At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead dynamic catering operations and deliver exceptional guest experiences across multiple venues.
- Company: Join a leading hospitality team in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by shaping memorable events and driving service excellence.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in large-scale hospitality with strong leadership and communication skills.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team that values your growth and success.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Are you an experienced hospitality leader who thrives in high-volume, fast-paced environments? We are looking for a dynamic Catering & Events Operations Manager to oversee all catering operations, including in-house teams, third-party concessions, race day mobilisation, events delivery and F&B performance across a busy, multi-venue leisure and events setting. This is a hands-on, strategic role leading large teams and high-profile events, with a focus on driving service standards, revenue growth, and exceptional guest experiences.
What you will be doing:
- Deliver and execute the catering strategy across multiple venues.
- Lead and develop all catering teams on site, ensuring top-tier food and service quality.
- Plan and manage rotas, staffing levels and labour budgets for all events.
- Work closely with sales and business teams to plan catering for racing and non-racing events.
- Take ownership of high-volume operations, delivering exceptional results for key clients.
- Manage variable labour and F&B cost controls across hospitality, retail, kitchens and bars.
- Support and develop team members through structured PDPs and regular reviews.
- Help shape a unified catering and events strategy that maximises revenue and commercial opportunities.
- Develop retail operations, brand presence and menu/offer across all venues.
- Collaborate with chefs, site leaders and support teams to deliver consistent F&B standards.
- Lead training initiatives focused on customer service, product knowledge and operational excellence.
- Support recruitment, reduce agency reliance and build a stable, engaged casual workforce.
- Maintain financial awareness, analyse reports and take action to improve performance.
- Ensure venues operate at the highest standard through daily checks and operational oversight.
- Coordinate all administrative, operational and planning tasks for race days and events.
What success looks like:
- Strong control of labour budgets.
- Improved staff recruitment & retention.
- Reduced agency usage.
- Increased spend per head across F&B areas.
- Consistent delivery of service excellence.
- Positive guest, owner & trainer feedback.
What we are looking for:
Essential:
- Minimum 5 years' experience in large-scale leisure, sport or event environments (3,000+ guests).
- High-volume hospitality background - conferencing, banqueting, restaurants, hotels or stadium events.
- Strong leadership, communication and client management skills.
- Experience managing large teams and delivering multi-site or multi-faceted events.
- Proven ability to manage labour costs and deliver to budget.
- Highly organised, process-driven, calm under pressure.
- Commercially astute with strong IT and business systems skills.
- Excellent decision-maker and people developer.
- Full UK driving licence.
Desirable:
- Personal licence holder.
- Business/Event Management Degree.
- IOSH Managing Safely.
- GCSEs in Maths & English (C or above).
Hours: Flexible to meet the needs of events, including evenings and weekends. Time off in lieu is provided.
Blue Arrow is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to helping find great work opportunities for great people.
Catering Operations Manager in Bath employer: Blue Arrow - Maidstone
Contact Detail:
Blue Arrow - Maidstone Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Catering Operations Manager in Bath
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the hospitality industry and let them know you're on the lookout for a Catering Operations Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity that’s not even advertised yet!
✨Tip Number 2
Get social! Follow companies you’re interested in on LinkedIn and engage with their posts. This can help you get noticed and show your enthusiasm for their brand, which is super important in the hospitality sector.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to catering operations. Think about how you’d handle high-pressure situations or manage large teams. We want you to shine when it comes to showcasing your leadership skills!
✨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, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and take the initiative to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Catering Operations Manager in Bath
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Catering Operations Manager role. Highlight your leadership experience in high-volume environments and any specific achievements in catering or events management.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share your passion for hospitality and how your background aligns with our mission at StudySmarter. Don’t forget to mention any relevant successes in managing large teams or events!
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your work history, focus on quantifiable achievements. For example, mention how you improved service standards or increased revenue in previous roles. Numbers speak volumes and help us see your impact!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows us you’re keen to join the StudySmarter team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Blue Arrow - Maidstone
✨Know Your Catering Strategy
Before the interview, make sure you understand the catering strategy of the company. Be ready to discuss how you would deliver and execute this strategy across multiple venues, drawing on your past experiences in high-volume environments.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership abilities. Discuss how you've developed teams in the past, managed large groups, and ensured top-tier food and service quality. This will demonstrate your capability to lead and inspire others.
✨Be Financially Savvy
Brush up on your knowledge of labour budgets and cost controls. Be prepared to talk about how you've successfully managed these aspects in previous roles, as financial awareness is crucial for this position.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Don’t just answer questions; engage with your interviewers. Ask them about their current challenges in catering operations and share your thoughts on potential solutions. This shows your proactive approach and genuine interest in the role.