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- Tasks: Lead and inspire teams to deliver exceptional catering services in schools.
- Company: Join Chartwells, a top provider of catering for the education sector in the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy perks like discounts on travel, groceries, cinema tickets, and wellness classes.
- Why this job: Grow your career with a company that values individuality and rewards hard work.
- Qualifications: Senior management experience in contract catering and excellent communication skills required.
- Other info: Work Monday to Friday, with 45 weeks contracted per year.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We ensure you're rewarded for all your hard work, which is why we offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes but is not limited to:
- Electric vehicle charging points
- Contributory pension scheme
- Grow your career with our Career Pathways and MyLearning programmes
- Quick access for you and your immediate family to a Digital GP, and wider healthcare benefits
- Exclusive travel discounts with TUI, Expedia, Booking.com and many more
- Save money on your food shop with discounts on Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrisons and many more
- Up to 44% off cinema tickets to enjoy your favourite blockbuster
- Receive cash rewards every time you spend and use them on a wide range of brands
- Un-wind with us with free wellness, mindfulness and exercise classes
- You can share all discounts and offers with your friends and families
We're currently recruiting a dedicated Area Catering Manager to help ensure the smooth running of the operations in Chartwells on a full time basis, contracted to 40 hours per week. As an Area Catering Manager, you will use your skills to maintain a high standard of quality work. In return, you will have the chance to progress your 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 to Fri - Days Only. Please note: This role is contracted to 45 weeks per year.
Your key responsibilities will include:
- Plan and implement the strategy of growth & retention for new and existing business through leading the development of long-term account plans and a rolling lifecycle review process.
- Support the sales team to develop financially sound bids and proposals and sign off final agreements to ensure we deliver operationally sound contracts.
- Deliver the profit for the region through leadership and support for teams within the various Schools.
- Review school contract performance, identify improvements, and ensure contract compliance to exceed client expectations.
- Identify the different customer requirements through analysing trends in their feedback and select the appropriate company offering to deliver customer satisfaction.
- Communicate strategy to team and ensure that improvements are implemented to maximise performance and customer satisfaction.
- Develop and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including strategic client relationships.
Our ideal Area Manager will:
- Have senior management experience leading and inspiring operational teams to deliver results.
- Be from a contract catering background.
- Have led the implementation of change programmes to deliver operational benefits.
- Have experience of working within brand guidelines to deliver results.
- Have experience in highly commercial and price-sensitive markets.
- Possess excellent communication and presentation skills.
- Have managed senior-level third party relationships.
About Us: 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!
Area Manager - Reading employer: Chartwells - Schools
Contact Detail:
Chartwells - Schools Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Area Manager - Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Chartwells and its operations in the education sector. Understanding their mission and values will help you align your experience and skills with what they are looking for in an Area Manager.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of Chartwells to gain insights into the company culture and expectations. This can provide you with valuable information that can set you apart during the interview process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples from your past experience that demonstrate your ability to lead teams, manage contracts, and drive customer satisfaction. Tailoring your stories to reflect the responsibilities outlined in the job description will make a strong impression.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your understanding of the contract catering industry and any relevant trends. Being knowledgeable about market dynamics and how they affect client relationships will highlight your expertise and readiness for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Area Manager - Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in contract catering and senior management. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to lead teams and deliver results, as these are key aspects of the Area Manager role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for the education sector and how your background aligns with Chartwells' mission. Mention your experience in implementing change programmes and managing client relationships, as these are crucial for the position.
Highlight Key Achievements: When detailing your work history, focus on quantifiable achievements that showcase your leadership skills and operational success. For example, mention any improvements in customer satisfaction or financial performance you have driven in previous roles.
Prepare for Potential Questions: Anticipate questions related to your experience in managing teams and delivering results in a contract catering environment. Be ready to discuss how you would approach the responsibilities outlined in the job description, such as developing long-term account plans and ensuring contract compliance.
How to prepare for a job interview at Chartwells - Schools
✨Research Chartwells and Compass Group
Before your interview, take some time to understand the mission and values of Chartwells and its parent company, Compass Group. Familiarise yourself with their commitment to education and how they support healthy living in schools. This knowledge will help you align your answers with their goals.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
As an Area Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your leadership skills and ability to handle challenges. Be ready to discuss specific scenarios where you've successfully led teams, implemented change, or improved performance. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Excellent communication is key for this role, especially when dealing with internal and external stakeholders. During the interview, practice clear and concise communication. You might be asked to present a strategy or explain how you would handle a difficult situation, so be prepared to articulate your thoughts effectively.
✨Highlight Your Experience in Contract Catering
Since the role requires a background in contract catering, be sure to emphasise your relevant experience. Discuss any previous roles where you've managed operations, developed client relationships, or worked within brand guidelines. This will show that you have the necessary expertise to excel in the position.
