Catering Operations Manager in Wales

Catering Operations Manager in Wales

Wales Full-Time 30000 - 40000 ÂŁ / year (est.) No home office possible
Arena Racing Company

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Oversee catering operations and ensure high-quality service at events.
  • Company: Join the UK's largest horse racing group with diverse entertainment offerings.
  • Benefits: Enjoy annual passes, discounted food, and a cycle to work scheme.
  • Other info: Inclusive workplace committed to diversity and personal growth opportunities.
  • Why this job: Lead a dynamic team and make a real impact on memorable events.
  • Qualifications: GCSEs in Maths and English; experience in large-scale event catering preferred.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 ÂŁ per year.

About us

Arena Racing Company does so much more than lead the UK’s 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 global distribution are at the heart of what we do, making it an exciting and diverse place to work!

Work Perks of being a Catering Operations Manager:

  • 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 more…

About the role

The Catering Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing all catering activities at Great Yarmouth Racecourse, including in‑house services and third‑party concessions, while ensuring the smooth delivery of race days and events. The role focuses on driving revenue growth, controlling costs, and leading a high‑performing catering team to deliver consistent, high‑quality customer experiences across all events.

Responsibilities:

  • Support the Site General Manager in delivering the catering strategy, aligned with business objectives and commercial targets
  • Drive high standards in food quality, service delivery, and customer experience
  • Plan staffing across all events, ensuring efficient rota management and control of labour costs
  • Work with Sales teams to coordinate catering for race days and events, ensuring seamless delivery
  • Lead the planning and delivery of high‑volume events with consistent, high‑quality execution
  • Manage labour and resources across catering operations to maximise efficiency and performance
  • Develop team members through performance reviews and support recruitment initiatives
  • Contribute to revenue growth by optimising catering and retail opportunities
  • Work with the Head Chef to ensure quality, consistency, and cost control
  • Maintain financial controls, including purchasing compliance and cost of sales management
  • Maximise revenue through effective pricing and operational strategies
  • Promote a positive, high‑performing team culture
  • Monitor performance and drive continuous improvement
  • Identify new commercial opportunities to enhance revenue and customer experience
  • Ensure accurate promotion of catering offers with Marketing
  • Maintain operational standards and ensure compliance with food safety and allergen regulations

Qualifications:

  • GCSE Grade C or above in Maths and English
  • Personal Licence, Business/Event Management Degree, or IOSH Managing Safely (desirable)
  • Experience in a leisure, sporting, or event‑led environment delivering large‑scale events (5,000+ attendees)
  • Strong background in high‑volume catering and multi‑format hospitality
  • Proven ability to manage event delivery, labour, and costs within budget
  • Experience driving spend per head and enhancing customer experience
  • Ability to work cross‑functionally with Sales, Marketing, and Operations

Application

We are on a thrilling journey. So, to join us at our next destination, be part of a winning team and to learn more about our company and this exciting opportunity apply today.

Equality and Diversity

At ARC, we believe that a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace makes us a more relevant, more competitive, and more resilient company. We welcome people from all backgrounds, ethnicities, cultures, and experiences. We are an equal opportunities employer and do not discriminate on the grounds of gender, sexual orientation, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, gender reassignment, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, disability or age. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you have a disability that requires reasonable adjustments, please let us know; we will ensure that individuals with additional needs are provided reasonable adjustments to participate in the job application or interview process and to perform essential job functions. We understand the value that diversity brings to our business and we are striving to create a working environment that is inclusive, psychologically and physically safe and ensures everyone can be heard and valued for their contributions. We are committed to making a consistent, top‑down effort to be role models on what diversity, inclusion and belonging means in society.

Catering Operations Manager in Wales employer: Arena Racing Company

Arena Racing Company is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that thrives on diversity and inclusion. As a Catering Operations Manager at Great Yarmouth Racecourse, you will enjoy numerous benefits including annual passes to our venues, a cycle to work scheme, and opportunities for professional development, all while being part of a dynamic team dedicated to delivering outstanding customer experiences in the exciting world of leisure and entertainment.
Arena Racing Company

Contact Detail:

Arena Racing Company Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Catering Operations Manager in Wales

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the catering and events industry, especially those connected to horse racing or large-scale events. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.

✨Tip Number 2

Show off your skills! If you’ve got experience in high-volume catering or event management, make sure to highlight that in conversations. Share specific examples of how you’ve driven revenue growth or improved customer experiences in past roles.

✨Tip Number 3

Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings; reach out directly to the Arena Racing Company. Express your interest in the Catering Operations Manager role and ask if they’d be open to a chat about potential opportunities.

✨Tip Number 4

Keep it casual but professional! When you get the chance to meet or chat with someone from the company, be yourself. Show your passion for catering and events, and let them see how you’d fit into their vibrant team culture.

We think you need these skills to ace Catering Operations Manager in Wales

Catering Management
Event Planning
Budget Management
Team Leadership
Customer Experience Enhancement
Food Safety Compliance
Labour Cost Control
Revenue Growth Strategies
Cross-Functional Collaboration
High-Volume Catering Operations
Performance Monitoring
Staff Recruitment and Development
Operational Efficiency

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for Catering: When you're writing your application, let your love for catering shine through! Share specific experiences that highlight your enthusiasm for delivering top-notch customer experiences and managing high-volume events.

Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to match the job description. Highlight relevant skills and experiences that align with the responsibilities of the Catering Operations Manager role. We want to see how you can contribute to our team!

Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and fit for the role.

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 this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!

How to prepare for a job interview at Arena Racing Company

✨Know Your Venue

Before the interview, do your homework on Great Yarmouth Racecourse and the specific catering operations they run. Familiarise yourself with their events, food offerings, and customer experience standards. This will show your genuine interest and help you tailor your answers to align with their goals.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As a Catering Operations Manager, you'll need to lead a high-performing team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past, particularly in high-pressure environments. Highlight your ability to drive performance and foster a positive team culture.

✨Discuss Revenue Growth Strategies

Be ready to talk about how you've contributed to revenue growth in previous roles. Share specific strategies you've implemented to enhance customer experience and increase spend per head. This will demonstrate your understanding of the business side of catering operations.

✨Prepare for Scenario Questions

Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills. Think about potential challenges you might face at the racecourse, such as managing large-scale events or dealing with unexpected issues. Practice articulating your thought process and solutions clearly.

Catering Operations Manager in Wales
Arena Racing Company
Location: Wales

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