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- Tasks: Lead a team to deliver exceptional catering for up to 800 customers daily.
- Company: Join Virgin Media O2, a top UK corporate head office known for excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy free meals, on-site parking, and no weekend work.
- Why this job: Shape workplace dining and elevate standards in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in high-volume catering and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth with access to development programmes.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 48000 £ per year.
Virgin Media O2 Head Office - Green Park, Reading
Salary: £43,270
Working Pattern: Monday to Friday | 7:30am - 4:00pm
Shape the Future of Workplace Dining at One of the UK’s Leading Head Office Sites
We’re seeking a confident, polished, and strategic Catering Manager to lead a high-performing team at the flagship Virgin Media O2 head office in Reading. This is not just a job - it’s an opportunity to set the standard for excellence in food, service, and hospitality at a site where expectations are high and quality is non-negotiable.
About the Role
This pivotal role will see you managing a large team of 17, delivering a premium catering experience to up to 800 customers daily. You’ll act as the face of Eurest on site, building and maintaining strong relationships with senior-level clients, while overseeing every aspect of catering operations - from finance and compliance to team development and service innovation. You’ll work closely with the Head Chef to craft seasonal, engaging menus that delight our customers and reflect the latest culinary trends, while ensuring the operation runs seamlessly, efficiently, and profitably.
What You’ll Be Responsible For
- Full operational and strategic responsibility for the catering provision at a prestigious corporate head office
- Managing compliance in HR, HSE, PCI, profit protection, and food safety (HACCP, Natasha’s Law, allergen management)
- Leading on GP (target: 40%) and wastage control, ensuring Nexus account compliance and accurate weekly stock takes
- Partnering with the Head Chef to drive menu innovation, planning, and execution
- Coaching and developing your team through job chats, PDRs, and structured training plans
- Delivering an outstanding customer experience, driving a culture of excellence aligned with Compass and client expectations
- Coordinating hospitality services, events, and premium activations including outdoor BBQs and bespoke functions
Who You Are
We’re looking for a leader who combines operational know-how with excellent interpersonal skills - someone equally comfortable analysing P&Ls as they are leading from the front and engaging with high-level stakeholders.
You will have:
- Proven experience managing a high-volume B&I (Business & Industry) catering contract
- Strong understanding of GP delivery, stock management, compliance, and food safety legislation
- Experience in event and hospitality management
- Excellent communication and team leadership skills
- A proactive mindset and a passion for customer satisfaction
- Experience with Compass systems including Nexus, Ourtime, and PCI compliance (desirable)
Perks & Benefits
- Free meal on duty
- Free on-site parking
- EV charging points (self-funded)
- No weekend or Bank Holiday working
- Full access to Compass benefits, discounts, and development programmes
Interview Process
- 1st Stage - Microsoft Teams Interview
- 2nd Stage - On Site Interview
Lead the team. Elevate the standard. Make your mark. If you’re ready to take your catering career to the next level at one of the UK’s most dynamic corporate Head Office sites- we want to hear from you.
Catering Manager - Reading employer: Eurest
Contact Detail:
Eurest Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Catering Manager - Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in corporate catering and hospitality. Understanding what high-level clients expect can help you tailor your approach during interviews, showcasing your knowledge and passion for the industry.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the catering and hospitality sector, especially those who have experience in B&I contracts. Building connections can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals that could strengthen your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed teams and improved customer satisfaction in previous roles. Highlighting your leadership skills and operational achievements will demonstrate your capability to excel in this position.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Virgin Media O2 and their corporate culture. Understanding their values and expectations will allow you to align your responses during the interview, showing that you're not just a fit for the role but also for the company.
We think you need these skills to ace Catering Manager - Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and expectations of the Catering Manager position. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experiences that align with the role.
Craft a Compelling CV: Ensure your CV showcases your experience in managing high-volume catering operations, compliance knowledge, and team leadership skills. Use clear headings and bullet points for easy readability.
Write a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for customer satisfaction and your proactive mindset. Mention specific examples of how you've successfully managed catering contracts or led teams in the past.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Emphasise your understanding of food safety legislation, stock management, and event coordination. Make sure to mention any experience with Compass systems if applicable, as this could set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Eurest
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Catering Manager, you'll be leading a large team. Be prepared to discuss your leadership style and provide examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past. Highlight any specific strategies you've used to motivate and develop your staff.
✨Demonstrate Your Financial Acumen
Understanding profit margins and stock management is crucial for this role. Be ready to talk about your experience with P&L analysis and how you've effectively controlled costs while maintaining quality. Prepare to share specific metrics or achievements that showcase your financial management skills.
✨Emphasise Customer Experience
This position requires a strong focus on customer satisfaction. Think of examples where you've gone above and beyond to enhance the dining experience for customers. Discuss how you gather feedback and implement changes based on customer needs and preferences.
✨Prepare for Compliance Questions
Given the importance of compliance in this role, brush up on relevant legislation such as food safety and allergen management. Be ready to explain how you've ensured compliance in previous roles and how you would approach it at Virgin Media O2.
