At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting commercial kitchen projects from start to finish, ensuring top-notch delivery.
- Company: Join GKF Engineering, a specialist in bespoke stainless steel catering solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, pension scheme, paid leave, and ongoing training.
- Other info: Be part of a close-knit team where your contributions truly matter.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a growing company with diverse and interesting projects.
- Qualifications: Experience in commercial catering or kitchen projects is essential.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
GKF Engineering is a well-established UK specialist manufacturer of bespoke stainless steel commercial catering equipment and complete commercial kitchen solutions. Based in Greater Manchester, we design, manufacture and install everything from individual bespoke fabrication and stainless steel counters through to complete commercial kitchen projects. We work with commercial catering companies, catering consultants, main contractors, designers and end clients across the UK, delivering projects for sectors including hospitality, restaurants, hotels, education, healthcare, leisure and stadia. Our work is genuinely bespoke. No two projects are quite the same, and that’s what makes working here interesting.
Due to continued growth, we’re looking for an experienced Senior Project Manager / Commercial Catering Project Manager to join our team and take ownership of projects from contract award through to successful completion and handover. Please note: this is a specialist role and previous experience within the commercial catering equipment, foodservice or commercial kitchen industry is essential.
The Role
As Senior Project Manager, you’ll take responsibility for the successful delivery of multiple commercial kitchen, catering equipment and stainless steel fabrication projects. You’ll be the link between the customer, consultant, main contractor, design team and our own manufacturing and installation teams — making sure everyone knows what needs to happen, when it needs to happen and what the project needs to achieve. Projects can range from bespoke stainless steel fabrication and catering equipment through to complete commercial kitchen installations, often involving multiple trades, detailed drawings, manufacturing, procurement and site installation. This is a hands‑on project management role. We’re looking for someone who understands the industry, can confidently deal with clients and contractors, and is comfortable getting into the detail when a project needs it.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage multiple commercial catering and commercial kitchen projects from contract award through to final handover.
- Take overall responsibility for project programme, budget, procurement, quality and delivery.
- Coordinate design, technical information, manufacturing, procurement, delivery and site installation.
- Liaise confidently with clients, catering consultants, architects, designers, main contractors, subcontractors and suppliers.
- Attend site surveys, pre-start meetings, progress meetings and project reviews.
- Review drawings, specifications and project requirements and work closely with the design and manufacturing teams.
- Manage project budgets, costs, procurement, variations and commercial considerations.
- Coordinate manufacturing and installation programmes with our in-house teams.
- Monitor project progress and identify potential issues before they become problems.
- Resolve technical, commercial and programme issues throughout the project lifecycle.
- Ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget and to the required quality standards.
- Maintain clear project documentation, programmes and communication throughout each project.
- Build strong, long-term relationships with customers and project partners.
- Take projects through to successful completion, snagging and final handover.
What We’re Looking For
We’re looking for an experienced Senior Project Manager / Project Manager who already understands the commercial catering and foodservice industry. Previous experience within commercial catering equipment, commercial kitchens or foodservice projects is essential.
You may currently be working as a:
- Senior Project Manager
- Commercial Catering Project Manager
- Commercial Kitchen Project Manager
- Project Manager – Catering Equipment
- Foodservice Project Manager
- Contracts Manager
- Senior Contracts Manager
- Project Engineer / Project Delivery Manager within the catering equipment sector
Experience in one or more of the following would be highly advantageous:
- Commercial kitchen projects
- Commercial catering equipment
- Foodservice equipment
- Stainless steel catering fabrication
- Commercial kitchen installation
- Commercial kitchen design and manufacture
- Catering equipment manufacturing
- Bespoke stainless steel fabrication
- Commercial kitchen fit-out
- Hospitality and restaurant projects
You’ll also have:
- Proven experience managing multiple projects simultaneously.
- Strong project management and organisational skills.
- Good commercial awareness and experience managing budgets, costs and variations.
- The ability to read and understand technical drawings, specifications and project information.
- Experience coordinating manufacturing, procurement and site installation.
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
- The confidence to deal with clients, consultants, contractors and suppliers at all levels.
- A proactive, practical and solutions-focused approach.
- The ability to manage priorities and keep projects moving when things don’t go exactly to plan.
- A full UK driving licence and willingness to travel to project sites when required.
Why GKF?
We’re not a huge corporate organisation where you become a number. We’re a specialist manufacturer, and our Project Managers work closely with the people actually designing, fabricating and installing the equipment. You’ll have a genuine opportunity to influence how projects are delivered and make a visible difference to the business. You’ll be joining a growing company with a strong reputation for quality, bespoke manufacturing and getting the job done properly. We work on some genuinely interesting projects, from bespoke restaurant and hospitality environments through to larger commercial kitchen installations — so there’s plenty of variety.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary, dependent on experience.
- Permanent, full-time position.
- Pension scheme.
- Paid annual leave.
- Ongoing training and development.
- Genuine long-term career progression.
- The opportunity to work with a skilled design, manufacturing and installation team.
- A varied workload across hospitality, education, healthcare, leisure and other commercial sectors.
- The opportunity to join an established and growing UK manufacturer with an excellent reputation in the commercial catering and foodservice industry.
Interested? If you’re an experienced Senior Project Manager, Commercial Catering Project Manager or Commercial Kitchen Project Manager who knows the industry, understands what good project delivery looks like and enjoys being involved in projects from start to finish, we’d love to hear from you. GKF Engineering is an equal opportunities employer.
Senior Project Manager in Manchester employer: GKF ENGINEERING LIMITED
GKF Engineering is an exceptional employer located in Greater Manchester, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation. Employees benefit from comprehensive professional development opportunities, competitive remuneration, and the chance to work on exciting projects that make a tangible impact in the commercial kitchen sector. With a focus on employee well-being and a supportive team environment, GKF Engineering stands out as a rewarding place to advance your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Project Manager in Manchester
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like GKF ENGINEERING LIMITED, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Senior Project Manager at GKF ENGINEERING LIMITED.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Project Manager in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at GKF ENGINEERING LIMITED
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
