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- 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 professional growth.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, opportunities for progression, 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 previous experience in catering management required.
- 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’ll 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’ll 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.
Essential Requirements:
- 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 - Full Time - Leeds employer: Compass Group
Contact Detail:
Compass Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Catering Manager - Full Time - Leeds
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the catering and hospitality industry. Attend local events or join online groups where you can meet potential employers or colleagues who might know of openings. Remember, it’s all about who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you get the chance, offer to do a trial shift or a cooking demonstration. This is a great way to showcase your culinary expertise and leadership style in action. Plus, it gives you a taste of the team dynamics before you commit.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to appear. Reach out directly to companies you admire, like us at StudySmarter. Express your interest in working with them and ask if they have any upcoming opportunities. You never know what might come up!
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s values and recent projects. Tailor your answers to reflect how your experience aligns with their goals. And don’t forget to ask insightful questions – it shows you’re genuinely interested in the role and the company!
We think you need these skills to ace Catering Manager - Full Time - 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 chef or in kitchen leadership can bring value to our catering operation.
Demonstrate Leadership Experience: We’re looking for someone who can lead and motivate a team. Share examples of how you've developed your team and created a positive working environment in your previous roles.
Be Client-Focused: Since you'll be the main point of contact for clients, it’s important to showcase your communication skills. Tell us about times you’ve built strong client relationships and responded to feedback effectively.
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 ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates during the process.
How to prepare for a job interview at Compass Group
✨Know Your Culinary Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your culinary knowledge and experience. Be ready to discuss your background in food preparation, service, and any specific dishes or cuisines you excel in. This will show that you’re not just a manager but someone who truly understands the kitchen.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led and motivated teams in the past. Think about times when you’ve had to step in during busy periods or resolve conflicts. Highlighting your people management skills will demonstrate that you can create a positive working environment.
✨Understand the Business Side
Familiarise yourself with budgeting, cost control, and KPIs relevant to catering operations. Be ready to discuss how you’ve managed these aspects in previous roles. This will show that you have the commercial awareness needed to drive performance and meet financial targets.
✨Build Rapport with the Interviewer
Remember, this is also about building a relationship. Be personable and engage with your interviewer. Ask questions about their team and the company culture. Showing genuine interest in their operations will help you stand out as a candidate who’s not just looking for a job, but a place to thrive.