At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead catering operations for exciting race days and events, ensuring top-notch service.
- Company: Join Arena Racing Company, the UK's largest horse racing group with diverse venues.
- Benefits: Enjoy annual passes, discounted food, holiday allowance, and study support.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team delivering unforgettable experiences in hospitality.
- Qualifications: Management experience in hospitality or retail catering is essential.
- Other info: Great opportunities for career growth in a vibrant environment.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 Β£ per year.
We are looking for an experienced Catering Manager to lead the delivery of food and beverage services across our racecourse venue, ensuring operational excellence and outstanding customer service at every event. This is a hands-on leadership role where you will be supported by a dedicated team while playing a key part in the successful planning, delivery, and commercial performance of race days and events. As Catering Manager, you will take responsibility for the day-to-day catering operation across the racecourse, leading from the front and setting the standard for service, safety, and consistency.
Responsibilities
- Lead the setup, delivery, and close-down of race days, functions, and events.
- Liaise closely with on-site Business Coordinator and delivery teams to ensure seamless communication and event execution.
- Promote a strong safety-first culture, ensuring full compliance with food hygiene, HACCP, and health & safety standards.
- Ensure all hospitality and retail bars are fully stocked, organised, and ready for service.
- Deliver exceptional customer service, ensuring all guest expectations are met and exceeded.
Commercial & Operational Management
- Maximising sales through effective selling techniques, promotions, and team product knowledge.
- Managing GP, controlling costs, and minimising waste.
- Completing accurate stock management and regular stocktakes across food, beverage, disposables, and chemicals.
- Managing labour schedules within budget and adjusting in line with sales demand.
- Ensuring accurate input and maintenance of all cost, sales, and stock records.
Team Leadership & Development
People are at the heart of great hospitality. In this role, you will:
- Recruit, train, engage, and retain a high-performing catering team.
- Ensure team members are professional, friendly, and customer-focused at all times.
- Work with staffing teams to ensure the right skills are in place for each event.
- Communicate customer requirements clearly across departments to support effective planning.
- Act on customer feedback and satisfaction surveys to drive continuous improvement.
Requirements
- Have management or supervisory experience in hospitality or retail catering.
- Be knowledgeable in licensing, food hygiene, and health & safety.
- Be highly organised, customer-focused, and detail-oriented.
- Have the ability to drive high operational standards and exceed customer expectations.
- Be confident using IT systems, including Microsoft Office, EPOS, and stock management systems.
- Be positive, approachable, and a strong team player.
- Hold a Personal Licence (desirable but not essential).
If you are passionate about hospitality and ready to take the lead in delivering exceptional catering experiences, we would love to hear from you.
About Arena Racing Company
Arena Racing Company does so much more than lead the UKβs largest horse racing group. We have 21 racing venues showcasing horse racing, greyhound racing, golf courses, hotels and events. In short, leisure, entertainment, media production and distribution are at the heart of what we do, making it an exciting and diverse place to work!
Perks
- Annual passes to attend any of our 21 venues.
- Discounted food & ARC days out.
- Cycle to work scheme.
- Holiday allowance increasing with length of service up to 28 days.
- Company life assurance scheme.
- Discretionary group annual bonus schemes to reward your hard work.
- Support with study through our study assistance schemes.
- And so much moreβ¦
Catering Manager in London employer: Arena Racing Company
Contact Detail:
Arena Racing Company Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Catering Manager in London
β¨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the hospitality industry, especially those who have experience in catering management. Attend events or join online forums where you can meet potential employers and showcase your passion for delivering exceptional customer service.
β¨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to catering management. Think about your past experiences and how they align with the responsibilities of the role. We recommend using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers effectively.
β¨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills during interviews. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully led teams in high-pressure environments, managed events, and ensured operational excellence. Remember, we want to see your ability to drive high standards and exceed customer expectations!
β¨Tip Number 4
Donβt forget to apply through our website! Itβs the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows your enthusiasm for joining our team at Arena Racing Company, where we value great hospitality and teamwork.
We think you need these skills to ace Catering Manager in London
Some tips for your application π«‘
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Catering Manager role. Highlight your experience in hospitality, especially any leadership roles you've had. We want to see how you've driven operational excellence and customer satisfaction in your previous positions.
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 your skills align with our needs. Be sure to mention specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to lead a team and manage events effectively.
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your past roles, focus on your achievements rather than just responsibilities. Did you increase sales or improve customer satisfaction? We love numbers, so if you can quantify your success, do it!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of being noticed. Itβs straightforward and ensures your application goes directly to us. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect with us directly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Arena Racing Company
β¨Know Your Venue
Before the interview, take some time to research the racecourse venue and its catering services. Familiarise yourself with their events, food offerings, and customer service standards. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you tailor your answers to align with their expectations.
β¨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Catering Manager, you'll be leading a team, so be prepared to discuss your leadership style and experiences. Share specific examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past, handled challenges, and ensured high operational standards. Highlight your ability to motivate and engage staff.
β¨Emphasise Customer Service Excellence
Customer satisfaction is key in hospitality. Be ready to talk about how you've gone above and beyond to meet guest expectations in previous roles. Discuss any feedback mechanisms you've implemented and how you've used customer insights to improve service delivery.
β¨Prepare for Operational Questions
Expect questions related to managing costs, stock control, and compliance with health and safety regulations. Brush up on your knowledge of food hygiene and HACCP standards, and be ready to discuss how you've effectively managed budgets and maximised sales in your previous positions.