At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a vibrant catering operation across cafés and restaurants at Northumbria University.
- Company: Join Compass Group, a leader in food and beverage services.
- Benefits: Enjoy free meals, gym access, discounts, and career growth opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with a focus on inclusivity and personal development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on student life while developing your management skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing busy catering outlets and a passion for customer service.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 € per year.
We are looking for an experienced Catering Manager to lead a diverse catering operation across cafés, restaurants, retail outlets and hospitality services. This is a highly visible role, combining operational leadership, people development, commercial performance and client engagement in a fast‑paced university environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Operational Leadership
- Manage day‑to‑day catering operations across cafés, restaurants, retail outlets and hospitality services.
- Ensure consistently high standards of food quality and customer service in line with Chartwells standards.
- Deliver menu implementation, promotions and seasonal offers in line with Compass Group guidelines.
- Work closely with peers, the Operations Manager and Contract Director to share best practice and build a strong, collaborative team culture.
- People Management
- Lead, coach and develop catering teams, creating a positive and inclusive working environment.
- Manage HR processes including rotas, performance reviews, return‑to‑work meetings and recruitment support.
- Ensure staffing levels meet operational demands while effectively managing labour costs.
- Process staff timesheets and payroll accurately and on time using company systems.
- Health, Safety & Compliance
- Ensure full compliance with food safety legislation, allergen management, HACCP and Health & Safety policies.
- Maintain excellent hygiene standards across all front‑ and back‑of‑house areas.
- Carry out regular audits and implement corrective actions where required.
- Promote a strong health and safety culture, including PPE and process compliance.
- Financial & Commercial Performance
- Manage budgets, forecasting, stock control and cost efficiencies to achieve financial targets.
- Analyse sales data and introduce initiatives to drive revenue and increase student and staff engagement.
- Manage supplier relationships, ordering processes and waste‑reduction initiatives.
- Support the senior team to deliver strong commercial outcomes and an outstanding customer experience.
- Client & Stakeholder Engagement
- Build and maintain strong relationships with university partners, student representatives and internal Compass stakeholders.
- Attend and lead regular team and peer meetings.
- Respond effectively to customer feedback, escalating where appropriate.
- Support university events, open days and bespoke hospitality requirements.
About You
- Essential
- Proven experience managing a large, busy retail catering outlet or multiple outlets.
- Strong commitment to delivering excellent customer service.
- Passion for creating and sustaining a positive team culture.
- Organised, pragmatic and able to adapt to changing priorities.
- Solid understanding of line management and HR processes.
- Ability to work under pressure while maintaining attention to detail.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- You’ll Also Be
- A natural people‑person, confident engaging with students and senior stakeholders alike.
- A role model for honesty, respect and fairness.
- Commercially aware, with experience managing budgets and driving revenue.
- Flexible and adaptable within a dynamic university environment.
- Desirable
- Experience using OurTime or a similar system.
- Background in contract catering or large operational teams.
- Strong interest in food & beverage, retail and events.
Benefits
- Free meals.
- Free on‑site gym.
- Free on‑site swimming pool access.
- Subsidised car parking.
- 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.
- Unwind with us with free wellness, mindfulness and exercise classes.
- You can share all discounts and offers with your friends and families.
About Us
As part of Compass you'll help to feed people, fuel progress and forge connections in around 6,000 venues. Join us to grow your career with the industry leader, and get competitive pay, great perks and unrivalled opportunities for learning and development, at one of the UK's biggest businesses.
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!
Catering Manager - Northumbria University employer: Chartwells Universities
At Compass Group UK&I, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that values diversity and fosters personal growth. As a Catering Manager at Northumbria University, you'll enjoy a range of benefits including free meals, access to on-site fitness facilities, and exclusive discounts, all while leading a dynamic team in a fast-paced university environment that prioritises both customer satisfaction and employee development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Catering Manager - Northumbria University
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the catering and hospitality 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
Show off your personality! When you get an interview, let your passion for food and customer service shine through. Share stories that highlight your experience managing teams and delivering excellent service – it’ll make you memorable!
✨Tip Number 3
Research the company culture! Before your interview, dive into Compass Group’s values and mission. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their goals, especially around team culture and client engagement.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, you can easily keep track of your applications and any updates. Don’t miss out on the chance to join our amazing team!
We think you need these skills to ace Catering Manager - Northumbria University
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for catering and customer service shine through. We want to see that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about creating a positive experience for students and staff alike.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Catering Manager. Highlight your relevant experience in managing busy catering operations and any achievements that demonstrate your ability to lead teams and drive commercial performance.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read. We appreciate straightforward communication, especially in a fast-paced environment like ours!
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 Compass Group.
How to prepare for a job interview at Chartwells Universities
✨Know Your Catering Operations
Familiarise yourself with the specific catering operations at Northumbria University. Research their cafés, restaurants, and hospitality services to understand their offerings and standards. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your People Skills
As a Catering Manager, you'll be leading teams and engaging with students and stakeholders. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams, resolved conflicts, or improved team culture in previous roles. Highlight your ability to create a positive working environment.
✨Demonstrate Financial Acumen
Be ready to discuss your experience with budgeting, forecasting, and managing costs. Bring examples of how you've driven revenue or implemented cost-saving initiatives in past positions. This will show that you can contribute to the financial performance of the catering operation.
✨Prepare for Compliance Questions
Health and safety compliance is crucial in catering. Brush up on food safety legislation, allergen management, and HACCP principles. Be prepared to discuss how you've ensured compliance in previous roles and how you would maintain high hygiene standards in this position.
