At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead two catering outlets, ensuring top-notch food and service quality.
- Company: Join a dynamic team at a leading Total Facilities Management company.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £40,000, with opportunities for growth and development.
- Other info: Embrace a diverse culture that values your unique talents and promotes career advancement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on workplace experiences through exceptional food and service.
- Qualifications: Experience in catering management and strong people skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 40000 £ per year.
We are looking for an experienced and engaging Catering Manager to lead two catering outlets within a large Total Facilities Management (TFM) contract based in Luton. This role sits within a broader contract that includes cleaning, security and hard services, but your focus will be firmly on delivering a high‑quality food and service offer within the 2 catering outlets. You will be a visible leader on site, passionate about food, service standards and people development, while working collaboratively with the wider facilities team. This position is ideal for someone with several years’ experience in catering management who enjoys running a well‑paced operation, has strong people skills, and is confident engaging with both clients and customers.
The Role
- Lead the daily operation of the catering outlets, ensuring excellent food quality and customer service
- Manage, motivate and develop the catering teams, creating a positive and high‑performing culture
- Ensure compliance with food safety, health & safety and company standards at all times
- Build effective working relationships with the on‑site facilities team and client representatives
- Manage staffing, rotas and resource planning to meet service demands efficiently
- Monitor financial performance, including costs, margins and stock control
- Deliver against agreed KPIs and service level expectations
- Support menu development, innovation and seasonal offers, reflecting customer needs
- Handle day‑to‑day issues professionally, acting as a visible and approachable manager on the floor
- Contribute to service improvements and added‑value initiatives within the wider contract
About You
- Proven experience as a Catering Manager or similar role within a workplace, contract catering or hospitality environment
- Strong operational knowledge of food service, standards and compliance
- A genuine interest in food, presentation and service culture
- Several years of people management experience, with the ability to engage, motivate and develop teams
- Confident and professional in a client‑facing environment
- Commercially aware, with experience managing budgets, costs and margins
- Organised, proactive and calm under pressure
- Food safety qualifications and relevant catering or hospitality training are desirable
What We’re Looking For
We’re looking for a hands‑on, people‑focused Catering Manager with personality and presence — someone who takes pride in their outlet, leads from the front and understands the importance of food, service and experience in a workplace environment.
Our Commitment
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!
Dual-Site Catering Manager employer: Compass Group UK
Contact Detail:
Compass Group UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Dual-Site Catering Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the catering and hospitality industry. Attend events, join relevant groups on social media, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential colleagues or mentors. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your personality! When you get the chance to meet potential employers or clients, let your passion for food and service shine through. Be engaging and approachable; it’s all about making that personal connection that sets you apart from the competition.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by knowing your stuff! Research the company and their catering outlets, and think about how your experience aligns with their needs. Bring examples of how you've led teams and improved service standards in the past – this will show them you’re the right fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for you, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team. So, what are you waiting for? Get your application in!
We think you need these skills to ace Dual-Site Catering Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food: When writing your application, let your love for food and service shine through. Share specific examples of how you've created memorable dining experiences in the past – we want to see that you're not just about the job, but about making a difference!
Highlight Your People Skills: As a Catering Manager, you'll be leading teams and engaging with clients. Make sure to showcase your people management experience in your application. Tell us about times you've motivated your team or resolved conflicts – we value strong interpersonal skills!
Be Clear on Compliance and Standards: We take food safety and compliance seriously, so it's important to mention your knowledge and experience in these areas. Include any relevant qualifications or training you have, and give examples of how you've maintained high standards in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of success. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows you're keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Compass Group UK
✨Know Your Catering Stuff
Brush up on your knowledge of food service standards and compliance. Be ready to discuss your experience with menu development and how you ensure high-quality food and service. This will show that you're not just passionate about food, but also knowledgeable about the operational side.
✨Showcase Your People Skills
Prepare examples of how you've motivated and developed your teams in the past. Think about specific situations where you turned a struggling team into a high-performing one. This will demonstrate your ability to lead and engage effectively with your staff.
✨Be Client-Focused
Since this role involves client interaction, be prepared to talk about how you've built effective working relationships in previous roles. Share stories that highlight your professionalism and ability to handle client needs while maintaining service standards.
✨Demonstrate Financial Acumen
Familiarise yourself with key performance indicators (KPIs) and how you've managed budgets in the past. Be ready to discuss how you've monitored financial performance and made decisions that positively impacted costs and margins. This will show that you understand the business side of catering management.