At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead multiple catering outlets and ensure top-notch service on campus.
- Company: Join Compass Group, a leader in the catering industry with a vibrant culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy free meals, discounts, wellness classes, and career growth opportunities.
- Other info: Diverse team culture that values your unique talents and promotes inclusivity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while developing your career in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in catering management and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
We ensure you're rewarded for all your hard work, which is why we offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes but is not limited to:
- Free meals
- Subsidised car parking
- Contributory pension scheme
- Grow your career with our Career Pathways and MyLearning programmes
- Quick access for you and your immediate family to a Digital GP, and wider healthcare benefits
- Exclusive travel discounts with TUI, Expedia, Booking.com and many more
- Save money on your food shop with discounts on Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrisons and many more
- Up to 44% off cinema tickets to enjoy your favourite blockbuster
- Receive cash rewards every time you spend and use them on a wide range of brands
- Unwind with us with free wellness, mindfulness and exercise classes
- You can share all discounts and offers with your friends and families
As Group Manager, you will hold full responsibility for the operational delivery and performance of multiple catering outlets across a busy university campus. You will lead safe, compliant, commercially focused and customer‑centric operations, ensuring consistently high standards across all areas of the business. The role encompasses responsibility for financial performance, labour management, staffing, customer experience, food safety compliance, stock control, hospitality, vending and event operations. You will ensure seamless service delivery within a diverse, high‑volume and fast‑paced environment while driving operational excellence and continuous improvement. You will organise and supervise all catering operations in accordance with Compass Group UK & Ireland standards, contractual requirements and statutory regulations, ensuring the efficient and effective management of all resources, including people, stock and company assets.
Key Responsibilities
- Operational Leadership
- Lead and manage the day‑to‑day operation of multiple catering outlets across campus
- Ensure all services are delivered safely, efficiently and to agreed company and client standards
- Drive operational consistency, customer satisfaction and commercial performance
- Ensure all hospitality and event catering is delivered to the highest standard
- Support vending and retail operations to maximise service delivery and revenue opportunities
- Client Relationship Management
- Build and maintain strong relationships with university stakeholders and clients
- Ensure all contractual obligations are fully understood and consistently delivered
- Communicate regularly with clients and respond proactively to operational feedback
- Implement action plans following client satisfaction surveys
- Act as a positive ambassador for Compass Group at all times
- Financial & Commercial Management
- Manage all site costs effectively, including labour, food, consumables and operational expenditure
- Deliver labour schedules in line with budget and business requirements
- Minimise agency usage and overtime spend through effective workforce planning
- Monitor gross profit performance and ensure purchasing compliance targets are achieved
- Analyse sales trends and identify opportunities to improve revenue and profitability
- Ensure accurate completion of financial and operational reporting
- Customer Experience & Retail Standards
- Ensure all retail and catering areas are fully stocked, presented and operating to high standards
- Deliver excellent customer service across all outlets and hospitality services
- Support and implement company promotions and marketing initiatives
- Ensure products are correctly priced and aligned with company and client requirements
- Act on customer feedback to continuously improve the consumer experience
- Food Safety, Health & Safety & Compliance
- Ensure full compliance with all food safety, health & safety and statutory regulations
- Maintain accurate training records and ensure all team members complete required training
- Investigate and report incidents appropriately, implementing corrective actions where required
- Conduct regular compliance checks and audits across all operational areas
- Promote a strong health & safety culture across the business
- People Management
- Lead, motivate and develop teams to deliver operational excellence
- Ensure all team members are trained, supported and understand their responsibilities
- Manage recruitment, onboarding, succession planning and performance management
- Conduct regular team briefings and encourage engagement through initiatives such as Your Voice
- Monitor labour turnover and absenteeism, implementing action plans where necessary
- Create a positive, inclusive and high‑performing team culture
Skills & Experience
- Proven experience managing successful catering operations within a similar environment
- Experience leading and developing teams within a high‑volume operation
- Strong financial and commercial acumen
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
- Good understanding of food safety and health & safety legislation
- IT literate with experience using operational and financial systems
- Minimum of 2 years’ catering management experience
- NVQ Level 1 & 2 or City & Guilds 706/1 and 2
- Basic Food Hygiene Certificate
Desirable
- Experience within a university or education catering environment
- Strong knowledge of food production methods and operational procedures
- Experience managing hospitality and event catering
- Self‑motivated with the ability to adapt within a changing environment
- Good culinary knowledge and chef skills
Key Behaviours
- Results driven with strong attention to detail
- Customer focused with a passion for service excellence
- Positive and proactive approach to leadership
- Strong organisational and problem‑solving skills
- Ability to hold teams accountable while supporting development
- Collaborative team player with the ability to build strong working relationships
As part of Compass you'll help to feed people, fuel progress and forge connections in around 6,000 venues. Join us to grow your career with the industry leader, and get competitive pay, great perks and unrivalled opportunities for learning and development, at one of the UK's biggest businesses.
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!
Group Catering Manager - University of Kent in Canterbury employer: Chartwells Independent
At Compass Group UK & Ireland, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a comprehensive benefits package that includes free meals, subsidised parking, and access to exclusive discounts. Our vibrant work culture fosters personal and professional growth through our Career Pathways and MyLearning programmes, ensuring you thrive in a supportive environment while managing multiple catering outlets at the University of Kent. Join us to be part of a diverse team that values your contributions and empowers you to excel in your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Group Catering Manager - University of Kent in Canterbury
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the catering industry, especially those linked to universities. Attend events, join relevant groups on social media, and don’t be shy about reaching out for informational chats.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you’ve got experience in managing catering operations, consider creating a portfolio or a presentation that highlights your achievements. This can really set you apart during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by researching the University of Kent and Compass Group. Understand their values, recent news, and what they’re looking for in a Group Catering Manager. Tailor your answers to show how you fit into their culture.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and ready to take on the challenge of leading multiple catering outlets.
We think you need these skills to ace Group Catering Manager - University of Kent in Canterbury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Group Catering Manager role. Highlight your experience in managing catering operations and how it aligns with the responsibilities mentioned in the job description.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:We want to see your leadership style! Share examples of how you've motivated teams and driven operational excellence in previous roles. This will help us understand how you can lead our catering outlets effectively.
Highlight Financial Acumen:Since financial management is key for this role, be sure to include any relevant experience you have with budgeting, cost control, and revenue improvement. We love seeing candidates who can manage resources efficiently!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Chartwells Independent
✨Know Your Catering Operations
Familiarise yourself with the specific catering operations at the University of Kent. Understand their menu offerings, service style, and any recent changes in their operations. This will show your genuine interest and help you discuss how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Demonstrate Financial Acumen
Be prepared to discuss your experience with financial management in catering. Bring examples of how you've successfully managed budgets, reduced costs, or improved profitability in previous roles. This is crucial for a Group Catering Manager position.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
Think of specific instances where you've led a team to success in a high-pressure environment. Highlight your ability to motivate staff, manage performance, and create a positive team culture. This will resonate well with their focus on operational excellence and team development.
✨Engage with Client Relationships
Prepare to talk about your experience in building and maintaining client relationships. Share examples of how you've responded to feedback and implemented changes based on client satisfaction surveys. This will demonstrate your commitment to customer-centric operations.
