Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Oversee catering operations, ensuring high-quality service and smooth event delivery.
- Company: Join Arena Racing Company, the UK's largest horse racing group with diverse entertainment offerings.
- Benefits: Enjoy annual venue passes, discounted food, holiday allowance, and study support.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with great career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team that creates memorable experiences at exciting events.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in Maths and English; experience in large-scale event catering preferred.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
We are looking for a passionate and knowledgeable Catering Operations Manager to join our team at Great Yarmouth!
About us
Arena Racing Company does so much more than lead the UKs largest horse racing group. We have 21 racing venues showcasing horse racing, greyhound racing, golf courses, hotels and events. In short, leisure, entertainment, media production and global distribution are at the heart of what we do, making it an exciting and diverse place to work! Our success is a team effort which is why we offer great opportunities for growth, development and career progression.
What is ARC?
- We embrace diversity.
- We develop our people.
- We care for our visitors.
- We think about our impact.
- We are proud of our sport.
Work Perks of being a Catering Operations Manager:
- Annual passes to attend any of our 21 venues
- Discounted food & ARC days out
- Cycle to work scheme
- Holiday allowance increasing with length of service up to 28 days
- Company life assurance scheme
- Discretionary group annual bonus schemes to reward your hard work
- Support with study through our study assistance schemes
- And so much more
About the role:
The Catering Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing all catering activities at Great Yarmouth Racecourse, including in-house services and third-party concessions, while ensuring the smooth delivery of race days and events. Working closely with senior leadership, the Catering Operations Manager provides on-site direction, maintains high service standards, and supports operational continuity. The role focuses on driving revenue growth, controlling costs, and leading a high-performing catering team to deliver consistent, high-quality customer experiences across all events.
Responsibilities of a Catering Operations Manager:
- Support the Site General Manager in delivering the catering strategy, aligned with business objectives and commercial targets
- Drive high standards in food quality, service delivery, and customer experience
- Plan staffing across all events, ensuring efficient rota management and control of labour costs
- Work with Sales teams to coordinate catering for race days and events, ensuring seamless delivery
- Lead the planning and delivery of high-volume events with consistent, high-quality execution
- Manage labour and resources across catering operations to maximise efficiency and performance
- Develop team members through performance reviews and support recruitment initiatives
- Contribute to revenue growth by optimising catering and retail opportunities
- Work with the Head Chef to ensure quality, consistency, and cost control
- Maintain financial controls, including purchasing compliance and cost of sales management
- Maximise revenue through effective pricing and operational strategies
- Promote a positive, high-performing team culture
- Monitor performance and drive continuous improvement
- Identify new commercial opportunities to enhance revenue and customer experience
- Ensure accurate promotion of catering offers with Marketing
- Maintain operational standards and ensure compliance with food safety and allergen regulations
The person we are looking for as Catering Operations Manager has:
- GCSE Grade C or above in Maths and English
- Personal Licence, Business/Event Management Degree, or IOSH Managing Safely (desirable)
- Experience in a leisure, sporting, or event-led environment delivering large-scale events (5,000+ attendees)
- Strong background in high-volume catering and multi-format hospitality
- Proven ability to manage event delivery, labour, and costs within budget
- Experience driving spend per head and enhancing customer experience
- Ability to work cross-functionally with Sales, Marketing, and Operations
We are committed to making a consistent, top-down effort to be role models on what diversity, inclusion and belonging means in society.
Catering Operations Manager in Great Yarmouth employer: Great Yarmouth Racecourse
Contact Detail:
Great Yarmouth Racecourse Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Catering Operations Manager in Great Yarmouth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the catering and events industry, especially those connected to Great Yarmouth. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info about the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion! When you get that interview, let your enthusiasm for catering and events shine through. Share stories of past experiences that highlight your skills and dedication.
✨Tip Number 3
Do your homework! Research Arena Racing Company and its venues. Knowing their values and recent events will help you tailor your answers and show you're genuinely interested in being part of the team.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our awesome team at ARC!
We think you need these skills to ace Catering Operations Manager in Great Yarmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Thorough with Your Application: Make sure to fill out the online application form completely. We want to see all your skills and experiences, so don’t leave anything out that could showcase your passion for catering operations!
Show Off Your Experience: Highlight your background in high-volume catering and event management. We’re looking for someone who can handle large-scale events, so share specific examples of your past successes in this area.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the job description. Use keywords from the listing to show us you understand what we’re looking for in a Catering Operations Manager.
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 Great Yarmouth.
How to prepare for a job interview at Great Yarmouth Racecourse
✨Know Your Catering Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of catering operations, especially in a high-volume environment. Be ready to discuss your experience with large-scale events and how you've managed food quality and service delivery in the past.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Catering Operations Manager, you'll be leading a team. Prepare examples of how you've developed team members, managed performance, and created a positive team culture. Highlight any specific instances where your leadership made a difference.
✨Understand the Business Side
Familiarise yourself with revenue growth strategies and cost control measures. Be prepared to discuss how you've optimised catering opportunities in previous roles and how you plan to drive revenue at Great Yarmouth Racecourse.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions about how you'd handle specific situations, like managing staffing during a busy race day or ensuring compliance with food safety regulations. Think through these scenarios beforehand so you can respond confidently and effectively.