Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic catering operation and ensure top-notch food quality and service.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking contract catering business that values teamwork and food excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, opportunities for growth, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a hands-on role while developing your culinary leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Culinary background and experience in catering or hospitality management.
- Other info: Embrace diversity and thrive in a culture that celebrates unique talents.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 42000 £ per year.
We’re seeking a hands-on Catering Manager with a strong culinary foundation to lead a dynamic contract catering operation. This role is ideal for someone who understands food from the ground up, leads confidently from the front, and is happy to roll up their sleeves and support the kitchen when service demands it.
You will take full ownership of the catering contract, balancing people leadership, food quality, and commercial performance. Acting as the main point of contact for the client, you will ensure a seamless service while maintaining high standards across both front and back of house.
Key Responsibilities- Oversee the full catering operation, ensuring consistent food quality and service excellence.
- Lead, develop, and motivate your team, creating a positive and professional working environment.
- Step into the kitchen when required, supporting food preparation, service, and team cover.
- Manage budgets, food costs, labour, and margins to meet financial targets.
- Build strong client relationships, responding proactively to feedback and evolving requirements.
- Ensure full compliance with food safety, health & safety, and company policies.
- Drive continuous improvement across menus, service delivery, and operational efficiency.
- A proven culinary background (e.g. trained chef or significant kitchen leadership experience).
- Previous experience as a Catering Manager, Chef Manager, or similar role within contract catering or hospitality.
- Willingness and ability to work hands-on in the kitchen when required to support service delivery.
- Strong leadership and people management skills.
- Solid commercial awareness, including cost control, budgeting, and KPI management.
- Excellent communication skills and a client-focused mindset.
Why Join Us? You’ll be part of a forward-thinking contract catering business that values food quality, teamwork, and professional development. We offer genuine opportunities to progress, support to grow your skills, and the autonomy to run your operation with pride and accountability. 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 in Leeds employer: Compass Group UK & Ireland
Contact Detail:
Compass Group UK & Ireland Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Catering Manager in Leeds
✨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 letting people know you’re on the lookout for a Catering Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your culinary skills! If you get the chance, offer to do a trial shift or a cooking demonstration. This is your chance to shine and show potential employers that you can lead from the front and handle the heat in the kitchen.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive in your approach! Don’t just wait for job postings to pop up. Reach out directly to companies you admire, like us at Compass Group UK&I, and express your interest in working with them. A personal touch can go a long way!
✨Tip Number 4
Keep your online presence sharp! Update your LinkedIn profile and showcase your experience in catering management. Share posts about food trends or your culinary adventures to engage with others in the industry. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance of landing that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Catering Manager in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Culinary Skills: Make sure to highlight your culinary background in your application. We want to see how your experience as a trained chef or kitchen leader can bring value to our catering operation.
Demonstrate Leadership Experience: Talk about your previous roles where you led a team. We’re looking for someone who can motivate and develop their team, so share examples of how you've created a positive working environment.
Be Client-Focused: Since you'll be the main point of contact for clients, it’s important to showcase your communication skills. Let us know how you've built strong client relationships and responded to feedback in the past.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get to know you better. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Compass Group UK & Ireland
✨Know Your Culinary Stuff
Brush up on your culinary knowledge and be ready to discuss your experience in the kitchen. Be prepared to share specific examples of dishes you've created or challenges you've faced in food preparation. This will show your passion for food and your hands-on approach.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Think of examples where you've successfully led a team or improved team dynamics. Highlight how you motivate and develop your staff, as this role requires strong leadership. Be ready to discuss how you handle conflicts and ensure a positive working environment.
✨Understand the Business Side
Familiarise yourself with budgeting, cost control, and KPIs relevant to catering operations. Be prepared to discuss how you've managed these aspects in previous roles. Showing that you can balance food quality with commercial performance will set you apart.
✨Build Rapport with the Interviewer
Remember, this is not just about your skills but also about how well you connect with the interviewer. Ask questions about their team and the company culture. Demonstrating a client-focused mindset and a willingness to adapt will resonate well with them.
