multi-million-pound budget, ensuring financial efficiency and accountability.
- Provide strategic leadership across staffing, operations, and client engagement.
- Guide and mentor managers and team members to build a motivated, customer-focused culture.
- Maintain strong relationships with school leadership and stakeholders, aligning catering services with their expectations.
- Drive commercial performance through cost control, innovation, and proactive management.
Requirements
- Proven experience as a General Manager within a large-scale education site, cluster, or multi-site operation in hospitality or contract catering.
- Track record of managing seven-figure budgets and large, diverse teams.
- Strong commercial acumen with a results-driven mindset—you understand cost control and business performance.
- Exceptional forward-thinking leadership & people management skills.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement abilities.
- Highly organised, adaptable, and able to thrive in a high-expectation environment.
Catering General Manager employer: Off To Work
Contact Detail:
Off To Work Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Catering General Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific needs and values of the educational institution you're applying to. Research their mission, vision, and any recent initiatives they have undertaken in terms of catering and student wellbeing. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and demonstrate your alignment with their goals.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the education catering sector. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with others who may have insights into the role or the organisation. Building these relationships can provide you with valuable information and potentially lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience managing large teams and budgets in detail. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've driven performance and improved service quality in previous roles. This will showcase your leadership skills and commercial acumen, which are crucial for this position.
✨Tip Number 4
Demonstrate your understanding of current trends in catering, especially within the education sector. Be prepared to discuss innovative ideas you could implement to enhance the dining experience for students while maintaining financial efficiency. This shows that you are forward-thinking and committed to continuous improvement.
We think you need these skills to ace Catering General Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in managing large teams and budgets, particularly in the education or hospitality sectors. Use specific examples to demonstrate your leadership skills and financial acumen.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for food service in educational settings. Discuss how your values align with the school's commitment to student wellbeing and how you can contribute to their mission.
Highlight Relevant Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on achievements that showcase your ability to manage multi-million-pound budgets and lead diverse teams. Quantify your successes where possible to make a stronger impact.
Prepare for Potential Questions: Anticipate questions related to your management style, budget control, and how you would handle challenges in a high-expectation environment. Prepare thoughtful responses that reflect your strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities.
How to prepare for a job interview at Off To Work
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Catering General Manager, you'll be leading a large team. Be prepared to discuss your leadership style and provide examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past. Highlight any specific strategies you've used to motivate staff and maintain high standards.
✨Demonstrate Financial Acumen
Since you'll be managing a multi-million-pound budget, it's crucial to showcase your financial management skills. Prepare to discuss your experience with budgeting, cost control, and how you've driven commercial performance in previous roles.
✨Align with the School's Values
Research the school and its values before the interview. Be ready to explain how your vision for catering aligns with their commitment to student wellbeing and excellence in education. This will show that you're not just looking for a job, but are genuinely interested in contributing to their mission.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and decision-making skills. Think about challenges you've faced in previous roles, particularly in high-pressure environments, and how you overcame them. This will demonstrate your adaptability and forward-thinking approach.
