At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a vibrant catering operation and create memorable dining experiences.
- Company: Dine, a leading catering business with a chef-led approach.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, daytime hours, and opportunities for growth.
- Other info: Join a dynamic environment focused on innovation and sustainability.
- Why this job: Shape the daily experience of hundreds and inspire a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Experience in multi-outlet catering and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 45000 £ per year.
Salary: Up to 45,000 per annum
Contract: Full Time | Monday to Friday | Daytime Hours
Lead a Hospitality Experience That Makes Every Day Better
We're looking for a passionate and commercially minded General Catering Manager to lead a dynamic workplace hospitality and catering operation within a large corporate campus environment. At Dine, food is at the heart of everything we do. For over 25 years, we've built our reputation on delivering exceptional hospitality, chef-led innovation and memorable dining experiences across workplaces and business environments throughout the UK. While many see contract catering, we see something more, a chance to bring restaurant-quality food, genuine hospitality, and meaningful client partnerships into every location we serve.
This is an opportunity to shape the daily experience of hundreds of customers through an exciting blend of a staff restaurant, street food bistro, coffee shop and hospitality as well as multiple self-serve coffee machines and vending operations across the site. You'll play a key role in creating a destination that people genuinely enjoy spending time in.
If you're an experienced operator who thrives on building high-performing teams, developing client relationships and delivering memorable customer experiences, we'd love to hear from you.
What You'll Be Doing
- Leading a multi-outlet catering and hospitality operation within a busy workplace environment
- Creating exceptional customer experiences that keep people coming back
- Building strong and trusted relationships with clients and key stakeholders
- Driving commercial performance through full accountability for budgets, forecasting and P&L
- Identifying opportunities to grow revenue, improve services and enhance the customer journey
- Inspiring, coaching and developing management and frontline teams
- Delivering consistently high standards across food quality, hospitality and service
- Championing innovation, wellbeing and sustainability initiatives
- Ensuring compliance with all Health & Safety, Food Safety and company policies
- Delivering against KPIs, contractual objectives and customer satisfaction measures
What We're Looking For
You'll be an energetic leader with a passion for hospitality and a track record of delivering results in complex catering environments. You'll bring:
- Experience leading multi-outlet catering and hospitality operations
- Strong financial and commercial awareness with P&L responsibility
- Excellent client relationship and stakeholder management skills
- A passion for customer experience, food innovation and service excellence
- Experience developing and motivating high-performing teams
- The ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on operational leadership
- Strong communication, influencing and problem-solving abilities
- A proactive mindset with a focus on continuous improvement and growth
Why Dine?
At Dine, we're proud of our heritage but excited about our future. We combine the professionalism of a leading catering business with the creativity, passion, and flexibility of a chef-led organisation.
General Catering Manager - Stockton-on-tees employer: ESS
Chartwells Education is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises growth and excellence in the education catering sector. With a commitment to employee development and a focus on delivering outstanding food and hospitality experiences, you will find ample opportunities for professional advancement while making a meaningful impact across educational institutions. Join us in a role that not only values your expertise but also fosters a supportive environment for innovation and collaboration.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land General Catering Manager - Stockton-on-tees
✨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 ESS. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to ESS
Don't be shy about reaching out to ESS 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 General Catering Manager - Stockton-on-tees
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 ESS 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 ESS
✨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!
