At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead hospitality and catering services at the Officers’ Mess, ensuring a welcoming environment.
- Company: Join Compass Group UK&I, supporting military and government establishments.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, pension scheme, healthcare benefits, and exclusive discounts.
- Other info: Great career growth opportunities and a culture that values diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Transition from military to civilian life while making a real impact in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Experience in hospitality or catering, with strong leadership and financial management skills.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 35000 £ per year.
Location: Fareham
Salary: £35,000 per annum
Hours: 37 hours per week (primarily Monday–Friday with occasional functions)
We have an excellent opportunity for an experienced Hospitality Manager to lead the Officers’ Mess at HMS Collingwood. This role would suit someone with a military background looking to transition into a civilian role while staying within a Defence environment. You’ll take full responsibility for delivering high-quality hospitality and catering services within the Mess, ensuring a professional, well-organised, and welcoming environment for Officers and guests.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Overseeing all hospitality and catering services within the Officers’ Mess
- Managing day‑to‑day operations, ensuring smooth and efficient service delivery
- Acting as the key point of contact for clients, building strong relationships and responding to feedback
- Maintaining high standards across all hospitality functions, including formal dining and events
- Promoting the Mess facilities and identifying opportunities to enhance service and revenue
- Managing budgets, monitoring costs, and maintaining accurate financial controls
- Planning and scheduling staffing in line with operational needs
- Ensuring all departments are aligned to deliver seamless events and services
What We’re Looking For
- Background in hospitality, catering, events or similar operational roles
- Military experience or understanding of Mess life (highly desirable)
- Strong leadership and organisational skills
- Good financial awareness and experience managing budgets
- Confident communicator with strong stakeholder management skills
- Comfortable using systems and handling administrative tasks
- A proactive, “can‑do” attitude with high standards and attention to detail
This is a great opportunity for someone looking to move from military service into a structured civilian role, where your experience, leadership, and understanding of Defence environments will be highly valued. You’ll be part of a supportive organisation that invests in its people and offers stability, development, and a strong team culture.
Benefits
- 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
- Unwind with us with free wellness, mindfulness and exercise classes
- You can share all discounts and offers with your friends and families
About Us
Part of Compass Group UK&I, ESS is the Defence, Government, and Energy services sector of Compass Group UK & Ireland. We support 250+ UK military establishments, high profile police, secure environments and government sites, along with a range of onshore and offshore facilities including platforms, drilling rigs, floatels and offices for the energy sector. We know that a friendly face makes all the difference, so we look for people who are passionate about delivering excellent customer service, at all levels, to join our teams. 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 in Fareham employer: ESS – Defence, Energy and Government Services
At Compass Group UK&I, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, particularly for those transitioning from military service to civilian roles. Our supportive work culture at HMS Collingwood fosters professional growth and offers a range of benefits, including career development programmes, healthcare access, and exclusive discounts, all within a stable and welcoming environment that values diversity and teamwork.
Contact Details:
ESS – Defence, Energy and Government Services Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Catering Manager in Fareham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the hospitality and military sectors. Attend events or join online groups where you can meet people who might know about job openings. Remember, it’s all about who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to hospitality management. Think about your military experience and how it translates into civilian roles. We want you to showcase your leadership skills and ability to manage budgets effectively!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on companies that align with your values and experience. Check out our website for openings at Compass Group UK&I. We’re looking for passionate individuals like you to join our team!
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the role. It keeps you fresh in their minds and demonstrates your professionalism. Let’s make sure they remember you!
We think you need these skills to ace Catering Manager in Fareham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Catering Manager role. Highlight any relevant military experience or hospitality roles you've had, as this will resonate with us.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're the perfect fit for the Officers’ Mess. Share your passion for hospitality and how your background aligns with our values.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:We’re looking for someone who can lead a team effectively. In your application, mention specific examples of how you've successfully managed teams or projects in the past.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at HMS Collingwood.
How to prepare for a job interview at ESS – Defence, Energy and Government Services
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the hospitality and catering industry, especially within a military context. Brush up on your knowledge of formal dining standards and event management, as these will likely come up during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience, particularly in managing teams and operations. Think about times when you’ve successfully led a project or improved service delivery, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Understand the Financials
Since budget management is key for this role, be ready to discuss your experience with financial controls and cost monitoring. Bring specific examples of how you’ve managed budgets effectively in previous roles to demonstrate your financial awareness.
✨Be Personable and Engaging
As a Catering Manager, building relationships is crucial. Practice your communication skills and think about how you can convey your passion for customer service. A friendly, approachable attitude will help you connect with the interviewers and show that you’re a great fit for their team culture.
