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- Tasks: Lead a dynamic catering team and deliver exceptional dining experiences for up to 800 customers daily.
- Company: Join Virgin Media O2, a top UK corporate head office with a focus on excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy free meals, on-site parking, and access to exclusive discounts and development programmes.
- Why this job: Shape the future of workplace dining and elevate standards in a prestigious environment.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in high-volume catering and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: No weekend or bank holiday work, with excellent career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 38700 - 52000 £ per year.
Overview
Virgin Media O2 Head Office – Green Park, Reading
Salary: £43,270
Working Pattern: Monday to Friday | 7:30am – 4:00pm
Shape the Future of Workplace Dining at One of the UK’s Leading Head Office Sites
We’re seeking a confident, polished, and strategic Catering Manager to lead a high-performing team at the flagship Virgin Media O2 head office in Reading. This is not just a job – it’s an opportunity to set the standard for excellence in food, service, and hospitality at a site where expectations are high and quality is non-negotiable.
About the Role
This pivotal role will see you managing a large team of 17, delivering a premium catering experience to up to 800 customers daily. You’ll act as the face of Eurest on site, building and maintaining strong relationships with senior-level clients, while overseeing every aspect of catering operations – from finance and compliance to team development and service innovation.
You’ll work closely with the Head Chef to craft seasonal, engaging menus that delight our customers and reflect the latest culinary trends, while ensuring the operation runs seamlessly, efficiently, and profitably.
What You\’ll Be Responsible For
- Full operational and strategic responsibility for the catering provision at a prestigious corporate head office
- Managing compliance in HR, HSE, PCI, profit protection, and food safety (HACCP, Natasha’s Law, allergen management)
- Leading on GP (target: 40%) and wastage control, ensuring Nexus account compliance and accurate weekly stock takes
- Partnering with the Head Chef to drive menu innovation, planning, and execution
- Coaching and developing your team through job chats, PDRs, and structured training plans
- Delivering an outstanding customer experience, driving a culture of excellence aligned with Compass and client expectations
- Coordinating hospitality services, events, and premium activations including outdoor BBQs and bespoke functions
Who You Are
We’re looking for a leader who combines operational know-how with excellent interpersonal skills – someone equally comfortable analysing P&Ls as they are leading from the front and engaging with high-level stakeholders.
- Proven experience managing a high-volume B&I (Business & Industry) catering contract
- Strong understanding of GP delivery, stock management, compliance, and food safety legislation
- Experience in event and hospitality management
- Excellent communication and team leadership skills
- A proactive mindset and a passion for customer satisfaction
- Experience with Compass systems including Nexus, Ourtime, and PCI compliance (desirable)
Perks & Benefits
- Free meal on duty
- Free on-site parking
- EV charging points (self-funded)
- No weekend or Bank Holiday working
- Full access to Compass benefits, discounts, and development programmes
Interview Process
1st Stage – Microsoft Teams Interview
2nd Stage – On Site Interview
Lead the team. Elevate the standard. Make your mark. If you’re ready to take your catering career to the next level at one of the UK’s most dynamic corporate Head Office sites – we want to hear from you.
Location
Reading, Reading, RG2 6UU, United Kingdom
Job Reference: com/1606/98498001/52597276/SU
Applications are no longer accepted for this role
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Catering Manager - Reading NEW Eurest Posted yesterday £43,270.90 per year Reading Operations employer: Chartwells Independent
Contact Detail:
Chartwells Independent Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Catering Manager - Reading NEW Eurest Posted yesterday £43,270.90 per year Reading Operations
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the catering industry, especially those connected to Eurest or Virgin Media O2. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info that could help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your interviews by researching the latest trends in workplace dining and catering. Show them you’re not just about managing a team but also passionate about delivering an exceptional customer experience.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You’ll want to convey your operational know-how and interpersonal skills clearly. Think about how you can demonstrate your experience with high-volume catering contracts and compliance.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Catering Manager - Reading NEW Eurest Posted yesterday £43,270.90 per year Reading Operations
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Catering Manager role. Highlight your leadership experience, especially in high-volume catering environments, and don’t forget to mention any relevant compliance knowledge!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to showcase your passion for customer satisfaction and your strategic approach to catering management. Be sure to mention how you can elevate the dining experience at Virgin Media O2.
Showcase Your Team Leadership Skills: In your application, emphasise your ability to coach and develop teams. Share specific examples of how you've led teams to success in previous roles, as this is key for us at Eurest.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of success. It’s the easiest way for us to see your application and get you on the path to joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Chartwells Independent
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Catering Manager, you'll need to be comfortable with P&Ls and stock management. Brush up on your financial knowledge before the interview. Be ready to discuss how you've managed budgets in the past and any strategies you've implemented to control costs and maximise profits.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role requires strong team leadership. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in high-pressure environments. Think about specific situations where you coached team members or improved team performance, and be ready to share these stories during your interview.
✨Understand Compliance Inside Out
Compliance is key in catering, especially with food safety regulations. Familiarise yourself with relevant legislation like HACCP and Natasha’s Law. Be prepared to discuss how you've ensured compliance in previous roles and how you would approach it at Eurest.
✨Engage with Culinary Trends
Since you'll be working closely with the Head Chef, it's important to demonstrate your knowledge of current culinary trends. Research seasonal menu ideas and be ready to discuss how you can innovate the catering experience. Showing passion for food will definitely impress your interviewers!