At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead daily operations in vibrant retail catering outlets and ensure excellent customer service.
- Company: Join the University of Lancashire, a diverse community committed to transforming lives.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive rewards, flexible hours, and access to a 24/7 online GP.
- Other info: Opportunities for career growth and a commitment to inclusivity and diversity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced environment while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in catering or retail management and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
When you work for the University of Lancashire, you’ll be part of a thriving community of talent that’s united in a common commitment to transform lives. We do this by delivering an outstanding educational experience and creating prosperity and opportunity in the communities we serve. Whatever your role, you’ll be playing a vital part in helping us achieve our vision.
Are you passionate about delivering great food, great service, and a great experience? Our Catering Services team is looking for an enthusiastic Assistant Retail Services Manager to help lead the day‑to‑day operations across our vibrant retail catering outlets, including cafés, restaurants, grab‑and‑go stations, and vending services. This is an exciting opportunity to support a busy, diverse, and student‑focused environment where no two days are the same!
About the role:
As Assistant Retail Services Manager, you’ll work closely with the Retail Services Manager to ensure our outlets run smoothly, efficiently, and to the highest standard. You’ll play a key part in:
- Leading and developing Team Leaders and Catering Assistants
- Delivering excellent customer service and a welcoming experience
- Supporting operational planning, performance monitoring, and service improvements
- Managing stock, suppliers, and cost‑control processes
- Ensuring compliance with food safety, allergen, and health & safety legislation
- Assisting with menu development, promotions, and university events
- Championing sustainability and responsible sourcing
- Deputising for the Retail Services Manager when required
This role offers a fantastic blend of hands‑on operations, team leadership, and opportunities to influence the future of campus retail catering.
About you:
We’re looking for someone who is passionate about hospitality and thrives in a fast‑paced environment. You’ll bring:
- Proven experience managing or supervising in a catering or retail setting
- Strong leadership skills, with the ability to motivate and develop a diverse team
- Excellent communication and customer‑service skills
- A good understanding of food hygiene, allergens, and health & safety regulations
- Strong organisational skills and the ability to prioritise effectively
- A‑Levels or an equivalent Level 3 qualification
- Flexibility to support evening and weekend operations when required
- Confidence in barista skills, including producing high‑quality coffee drinks
Use of AI in applications: We want to understand your genuine interest in the role and artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application. However, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience and the written elements of your application should accurately reflect your own communication style. Applications that rely too heavily on AI tools can appear generic and lack the detail we need to assess your skills and experience.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.
What we can offer you: We have a fantastic package of rewards and lifestyle benefits – from an attractive annual leave entitlement to access to a comprehensive employee benefits platform which includes a 24/7 online GP. Our people are our most important asset. We’ll encourage you to make the most of your talents and continually develop your skills and knowledge. As well as realising your career ambitions, you’ll be making a positive difference to other people’s lives.
About us: We are proud to be a diverse, multicultural university. We are committed to building a truly inclusive culture where diversity is championed. Applications are particularly welcomed from individuals who will support the diversification within the University and support its development of a culture that is inclusive and welcoming to all.
The University is committed to providing a safe environment to study, work and visit, protecting children, young people and adults at risk from harm and abuse. Our safeguarding policy and safer recruitment procedure outlines our approach, alongside other internal policies, procedures and guidance which can be found on our Safeguarding page.
Applicants applying for roles in regulated activity and that are listed as an exception under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 will be required to disclose any spent and unspent convictions and undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Check at the appropriate level, the University will only ask an applicant to make an application for a DBS check if they are legally entitled to.
Assistant Retail Services Manager in Preston employer: Lancashire
At the University of Lancashire, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and inclusive community. As an Assistant Retail Services Manager, you will enjoy a supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth, offering extensive training and development opportunities while contributing to a meaningful mission of transforming lives through education. With a comprehensive benefits package and a commitment to sustainability, you'll find a rewarding environment where your passion for hospitality can truly thrive.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Retail Services Manager in Preston
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture! Before your interview, do a bit of research on the University of Lancashire. Check out their social media and website to understand their values and what they stand for. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their community.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions with a friend or in front of the mirror. Focus on how your experience aligns with the role of Assistant Retail Services Manager. Highlight your leadership skills and customer service experience, as these are key for this position.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your passion for hospitality! During the interview, share specific examples of how you've delivered great service in the past. Whether it’s a busy café or a retail setting, let them know how you thrive in fast-paced environments and how you can bring that energy to their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to ask questions! At the end of your interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready about the role or the team. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you gauge if the job is the right fit for you. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Retail Services Manager in Preston
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for hospitality shine through in your application. We want to see how much you care about delivering great food and service, so share specific examples of your experiences that highlight this passion.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the key responsibilities and skills mentioned in the job description. We’re looking for someone who can lead a team and manage operations, so highlight your relevant experience in these areas.
Be Yourself:While it’s tempting to use AI tools, we want to hear your authentic voice. Write in a way that feels natural to you, as this will help us get a true sense of who you are and how you communicate.
Apply Early:Don’t wait until the last minute! We might close the vacancy early if we get enough applications, so make sure to submit yours through our website as soon as you can to avoid missing out on this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Lancashire
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with the University of Lancashire’s catering services. Research their outlets, menu offerings, and any recent events or promotions. This will show your genuine interest in the role and help you answer questions more confidently.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences where you successfully led a team or improved customer service. Highlight how you motivated your team and handled challenges. This is crucial for the Assistant Retail Services Manager role, so be ready to discuss your leadership style.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Hospitality
During the interview, express your enthusiasm for delivering great food and service. Share personal anecdotes that reflect your commitment to customer satisfaction and how you thrive in fast-paced environments. This will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Be Ready for Practical Questions
Expect scenario-based questions related to food safety, stock management, and customer service. Think about how you would handle specific situations, such as dealing with a dissatisfied customer or ensuring compliance with health regulations. Practising these responses can give you an edge.
