At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead catering operations, ensuring high-quality food service and team motivation.
- Company: Join ESS, part of Compass Group UK & Ireland, in a supportive environment.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, pension scheme, and wellness support.
- Other info: Great career development opportunities and exciting work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in food service within a Defence setting.
- Qualifications: Experience in catering management and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 31000 - 31000 £ per year.
Location: Whittington
Salary: £31,000 per annum
Hours: 40 hours per week (primarily Monday–Friday with occasional operational requirements)
We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Catering Manager to lead food service operations at DMS Whittington. This role is ideal for someone with a strong catering background who thrives in a structured environment and is passionate about delivering high‑quality food services within a Defence setting. You will take full responsibility for the delivery, performance, and continuous improvement of catering services on site, ensuring standards, compliance, and customer satisfaction are consistently achieved.
What you’ll be doing:
- Overseeing all catering operations on site, including kitchen and dining services
- Managing day‑to‑day service delivery to ensure efficient, high‑quality food provision
- Leading, developing, and motivating a catering team
- Ensuring compliance with food safety, health & safety, and company standards
- Acting as the key point of contact for the client on site
- Managing budgets, stock control, and cost efficiency
- Planning menus and service delivery in line with customer requirements
- Coordinating staffing, rotas, and resource planning
- Identifying opportunities to enhance service quality and efficiency
What we’re looking for:
- Experience in a catering or food service management role
- Strong leadership and organisational skills
- Good financial acumen and cost control experience
- Solid understanding of food safety and HSE standards
- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
- A proactive, hands‑on approach with attention to detail
- Experience within Defence, healthcare, or public sector environments is advantageous
This is a fantastic opportunity to join ESS, part of Compass Group UK & Ireland, working within a structured and supportive environment, with clear opportunities for development.
What we offer:
- Contributory pension scheme
- Career development via Career Pathways and MyLearning programmes
- Digital GP access and healthcare benefits
- Retail and travel discounts
- Cinema and lifestyle rewards
- Wellness and wellbeing support
Catering Manager in Whittington employer: Chartwells Independent
At ESS, part of Compass Group UK & Ireland, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that values our team members and their professional growth. Located in Whittington, our structured and supportive work environment offers clear pathways for career development, alongside a comprehensive benefits package including a contributory pension scheme, digital healthcare access, and wellness support. Join us to be part of a dedicated team that is passionate about delivering high-quality food services in a Defence setting, where your contributions are recognised and rewarded.
