At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead culinary excellence and inspire teams across multiple dining sites.
- Company: Dine Contract Catering, a food-first company passionate about great dining experiences.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, company car allowance, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Other info: Join a diverse team that values innovation and personal development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on food standards and develop future leaders in the industry.
- Qualifications: Strong culinary background and multi-site operational experience required.
The predicted salary is between 34000 - 34000 £ per year.
Location: North East, Multi-Site Role
Salary: Up to £34,000 per annum plus company car allowance
Are you passionate about great food, developing people and raising standards? We're looking for an experienced and inspiring Area Support Manager to help drive culinary excellence across our portfolio of workplace dining operations throughout the Northeast. This is a fantastic opportunity for a food-led leader who thrives on coaching teams, improving standards and bringing food concepts to life. Working closely with our Unit Managers, Chef Managers and Regional Managers, you'll play a key role in ensuring every site delivers exceptional food, outstanding customer experiences and consistently high brand standards.
At Dine, food isn't an add-on. It's the centre of everything we do. Founded in the Northwest in 1997 and still proudly based in Warrington, Dine Contract Catering was built by chefs and food lovers who believed workplace dining could be something more. Today, that chef-led, food-first mindset still defines us. We're a business where chefs are empowered to create, bringing together seasonal ingredients, local suppliers and bold ideas to deliver food experiences with real personality, purpose and pride. Every offer is tailored. Every menu has intent.
What You'll Be Doing
- Champion Dine's food vision, culinary standards and customer experience across multiple sites
- Support the successful implementation of menus, food concepts, promotions and seasonal initiatives
- Coach and develop Catering Managers, Chef Managers and operational teams to build capability and confidence
- Provide hands-on support in operations, helping teams achieve excellence in food quality, presentation and service delivery
- Identify opportunities to enhance customer satisfaction, innovation and commercial performance
- Conduct site reviews to ensure consistency, compliance and operational excellence
- Share best practice across the region and embed a culture of continuous improvement
- Support mobilisation projects, business initiatives and new contract launches
- Act as a visible ambassador for food innovation, hospitality and operational excellence throughout Dine
- Occasionally provide operational cover at sites within the portfolio
What We're Looking For
- A strong culinary background within contract catering, hospitality or foodservice
- Multi-site operational experience
- A genuine passion for delivering exceptional food and hospitality experiences
- Experience coaching, developing and influencing managers and operational teams
- Strong knowledge of food safety, compliance and operational best practice
- Commercial awareness and the ability to identify opportunities for improvement
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
- A full UK driving licence and willingness to travel across the region
Desirable
- Previous experience as an Area Manager, Support Manager or similar multi-site leadership role
- Level 3 Food Safety qualification (or above)
- IOSH Managing Safely qualification
- Experience supporting mobilisations, change programmes or operational improvement projects
Why Join Dine?
At Dine, food is at the heart of everything we do. We're passionate about creating memorable dining experiences, investing in our people and continually raising the bar on quality and innovation. This role offers the opportunity to make a real impact, influencing food standards across multiple sites, developing future leaders and helping shape the future of our business. If you're passionate about food, people and delivering excellence, we'd love to hear from you.
Area Support Manager - North East in Backworth employer: Compass UK & Ireland
As a Cleaning Supervisor at our Defence location, you will join a supportive and inclusive work culture that values your contributions and encourages personal growth. We offer flexible part-time hours, competitive benefits, and a commitment to recognising and rewarding hard work, making it an ideal environment for those seeking meaningful employment while advancing their careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Area Support Manager - North East in Backworth
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Compass UK & Ireland. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Compass UK & Ireland
Don't be shy about reaching out to Compass UK & Ireland directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Area Support Manager - North East in Backworth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Compass UK & Ireland and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Compass UK & Ireland
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
