At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead catering and hospitality services at HMS Excellent, ensuring top-notch customer experience.
- Company: Join a dynamic team in a Defence environment with a focus on excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy free meals, parking, and a comprehensive benefits package.
- Other info: Opportunities for career growth and wellness programmes available.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a hands-on leadership role while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in hospitality management and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 32000 - 32000 € per year.
Location: Portsmouth
Salary: Up to £32,000 Per Annum
Hours: 40 hours per week (Monday to Friday with occasional weekend functions)
Benefits: Free parking, meals on duty, + full Compass benefits package
Overview
We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Mess Manager to lead the catering, hospitality, and soft FM services across two Defence Messes at HMS Excellent. This is a hands‑on leadership role responsible for the smooth day‑to‑day running of Mess operations, ensuring high standards of service, compliance, and customer experience within a Defence environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage all Mess operations, including catering, hospitality, and front‑of‑house services
- Oversee day‑to‑day soft FM service delivery, ensuring consistent quality and efficiency
- Act as the primary point of contact for the client, building strong relationships and ensuring expectations are met
- Deliver high standards across daily Mess services, functions, and events
- Manage and respond to client feedback and satisfaction surveys, driving continuous improvement
- Ensure Mess facilities are well promoted, creating a welcoming and professional environment
- Identify opportunities to enhance service delivery and increase revenue
- Take full ownership of budget management, including cost control, sales monitoring, and financial reporting
- Plan and manage staff rotas and resources in line with business needs
- Ensure clear communication across departments to support seamless event and service delivery
- Maintain compliance with health & safety, food safety, and Defence standards
About You
- Proven experience as a Mess Manager, Hospitality Manager, or similar leadership role within catering or Defence environments
- Strong understanding of Mess operations, service standards, and customer expectations
- Commercially aware with experience in budget and cost management
- Excellent leadership and people management skills
- Strong communicator with the ability to engage with stakeholders at all levels
- Highly organised with strong administrative and operational skills
- Confident using IT systems and hospitality platforms
- Positive, proactive attitude with a focus on service excellence and attention to detail
What We Offer
- Free meals on duty
- Free onsite parking
- Contributory pension scheme
- Career development through Career Pathways & MyLearning programmes
- Digital GP access and healthcare benefits
- Discounts across travel, retail, and entertainment
- Wellness, mindfulness, and fitness programmes
- Access to a wide range of employee rewards and discounts
Locations
Mess Manager in Hampshire, Portsmouth employer: Chartwells Independent
At HMS Excellent in Portsmouth, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where your leadership skills as a Mess Manager can truly shine. With a strong focus on employee growth through our Career Pathways and MyLearning programmes, alongside a comprehensive benefits package that includes free meals on duty and onsite parking, we ensure our team members feel valued and supported. Join us to be part of a dedicated team that prioritises service excellence and fosters a culture of continuous improvement in a unique Defence setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Mess Manager in Hampshire, Portsmouth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the catering and hospitality sectors. Attend industry events or local meet-ups to make new contacts. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its values. Understand their approach to customer service and how they manage operations. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills during interviews. Share specific examples of how you've successfully managed teams and improved service delivery in previous roles. This will demonstrate your capability to lead Mess operations effectively.
✨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 are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Mess Manager in Hampshire, Portsmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Mess Manager role. Highlight your experience in catering and hospitality, especially in Defence environments. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this hands-on leadership role. Share specific examples of how you've managed operations and improved service delivery in the past.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:We’re keen on strong leadership! In your application, emphasise your people management skills and how you've built relationships with clients and teams. Let us know how you’ve driven continuous improvement in your previous roles.
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 the role. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at HMS Excellent!
How to prepare for a job interview at Chartwells Independent
✨Know Your Mess Operations
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Mess operations and service standards. Familiarise yourself with the specific requirements of a Defence environment, as this will show your understanding of the role and its unique challenges.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience in catering or hospitality. Think about times when you've successfully managed a team or improved service delivery, as these stories will demonstrate your capability to lead effectively.
✨Be Ready for Budget Talk
Since budget management is key for this role, be prepared to discuss your experience with cost control and financial reporting. Bring along any relevant metrics or achievements that showcase your commercial awareness and ability to manage finances.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you can build strong relationships with clients and stakeholders. Prepare to discuss your communication style and how you’ve successfully engaged with different levels of staff in previous roles, as this will be crucial for success in this position.
