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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 inclusivity.
- Benefits: Enjoy free meals, gym access, travel discounts, and wellness classes.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic university environment while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing busy catering outlets and a passion for customer service.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values your unique talents and growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
This job is brought to you by Jobs/Redefined, the UK's leading over-50s age inclusive jobs board.
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.
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: 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 - Northumbria University in Newcastle upon Tyne
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the catering and hospitality industry. Attend events, join relevant groups on social media, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Familiarise yourself with their values and recent news. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you’re genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your interview skills with a friend or mentor. Mock interviews can help you feel more confident and articulate your experience effectively. Focus on showcasing your leadership and people management skills, as these are key for a Catering Manager role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Good luck!
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: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're passionate about this role and how you can contribute to our team. Share specific examples of how you've successfully managed catering operations or led teams in the past.
Showcase Your People Skills: Since this role involves a lot of interaction with students and staff, emphasise your communication and interpersonal skills. Let us know how you've built positive relationships in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get to know you better!
How to prepare for a job interview at Compass Group UK & Ireland
✨Know Your Catering Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of catering operations, especially in a university setting. Be ready to discuss your experience managing busy outlets and how you've maintained high standards of food quality and customer service.
✨Show Off Your People Skills
As a Catering Manager, you'll be leading teams, so highlight your experience in coaching and developing staff. Share specific examples of how you've created a positive team culture and managed HR processes effectively.
✨Be Financially Savvy
Prepare to talk about your experience with budgets, forecasting, and cost efficiencies. Have some examples ready of how you've driven revenue and improved financial performance in previous roles.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Demonstrate your ability to build relationships with various stakeholders, including students and university partners. Think of instances where you've successfully responded to feedback or supported events, as this will show your commitment to client engagement.
