At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage catering operations across a vibrant university campus.
- Company: Join Compass Group, a leader in the catering industry with a focus on inclusivity.
- Benefits: Enjoy free meals, discounts, wellness classes, and a comprehensive benefits package.
- Other info: Great opportunities for personal growth and a supportive team culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while developing your career in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in catering management and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ 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
- 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, 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
As Group Manager, you will hold full responsibility for the operational delivery and performance of multiple catering outlets across a busy university campus. You will lead safe, compliant, commercially focused and customer-centric operations, ensuring consistently high standards across all areas of the business.
The role encompasses responsibility for financial performance, labour management, staffing, customer experience, food safety compliance, stock control, hospitality, vending and event operations. You will ensure seamless service delivery within a diverse, high-volume and fast-paced environment while driving operational excellence and continuous improvement.
You will organise and supervise all catering operations in accordance with Compass Group UK & Ireland standards, contractual requirements and statutory regulations, ensuring the efficient and effective management of all resources, including people, stock and company assets.
Key Responsibilities
- Operational Leadership
- Lead and manage the day-to-day operation of multiple catering outlets across campus
- Ensure all services are delivered safely, efficiently and to agreed company and client standards
- Drive operational consistency, customer satisfaction and commercial performance
- Ensure all hospitality and event catering is delivered to the highest standard
- Support vending and retail operations to maximise service delivery and revenue opportunities
- Client Relationship Management
- Build and maintain strong relationships with university stakeholders and clients
- Ensure all contractual obligations are fully understood and consistently delivered
- Communicate regularly with clients and respond proactively to operational feedback
- Implement action plans following client satisfaction surveys
- Act as a positive ambassador for Compass Group at all times
- Financial & Commercial Management
- Manage all site costs effectively, including labour, food, consumables and operational expenditure
- Deliver labour schedules in line with budget and business requirements
- Minimise agency usage and overtime spend through effective workforce planning
- Monitor gross profit performance and ensure purchasing compliance targets are achieved
- Analyse sales trends and identify opportunities to improve revenue and profitability
- Ensure accurate completion of financial and operational reporting
- Customer Experience & Retail Standards
- Ensure all retail and catering areas are fully stocked, presented and operating to high standards
- Deliver excellent customer service across all outlets and hospitality services
- Support and implement company promotions and marketing initiatives
- Ensure products are correctly priced and aligned with company and client requirements
- Act on customer feedback to continuously improve the consumer experience
- Food Safety, Health & Safety & Compliance
- Ensure full compliance with all food safety, health & safety and statutory regulations
- Maintain accurate training records and ensure all team members complete required training
- Investigate and report incidents appropriately, implementing corrective actions where required
- Conduct regular compliance checks and audits across all operational areas
- Promote a strong health & safety culture across the business
- People Management
- Lead, motivate and develop teams to deliver operational excellence
- Ensure all team members are trained, supported and understand their responsibilities
- Manage recruitment, onboarding, succession planning and performance management
- Conduct regular team briefings and encourage engagement through initiatives such as Your Voice
- Monitor labour turnover and absenteeism, implementing action plans where necessary
- Create a positive, inclusive and high-performing team culture
Skills & Experience
- Essential
- Proven experience managing successful catering operations within a similar environment
- Experience leading and developing teams within a high-volume operation
- Strong financial and commercial acumen
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
- Good understanding of food safety and health & safety legislation
- IT literate with experience using operational and financial systems
- Minimum of 2 years' catering management experience
- NVQ Level 1 & 2 or City & Guilds 706/1 and 2
- Basic Food Hygiene Certificate
- Desirable
- Experience within a university or education catering environment
- Strong knowledge of food production methods and operational procedures
- Experience managing hospitality and event catering
- Self-motivated with the ability to adapt within a changing environment
- Good culinary knowledge and chef skills
Key Behaviours
- Results driven with strong attention to detail
- Customer focused with a passion for service excellence
- Positive and proactive approach to leadership
- Strong organisational and problem-solving skills
- Ability to hold teams accountable while supporting development
- Collaborative team player with the ability to build strong working relationships
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!
Group Catering Manager - University of Kent employer: Compass Group
At Compass Group UK & Ireland, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a comprehensive benefits package that includes free meals, subsidised parking, and access to a Digital GP for you and your family. Our vibrant work culture fosters personal and professional growth through our Career Pathways and MyLearning programmes, while our commitment to diversity ensures that every team member feels valued and empowered. Join us at the University of Kent, where you can lead a dynamic catering operation in a supportive environment that prioritises excellence and innovation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Group Catering Manager - University of Kent
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at the University of Kent or Compass Group on 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 offerings and think about how you can enhance them. Show us you're genuinely interested in making a difference!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your answers to common interview questions, especially around leadership and customer service. We want to see your passion for service excellence and how you handle challenges.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can keep you fresh in their minds and show us your enthusiasm for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Group Catering Manager - University of Kent
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Group Catering Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience in managing catering operations and leading teams, as well as any specific achievements that showcase your skills.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your background aligns with the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Be sure to mention your understanding of food safety and customer service excellence.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a Group Catering Manager, leadership is key. In your application, emphasise your experience in motivating and developing teams, and provide examples of how you've driven operational excellence in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, and you can easily track your progress!
How to prepare for a job interview at Compass Group
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the role of Group Catering Manager. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities like operational leadership and financial management. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles that demonstrate your experience in managing catering operations, leading teams, and ensuring customer satisfaction. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses and highlight your achievements.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Don’t just wait for questions; engage with your interviewers. Ask insightful questions about their expectations for the role, the team dynamics, and how they measure success. This shows that you’re proactive and genuinely interested in contributing to their goals.
✨Emphasise Your People Skills
As a Group Catering Manager, you'll need to lead and motivate teams. Be ready to discuss how you've developed team members in the past and how you handle challenges within a team. Highlight your communication skills and your ability to build strong relationships with stakeholders.
