School Unit Manager in London

School Unit Manager in London

London Full-Time 30000 - 40000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Chartwells Independent

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a team to create amazing food experiences and ensure smooth catering operations.
  • Company: Join Compass Group UK&I, a company that values individuality and career growth.
  • Benefits: Full-time hours, competitive pay, and opportunities for professional development.
  • Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with a focus on personal growth.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in the culinary world while developing your career.
  • Qualifications: 2+ years in catering, team management experience, and relevant qualifications.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.

We're recruiting an experienced Catering Manager who is passionate about exceptional food and world‑class customer service, and who can confidently oversee all Compass Group UK&I catering and service operations for Chartwells on a full‑time basis, contracted to 37.5 hours per week. As a Catering Manager, you will be responsible for ensuring our kitchens and service counters run smoothly and helping to deliver truly incredible food experiences. In return, you'll have the opportunity to progress your catering career with a company that invests in its people, celebrates individuality, and rewards and recognises employees who go beyond the plate.

Here's an idea of what your shift pattern will be:

  • Mon: Full‑time (Days)
  • Tues: Full‑time (Days)
  • Weds: Full‑time (Days)
  • Thurs: Full‑time (Days)
  • Fri: Full‑time (Days)
  • Sat:
  • Sun:

Please note: This role is contracted to 43.6 weeks per year.

Key responsibilities:

  • Preparing delicious food to the highest standards
  • Supervising our culinary and catering teams to ensure we continue to deliver impeccable food and customer service
  • Overseeing the efficiency of all in‑unit catering operations, including managing inventories, monitoring budgets, and implementing action plans
  • Communicating regularly with your line manager to monitor KPIs and targets
  • Representing Compass Group UK&I and maintaining a positive brand image
  • Identifying opportunities for new food or service concepts to drive sales
  • Liaising between customers and our culinary and service teams to ensure we continue to exceed expectations
  • Supporting and training our teams, leading from the front to make sure everyone can excel in their role
  • Implementing and reviewing Health & Safety standards to ensure compliance across all catering and service teams.

Ideal candidate:

  • Be passionate about great‑tasting food and exceptional customer service
  • Have a minimum of two years of catering experience
  • Have experience managing teams in a similar role
  • Hold an NVQ Level 1 & 2 or City & Guilds 706/1 and 2
  • Hold a Basic Food Hygiene certificate
  • Demonstrate brilliant financial acumen
  • Have excellent communication and organisational skills
  • Be an ambitious and motivated individual who is always looking to upskill.

Any offer of employment will be subject to successfully completing pre‑employment checks, including an enhanced DBS disclosure and a Children’s Barred List check. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and we ask applicants to declare all previous convictions and cautions to assess suitability to work with children.

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!

School Unit Manager in London employer: Chartwells Independent

At Compass Group UK&I, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values individuality and invests in the growth of our employees. As a Catering Manager with Chartwells, you'll enjoy a supportive work culture that celebrates diversity, offers opportunities for career progression, and recognises your hard work with rewards and recognition. Join us in delivering outstanding food experiences while thriving in a dynamic environment that prioritises your professional development.

Chartwells Independent

Contact Details:

Chartwells Independent Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land School Unit Manager in London

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the catering industry, attend local events, and join relevant online groups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and showcasing your passion for food and customer service. Think about specific examples from your experience that highlight your skills and how you’ve led teams to success.

Tip Number 3

Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on companies that align with your values. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to check out our website for roles that excite you and match your expertise in catering management.

Tip Number 4

Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the role. It’s a great chance to reiterate why you’d be a perfect fit for the Catering Manager position.

We think you need these skills to ace School Unit Manager in London

Catering Management
Customer Service
Team Leadership
Inventory Management
Budget Monitoring
KPI Management
Food Safety Compliance

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for Food:When writing your application, let your love for great-tasting food shine through! Share any experiences that highlight your culinary skills and how you’ve delivered exceptional customer service in the past.

Highlight Your Experience:Make sure to detail your catering experience, especially any roles where you managed teams. We want to see how you've led others and contributed to a positive dining experience.

Be Specific About Your Skills:Don’t just say you have excellent communication and organisational skills—give us examples! Mention specific situations where these skills helped you succeed in your previous roles.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you’re serious about joining our team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Chartwells Independent

Know Your Menu Inside Out

Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with the types of food and service styles that Chartwells offers. Being able to discuss specific dishes or concepts will show your passion for great-tasting food and your understanding of their brand.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills

Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past. Highlight your experience in training and supporting staff, as well as any initiatives you've implemented to improve service or efficiency. This will demonstrate your capability to lead from the front.

Understand Financial Acumen

Brush up on your financial management skills. Be ready to discuss how you've managed budgets, monitored KPIs, and driven sales in previous roles. Showing that you can handle the financial side of catering operations will set you apart.

Emphasise Health & Safety Knowledge

Since compliance is crucial in catering, be prepared to talk about your understanding of Health & Safety standards. Share any relevant experiences where you ensured compliance and maintained high safety standards in your previous roles.