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- Tasks: Lead a vibrant catering operation across cafés and restaurants at Northumbria University.
- Company: Join Compass Group, a leader in the catering industry with a focus on growth and development.
- Benefits: Enjoy free meals, gym access, travel discounts, and wellness classes.
- Why this job: Shape student experiences while developing your career in a dynamic university environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing busy catering outlets and a passion for excellent customer service.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values your unique talents and promotes inclusivity.
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:
- Free meals
- Free on-site gym
- Free onsite 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
- Un-wind with us with free wellness, mindfulness and exercise classes
- You can share all discounts and offers with your friends and families
The Role
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. You’ll play a key role in shaping customer experience, developing teams and driving standards across multiple outlets while working collaboratively with the senior leadership team.
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
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 in Newcastle upon Tyne employer: Chartwells
Contact Detail:
Chartwells Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Catering Manager - Northumbria University in Newcastle upon Tyne
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Northumbria University through LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the university's catering services. Know their menu trends and customer feedback. This shows you're genuinely interested and ready to make an impact!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your people skills! As a Catering Manager, you'll be leading teams and engaging with students. Role-play common scenarios with a friend to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Catering Manager - Northumbria University in Newcastle upon Tyne
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Catering Manager role. Highlight your leadership experience, customer service skills, and any relevant achievements in catering or hospitality.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about this role and how your background makes you the perfect fit. Don’t forget to mention your commitment to creating a positive team culture!
Showcase Your People Skills: As a Catering Manager, you'll be leading teams and engaging with students and stakeholders. Make sure to highlight your interpersonal skills and any experience you have in managing diverse teams in your application.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of success. It’s quick and easy, and you’ll be one step closer to joining our fantastic team at Northumbria University!
How to prepare for a job interview at Chartwells
✨Know Your Catering Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of catering operations, especially in a university setting. Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in food service and customer engagement, as well as any specific practices that Compass Group follows.
✨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. This will demonstrate your ability to create a positive working environment.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions about how you'd handle specific situations, like managing a busy service or dealing with customer complaints. Think through potential scenarios and have clear, structured responses ready to show your problem-solving skills and operational leadership.
✨Understand the Financial Side
Since managing budgets and driving revenue is key, be prepared to discuss your experience with financial management. Bring examples of how you've successfully managed costs or increased sales in past roles, and be ready to talk about how you would apply that knowledge at Northumbria University.
