At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop a team to provide exceptional catering services in education.
- Company: Join Chartwells, a leader in education catering with a commitment to health and wellbeing.
- Benefits: Enjoy discounts on travel, groceries, cinema tickets, and wellness classes.
- Other info: Diverse workplace culture that values your unique talents and promotes career advancement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' lives while growing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in team leadership and a passion for the education sector.
- 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
To lead and develop a team of Regional Managers/ Group Managers to provide exceptional service to our clients. Manage client and contractual relationships in a commercial manner ensuring compliance and company policies are adhered to. Drive growth in the sub sector working alongside our Sales and Retention teams.
Review business performance and ensure delivery of key financial targets in line with management and performance reporting. Demonstrate commercial value to your direct reports, line manager and leadership teams in line with the Once Compass vision, values and overall business strategy.
Key Responsibilities:
- Promoting a safety culture and ensuring your team are aware of and operate in accordance with company and client Health & Safety procedures at all times whilst ensuring a safe environment for all users of the premises is provided for all contracts in the business area.
- Plan and implement the strategy of growth and retention of new and existing business through leading the development of long-term account plans
- Ensure retention plans are in place, regularly updated and used as the basis for retention activity throughout the life of each contract. Work with the retention team as well as unit teams to ensure delivery
- Support the sales team to develop financially sound bids and proposals and sign off final agreements to ensure we deliver operationally sound contracts
- Develop strategic client relationships, develop and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders
- Deliver the profit for the sub sector through leading the team in delivery of their financial targets.
- Review unit and contract performance, identify improvements and ensure contract compliance to exceed client expectations
- Work with the sector marketing team to analyse insights from the market and customer base to ensure the offer being delivered at site level is matched to customer needs and provides both consistency and innovation to both customer and client
- Support with development and evolution of sub sector strategy, embed the strategy within the team and ensure that activities in line with strategic intent are implemented to maximise performance and customer satisfaction
- Ensure that feedback at site level is consistently collected and tracked to practice continuous improvement and grow footfall and sales at each unit level. Use all channels including apps, in unit and student committees to gather this feedback ongoing
- Align to all central functions to enhance existing service offers, drive service initiatives
- Review, implement and action client satisfaction survey
- Ensure centrally driven service initiatives are supported and implemented.
- Ensure fit for purpose menus and in place with up to date costings and specifications are adhered to
- Supporting Compass Foodbuy in the strategic sourcing and supplier compliance with contractual legal, company and client requirements, ensuring your team complies with Compass purchasing policies. Support the teams in maximising their PI opportunities via fit for purpose promotional activity at appropriate times
- Constantly focus on the quality of food offer and service within each account, ensuring any deviation from agreed standard is rectified promptly and that the team’s focus is the same
- Building your great team to deliver quality standards and achieve individual objectives and team performance targets. Recruiting the right people, developing the skills and knowledge of your team to do a great job, enabling opportunities for progression and developing a healthy succession pipeline for your business area so we are never short of great people.
- Bringing the team together to share best practice, ensure co-ordination of activity where possible, and create a collaborative group of people who are kept up to date not only of activity within the cub sector but also the wider business and the external marketplace
- Challenge and continually review labour structures and ratios, as well as ensuring development plans are in place right down to front line and that our people are being prioritised at unit level
- Managing the team in line with company procedures including formal performance management processes, labour management, grievances & disciplinary investigations as appropriate and ensuring business HR practices are followed in your business area.
Who you are:
- Proven experience in leading, managing and developing successful teams across multiple sites
- Must be commercially astute, disciplined, organised and experienced in developing budgets, meeting financial targets, managing a heavy workload and working to tight deadlines
- Knowledge and experience working within the industry
- Flexibility in approach and mindset
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.
Job Reference: com/2704/386400/52804993/SU #State Schools
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!
Operations Manager - Education Catering in Chertsey employer: Chartwells
Chartwells in Park, Northern Ireland is an excellent employer that prioritises a supportive work culture and values the contributions of its team members. As a Kitchen Assistant, you will benefit from comprehensive operational training, life assurance, and employee assistance programs, all while working in a dynamic environment that encourages professional growth and development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager - Education Catering in Chertsey
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Chartwells. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Chartwells
Don't be shy about reaching out to Chartwells directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Chartwells and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Chartwells
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
