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- 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, time off in lieu, and opportunities for professional growth.
- 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 diversity and inclusion.
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 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
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend events, join hospitality groups on social media, and don’t be shy about reaching out to former colleagues. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a job opening.
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to meet potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience in high-volume environments. Share specific examples of how you've led teams and improved service standards. Let them see the value you can bring!
✨Ace the Interview
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its events. Be ready to discuss how you would handle specific challenges in catering operations. Show your passion for delivering exceptional guest experiences and your strategic approach to managing large teams.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to check out our website for job openings! Applying directly through us not only shows your interest but also gives you a better chance of being noticed. We’re here to help you land that dream role in catering operations!
We think you need these skills to ace Catering Operations Manager
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: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about catering and events, and how your background makes you the perfect fit for our team. Be sure to mention any relevant experience with large teams and multi-site operations.
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your past roles, focus on quantifiable achievements. Did you improve service standards or increase revenue? Share those numbers! We love seeing how you've made a positive impact in previous positions.
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 family!
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 you're applying to. Familiarise yourself with their past events and how they manage high-volume operations. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and show that you're genuinely interested in their approach.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience leading large teams in fast-paced environments. Share specific examples of how you've developed team members and improved service standards. Highlight any training initiatives you've implemented that led to better customer experiences.
✨Demonstrate Financial Acumen
Since managing labour costs and budgets is crucial for this role, come ready to discuss how you've successfully controlled costs in previous positions. Bring examples of how you've analysed reports to improve performance and maximise revenue in catering operations.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills under pressure. Think about past challenges you've faced in catering or events management and how you overcame them. This will showcase your ability to stay calm and make effective decisions when it matters most.
