At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead food and hospitality operations at a high-profile client site with hands-on management.
- Company: Join a dynamic team at a leading food and hospitality provider.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: We value diversity and inclusivity, making our workplace creative and supportive.
- Why this job: Make an impact in a vibrant environment while engaging with high-profile guests.
- Qualifications: Experience in premium hospitality and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
We are seeking an exceptional Operations Manager to lead the food and hospitality operation at a high-profile client site. This hands-on position oversees a Unity coffee bar, staff restaurant, hospitality services, and an outdoor BBQ area. The role requires a highly visible operator who is confident engaging with high-profile guests and senior stakeholders, taking full ownership of the site’s food operation while working closely with a Supervisor and Head Chef to ensure consistently high standards across service, presentation, compliance, and commercial performance.
Responsibilities
- Oversee daily operations across the coffee bar, staff restaurant, hospitality services, and BBQ area.
- Manage and support the Supervisor and Head Chef, ensuring smooth coordination between front and back of house.
- Maintain consistent food quality, service standards, and presentation across all service points.
- Monitor financial performance including cost control, stock management, waste, and P&L accuracy.
- Handle guest interactions, including escalated queries or complaints, ensuring swift and professional resolution.
- Implement and maintain operating standards through audits, performance reviews, and guest feedback.
- Ensure full compliance with food safety, hygiene, health & safety, and site property standards.
- Coordinate and support project-based work such as menu changes, refurbishments, or new service initiatives.
- Work closely with stakeholders at all levels to communicate operational updates and align on service expectations.
Qualifications
- Proven experience in premium, food-led hospitality (contract catering, fine dining, boutique hotels, or similar).
- Experience managing senior stakeholders and high-profile guests.
- Project management experience (preferred).
- Background in contract catering (preferred).
- Ability to work at pace, adapt quickly, and remain resilient in a high-profile operational environment.
- Exceptional attention to detail across service, operations, and financial accuracy.
- Strong communication skills, able to manage sensitive situations and turn feedback into improvements.
- Confident team manager with experience coordinating both front and back of house operations.
Equal Opportunity Employer ISS welcomes all applicants regardless of age, disability, gender identity or gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race (which includes race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin and caste), religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation or educational background. We are proud to be a Gold Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) award holder and a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant, recognising our commitment to supporting veterans, reservists, and military families. We are a Disability Confident Committed (Level 2) employer, proudly supporting and promoting inclusive hiring practices in line with the UK government's Disability Confident scheme. Our passion for inclusivity and diversity makes ISS a more creative, productive and happy place to work.
Catering Manager in Watford employer: ISS
At ISS, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that values inclusivity and diversity. As a Catering Manager at our high-profile client site, you will enjoy opportunities for professional growth while leading a dynamic team in delivering outstanding food and hospitality services. With a commitment to employee development and a supportive environment, we ensure that every team member feels valued and empowered to excel in their role.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Catering Manager in Watford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the food and hospitality industry. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you’ve got a portfolio or examples of your work, bring them along to interviews. Whether it’s menu designs or event photos, tangible evidence of your expertise can really set you apart from the competition.
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared for the unexpected! In the hospitality world, things can change in a flash. Practice answering tricky questions and think on your feet. Show that you can handle pressure and adapt quickly – it’s a must for a Catering Manager!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’re always on the lookout for passionate individuals to join our team. By applying directly, you’ll get noticed faster and show us you’re serious about landing that role with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Catering Manager in Watford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food & Hospitality:When writing your application, let your love for food and hospitality shine through! Share specific experiences that highlight your enthusiasm and how you've made a difference in previous roles. We want to see your personality and passion come alive on the page!
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to match the job description. Highlight relevant experience in managing high-profile guests and senior stakeholders, as well as your ability to maintain high standards. We appreciate when candidates take the time to connect their skills with what we’re looking for.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the role. We value clarity, so make it easy for us to see why you’re the perfect fit for the Catering Manager position!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at ISS
✨Know Your Operations Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with the daily operations of a food and hospitality environment. Research the specific services offered at the client site, like the coffee bar and BBQ area, so you can discuss how you would maintain high standards and manage staff effectively.
✨Engage with Confidence
Since this role involves interacting with high-profile guests and senior stakeholders, practice your communication skills. Prepare examples of how you've successfully handled guest interactions or resolved complaints in the past to demonstrate your ability to engage confidently and professionally.
✨Showcase Your Financial Acumen
Be ready to discuss your experience with financial performance management. Bring examples of how you’ve monitored costs, managed stock, and ensured P&L accuracy in previous roles. This will show that you understand the commercial side of food operations.
✨Highlight Your Team Management Skills
As a Catering Manager, you’ll need to coordinate between front and back of house. Share specific instances where you’ve successfully led a team, supported staff, and ensured smooth operations. This will illustrate your capability as a confident team manager.
