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- Tasks: Lead contract catering operations and ensure top-notch service for museum visitors.
- Company: Join the Science Museum Group, a leading institution inspiring millions with science and culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy 27 days annual leave, health insurance, flexible work policies, and great discounts.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission-driven team that values diversity and inspires future generations.
- Qualifications: Experience in contract catering, strong organisational skills, and knowledge of food safety required.
- Other info: Fortnightly travel to the Science & Industry Museum in Manchester is part of the role.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
Do you have good experience in contract catering operations? Can you oversee the highest standards of service for our visitors and ensure targets are met?
About us
Science Museum Group's (SMG) Enterprises is an integral, profit-making function, allowing our museums to keep our collections accessible whilst investing in our cultural offer and customer experience. We aim to inspire visitors with award-winning exhibitions, iconic objects and stories of incredible scientific achievement. Our museums' world-class collection will allow you to work in distinctive and truly remarkable settings. The Visitor Catering department across our sites serve over 5m visitors and generates over £1m in profit through various catering partners.
About the role
To support this work, we are now seeking a Contract Catering Manager to join us on a permanent basis at the Science Museum in London, with fortnightly travel also to the Science & Industry Museum (SIM) in Manchester. The Contract Catering Manager is the link between SMG and one of our catering partners (Benugo). In this role, you will be responsible for ensuring our catering income targets are both achieved and exceeded, and that the highest quality of food and service is provided at both the Science Museum and SIM, working closely with Benugo.
About you
Joining us, you will bring significant experience in contract catering operations and will be comfortable monitoring contractual agreements and managing performance against KPIs, in particular sales and service levels. You will bring experience in running Health & Safety audits, mystery shopping and competitor analysis along with a knowledge of Food Safety legislation and best practice. The ability to build strong working relationships with stakeholders will be essential, along with high level of organisational and time management skills, with a keen eye for detail.
Don’t feel you meet all the criteria? We welcome you to apply even if your experience doesn’t match directly. With your transferable skills, you could be the right candidate for this, or other opportunities that we have.
What we offer
- Meaningful work: We’re a mission-led organisation where the work you do supports us in Inspiring Futures.
- Career growth: We offer enhanced support with personal and professional development.
- Work/life balance: We offer 27 days annual leave in addition to bank holidays, along with flexible policies which support you and your home life.
- Health & Dental Insurance: Extra peace of mind, from day one. All our colleagues can access an employee assistance programme, access to the Unmind app, and other wellbeing support.
- Colleague networks: Our colleague-led networks are an informal forum for colleagues to come together to discuss topics of shared interest and lived experience. They create a space for people to exchange ideas, discuss best practice, socialise and build a sense of community.
- Enhanced contributory pension: To support you in saving for the future.
- Interest-free loans: When you need a little extra cash for life events or home improvements.
- Great discounts: Free entry to exhibitions, discounts in our shops, cafes, and access to other museums in the NMDC network.
Open for All is one of the Science Museum Group's five core values and sets out our important aspiration to be a place for everyone. We are working hard to understand our organisation better and to develop a culture that recognises and values different backgrounds, mindsets, skills, experience, knowledge, and expertise. By having greater diversity, we believe that we will be a stronger and better organisation, capable to continue to Inspire Futures.
Contract Catering Manager employer: Science Museum Group
Contact Detail:
Science Museum Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Contract Catering Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Science Museum Group's mission and values. Understanding their commitment to inspiring futures and promoting diversity will help you align your responses during interviews, showcasing how your personal values resonate with theirs.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of the Science Museum Group or similar organisations. Engaging in conversations about their experiences can provide valuable insights into the company culture and expectations, which you can leverage during your application process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare specific examples from your past experience that demonstrate your ability to manage contract catering operations effectively. Highlight instances where you've successfully met or exceeded targets, as this will be crucial in showcasing your fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Benugo, the catering partner you'll be working with. Understanding their service standards and operational practices will not only impress your interviewers but also show your proactive approach to ensuring a successful partnership.
We think you need these skills to ace Contract Catering Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in contract catering operations. Focus on your achievements in managing service standards, meeting targets, and any specific KPIs you've successfully overseen.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for the role and the Science Museum Group. Mention how your skills align with their mission to inspire visitors and your experience in building strong relationships with stakeholders.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Emphasise your knowledge of Health & Safety audits, Food Safety legislation, and your ability to conduct competitor analysis. These are crucial for the Contract Catering Manager role and should be clearly stated in your application.
Show Enthusiasm for the Role: Convey your excitement about the opportunity to work in a unique environment like the Science Museum. Mention any personal connections to the museum or its mission that could make you a passionate advocate for their catering services.
How to prepare for a job interview at Science Museum Group
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous experience in contract catering operations. Highlight specific examples where you successfully met or exceeded catering income targets and maintained high service standards.
✨Understand the Role
Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities of a Contract Catering Manager, especially the relationship with catering partners like Benugo. Demonstrating knowledge about their operations can set you apart.
✨Prepare for KPIs Discussion
Since monitoring performance against KPIs is crucial, be ready to talk about how you've managed KPIs in the past. Bring data or examples that illustrate your ability to drive sales and service levels.
✨Emphasise Relationship Building
The role requires strong stakeholder management skills. Prepare to discuss how you've built and maintained relationships with various stakeholders in previous roles, showcasing your communication and interpersonal skills.
