Head Of Retail - Catering (Monday - Friday) in London

Location: University College London, Gower Street, WC1E 6BT London

Rate of Pay: £52,053.84 per annum

Working Pattern: Monday - Friday, 40 hours per week, with occasional weekends

Key Responsibilities

• To ensure the efficient and effective delivery of catering operations and designated services to the client in accordance with the contract.
• To ensure delivery of the highest possible standard of food services with the resources available and within budget.
• Effective management of the contract management team to ensure the delivery of both qualitative and quantitative results.
• Manage the Catering Operation with the available resources to achieve sales and GP targets.
• To manage and control the service offers for the client to the agreed specification and to the agreed performance.
• To actively seek and identify opportunities and innovation for business growth & development with focus on latest food trends and best practices.
• Responsible for overseeing all aspects of compliance within the contractual terms.

Attributes and Qualifications

• Experience as a multi-site restaurant/catering/hospitality manager in high volume operations.
• Strong financial & commercial acumen – P & L accountability.
• Excellent people, communication, organisation and people management skills.
• The ability to motivate and enthuse people and teams to deliver results.
• An understanding of legislation & compliance.
• Strong leadership, coaching, performance management and people development skills.
• A hands‑on lead from the front approach with a keen eye for detail.
• Inspiring, motivating and coaching managers to deliver the very best in food and coffee service.
• A positive and outgoing personality and outlook.
• IT literate – working with systems & process.
• Building strong, trusted partnerships with client and stakeholders.
• Acting as a vital link between site managers and functions such as HR, Accounts, and Purchasing.
• Monitoring site performance and driving continual improvements in quality and service.
• Quickly solving problems to keep operations running smoothly and efficiently.
• Drive commercial success by managing budgets, reducing costs and improving margins.
• Identify opportunities for innovation and efficiency to elevate operational performance.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to establish financial and commercial targets.
• Oversee and analyse campus and individual financial performance against budgetary goals, addressing any variances with achievable solutions.

Compliance

• Ensure comprehensive QHSS (Quality, Health, Safety, and Sustainability) management across all areas of operations to maintain the highest safety and quality standards.
• Oversee company statutory health, hygiene and safety, quality standards including COSHH and HACCP carried out in accordance with company standards.
• Oversee manager and employee completion of mandatory training.
• Ensure all outlets operate in line with company policies, health & safety regulations, and brand standards.
• Assist with the implementation of company initiatives and support the rollout of new systems and processes.
• Conduct manager performance appraisals, identify training needs, and promote development opportunities.

Customer Service

• Maintain a professional and friendly relationship with the client and customers.
• Work with the senior team to present a united front.
• Be up to date with customer needs and food trends and communicate ideas to senior team and managers.

Benefits

• 27 days holiday plus Public Holidays plus your birthday off & UCL closure dates off.
• Fantastic (UCL-aligned) Pension scheme.
• Food allowance.
• Volunteering days.
• Personal Development and Training opportunities – we are passionate about our team growing with us.
• Online wellbeing centre – including access to our Employee Assistance Programme, salary, recipes, exercise, and financial advice.
• Family friendly support.
• Regular social events.
• Recognition schemes and people awards.
• Long service awards.
• High street discount vouchers.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Discount gym Membership (campus gym).