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- Tasks: Lead catering operations, ensuring exceptional food service and team performance.
- Company: Join 14forty, a dynamic company that values diversity and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working hours, and opportunities for career progression.
- Other info: Embrace a culture of inclusivity and growth in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by delivering outstanding food experiences and leading a passionate team.
- Qualifications: 3+ years as a Catering Manager with strong leadership and budget management skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 30000 £ per year.
Location: Whittlesey
Working Pattern: Monday to Friday role; flexibility is required to meet business needs, including occasional visits to night shift teams to review service delivery and support operations.
Salary: Up to £30,300 per annum, depending on experience.
We're looking for an experienced Catering Manager to lead the delivery of exceptional food on-site. You'll oversee day-to-day catering operations, ensuring smooth service, outstanding quality, and full compliance with safety and hygiene standards, all while driving financial performance and inspiring your team to deliver excellence. Services include breakfast, lunch, night shift meals and hospitality.
What You'll Do
- Oversee all catering operations to meet contractual, financial, and service objectives.
- Build strong client relationships through regular communication, performance reviews, and innovation.
- Manage budgets effectively, controlling labour, food, and operating costs to achieve profit targets.
- Lead, motivate, and develop a high-performing catering team with a focus on engagement, retention, and progression.
- Step into the kitchen to support the team during periods of annual leave, absence, or peak service demand.
- Ensure full compliance with health, safety, and food hygiene standards, including HACCP and audit requirements.
- Use data and KPIs to drive continuous improvement and operational excellence.
- Overview of the cleaning team including processing time and attendance.
What You'll Bring
- Minimum 3 years' experience as a Catering Manager, ideally in a workplace setting.
- Strong leadership, communication, and client relationship skills.
- Proven ability to manage budgets, costs, and performance targets.
- Confident leading large teams across multiple shift patterns.
- Solid understanding of food safety legislation and experience implementing HACCP systems.
- Commercial awareness and confidence using digital catering systems (EPOS, stock control, compliance tools).
- Desirable Culinary background.
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!
Catering Manager - Whittlesey in Watford employer: 14forty
Contact Detail:
14forty Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Catering Manager - Whittlesey in Watford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the catering industry and let them know you're on the lookout for a new role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Get social! Follow companies like 14forty on LinkedIn and engage with their posts. This not only shows your interest but also helps you stay updated on any job opportunities they might post.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to catering management. Think about how you can showcase your leadership skills and experience in managing budgets and teams effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining the team at 14forty!
We think you need these skills to ace Catering Manager - Whittlesey in Watford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Catering Manager role. Highlight your experience in managing catering operations, budgets, and teams. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about catering and how you can lead our team to deliver exceptional service. Keep it engaging and relevant to the job description.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: We’re keen on strong leadership! In your application, share examples of how you've motivated and developed teams in the past. This will help us see how you can inspire our catering crew.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at 14forty
✨Know Your Catering Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your catering knowledge, especially around food safety legislation and HACCP systems. Be ready to discuss how you've implemented these in past roles, as it shows you're not just familiar with the theory but have practical experience too.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led teams in high-pressure situations. Think about times when you motivated your team or improved performance. This role is all about inspiring others, so be ready to share your success stories!
✨Understand the Business Side
Get a grip on budget management and financial performance. Be prepared to talk about how you've controlled costs and met profit targets in previous positions. Showing that you can balance quality service with financial objectives will impress them.
✨Build Client Relationships
Think of ways you've built strong relationships with clients in the past. Be ready to discuss how you communicate effectively and handle performance reviews. This role requires regular client interaction, so demonstrating your relationship-building skills will be key.