At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to deliver exceptional food and customer service in schools.
- Company: Join Chartwells, a top provider of catering services in education.
- Benefits: Part-time hours, career progression, and a supportive work culture.
- Other info: Embrace diversity and grow in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives through great food experiences.
- Qualifications: 2+ years of management experience and a passion for food and service.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
We're recruiting an experienced Unit 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 part‑time basis, contracted to 30 hours per week. As a Unit Manager, you will be responsible for ensuring our unit and service counters run smoothly and helping to deliver truly incredible experiences. In return, you'll have the opportunity to progress your career with a company that invests in its people, celebrates individuality, and rewards and recognises employees who go beyond the plate. Please note: This role is contracted to 42.6 weeks per year.
Your key responsibilities will include:
- Supervising teams to ensure we continue to deliver impeccable food and customer service
- Overseeing the efficiency of all in‑unit 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 service concepts to drive sales
- Liaising between customers and our internal 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.
Our ideal Unit Manager will:
- Be passionate about great‑tasting food and exceptional customer service
- Have a minimum of two years of management experience within a similar sector or industry
- Have experience managing teams in a similar role
- Demonstrate brilliant financial acumen
- Have excellent communication and organisational skills
- Be an ambitious and motivated individual who is always looking to upskill.
Part of Compass Group UK&I, Chartwells is the leading provider of catering and support services to the education sector. For over a quarter of a century, Chartwells has been focusing on helping those in education to build strong bodies, sharp minds and lead long healthy lives. Every week, Chartwells serves millions of nutritious and delicious meals to pupils and students in primary and secondary schools, academies, independent schools, colleges, and universities across the UK. Chartwells is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all employees to share this commitment. 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 in order to assess their 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 Woolwich employer: Chartwells Independent
Compass Group UK&I, through its Chartwells division, is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and development of its staff while delivering outstanding catering services to the education sector. With a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, employees are encouraged to express their individuality and pursue career growth within a supportive environment. Working part-time as a School Unit Manager not only offers a competitive salary but also the chance to make a meaningful impact on the lives of students by providing nutritious meals and fostering a positive dining experience.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land School Unit Manager in Woolwich
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the catering and service industry. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Compass Group UK&I and Chartwells. Understand their values and what they stand for. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to talk about your management experience and how it aligns with the role of Unit Manager. Highlight your passion for food and customer service, and share specific examples of how you've led teams to success.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Chartwells and contributing to their mission of delivering exceptional service.
We think you need these skills to ace School Unit Manager in Woolwich
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:Make sure to express your love for great food and customer service in your application. We want to see that you're genuinely excited about the role and how you can contribute to our mission at Chartwells.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When detailing your work history, focus on your management experience in similar sectors. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running, so showcase your skills in overseeing teams and operations.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your achievements and how they relate to the responsibilities of the Unit Manager role. We appreciate clarity!
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 this exciting opportunity with Compass Group UK&I.
How to prepare for a job interview at Chartwells Independent
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you’re well-versed in Compass Group UK&I's values and mission. Familiarise yourself with their approach to food service and customer care, especially within the education sector. This will show your genuine interest and help you connect your experience to their goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Unit Manager, you'll be leading teams, so prepare examples of how you've successfully managed and motivated staff in the past. Think about specific situations where you’ve improved team performance or resolved conflicts, as these stories will highlight your leadership style.
✨Demonstrate Financial Acumen
Since financial management is key in this role, be ready to discuss your experience with budgets and inventory management. Bring examples of how you’ve effectively monitored costs or increased profitability in previous positions, as this will demonstrate your capability to handle the financial aspects of the job.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that reflect your understanding of the role and the company. Inquire about their current challenges in catering services or how they measure success in customer satisfaction. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the company aligns with your career aspirations.
