At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead retail and catering operations at the University of London, ensuring top-notch service.
- Company: Join Gather & Gather, a vibrant company focused on fresh and innovative food culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, pension scheme, healthcare perks, and exclusive discounts.
- Other info: Access to wellness classes and fantastic learning opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment while growing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in retail and catering management with strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 42500 - 42500 £ per year.
We’re looking for a passionate Retail & Catering Manager to lead operations at the University of London, managing a busy, high-volume environment while fostering a vibrant, food‑led culture that reflects Gather & Gather’s fresh and innovative approach.
Salary: £42,500 per annum
Shift Pattern: Monday-Friday, 40 hours per week
Location: Senate House, WC1E 7HU
Key Responsibilities
- Oversee the day‑to‑day running of retail and catering operations, ensuring smooth, efficient service delivery across all outlets.
- Manage and lead a team of 10‑20 staff, including recruitment, training, rota planning, and performance management.
- Ensure high standards of food quality, presentation, and customer service are consistently delivered.
- Monitor daily sales, control costs, and manage budgets to maximise profitability while maintaining quality.
- Plan and deliver catering for busy service periods (up to 300 covers per day), ensuring effective resource allocation.
- Maintain compliance with food safety, health & safety, and hygiene regulations at all times.
- Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders, students, and university staff to enhance the customer experience.
- Manage stock control, ordering, and supplier relationships to minimise waste and optimise margins.
- Identify and implement opportunities to improve service, increase revenue, and enhance the retail offering.
- Ensure all operations align with sustainability targets and responsible sourcing practices.
- Handle customer feedback and resolve issues promptly to maintain high satisfaction levels.
We ensure you’re rewarded for all your hard work, which is why we offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes but is not limited to:
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.
- Un‑wind with us with free wellness, mindfulness and exercise classes.
- You can share all discounts and offers with your friends and families.
About Us
As part of Compass you’ll help to feed people, fuel progress and forge connections in around 6,000 venues. Join us to grow your career with the industry leader, and get competitive pay, great perks and unrivalled opportunities for learning and development, at one of the UK's biggest businesses.
Retail And Catering Manager employer: Gather & Gather UK
Gather & Gather is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at the University of London where you can lead a passionate team in a vibrant, food-led culture. With a comprehensive benefits package, including career development programmes and exclusive discounts, we prioritise employee growth and well-being, making it a rewarding place to build your career in retail and catering management.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Retail And Catering Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at the University of London or in similar roles. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the latest trends in retail and catering. Show us you’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable about what’s happening in the industry!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership skills! Think of examples where you've successfully managed a team or improved service delivery. We want to see how you can lead our vibrant food-led culture.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step.
We think you need these skills to ace Retail And Catering Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the role shine through! We want to see how much you care about leading a vibrant food-led culture and managing a busy environment. Share your experiences that reflect this passion.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Retail & Catering Manager position. Highlight relevant experience in managing teams, overseeing operations, and ensuring high standards of service. We love seeing how your background aligns with our needs!
Be Specific About Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use numbers and examples to demonstrate how you’ve improved service, increased revenue, or enhanced customer satisfaction in previous roles. We appreciate concrete evidence of your impact.
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’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy and straightforward!
How to prepare for a job interview at Gather & Gather UK
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re familiar with Gather & Gather’s approach to food and service. Research their values and how they operate, especially in a high-volume environment like the University of London. This will show your passion and understanding of what they’re all about.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Retail & Catering Manager, you’ll be leading a team. Be ready to discuss your experience in managing staff, from recruitment to performance management. Prepare examples of how you’ve successfully led teams in the past, especially in busy settings.
✨Demonstrate Financial Acumen
You’ll need to manage budgets and control costs, so brush up on your financial skills. Be prepared to talk about how you’ve maximised profitability while maintaining quality in previous roles. Specific examples will make your case stronger.
✨Engage with Customer Experience
Customer satisfaction is key in this role. Think of times when you’ve handled feedback or resolved issues effectively. Highlight your ability to build relationships with stakeholders and enhance the overall customer experience, as this aligns with their focus on a vibrant food-led culture.