Assistant Catering Manager

We are looking for a hardworking and confident Assistant Catering Manager to join our Catering team at Midlands Arts Centre (MAC). Located in leafy Birmingham, Cannon Hill Park, MAC offers a range of catering and hospitality across the business, including our restaurant KILN, bar and event catering. You'll play a leading key role in creating a memorable customer experience and supporting our team of Shift Leaders and Customer Service Assistants. Please note: hours of work will include evenings and weekends.

Job Purpose

Lead the day-to-day planning and delivery of an excellent catering and hospitality offer across all areas of the business. Coach and train the team to deliver consistently excellent standards of service whilst remaining compliant with all legal requirements. Lead on stock control and contribute to effective staff rostering. Deputise for the Head of Catering Operations when required.

Key Responsibilities

• Effectively manage and direct the day-to-day delivery of the catering and hospitality offer at MAC, operating within budget and demonstrating flexibility to meet MAC's operational challenges.
• Deliver excellent service, coaching the team in the standards expected to increase customer satisfaction, always putting customer experience at the heart of decisions.
• Positively, confidently and professionally resolve customer complaints as they arise.
• Work collaboratively with the Kitchen Team to monitor quality, constructively raising any issues with the appropriate member of the team.
• Effectively manage stock ordering, control and security, continuously monitoring stock availability, planning for busy periods and ensuring value for money from suppliers.
• Champion the correct and effective use of the EPOS system to ensure Catering Sales are true and accurate.
• Effectively manage own and team rotas and workload to ensure administrative requirements are met, whilst also spending time leading and supporting the team on the floor.
• Support payroll by checking and amending shifts using Rotacloud and authorising overtime.
• Maintain accurate HACCP, COSHH and all other documentation required to keep the operation compliant.
• Control operational costs and identify ways to reduce waste working to department profit margins.
• Support MAC's monthly stock take process to ensure results are accurate.
• Comply with all fire and safety regulations including acting as a Fire Marshall during an evacuation.
• Champion and deliver the standards required to maintain a 5-star EHO rating.
• Support the Head of Catering in the delivery of training and completion of records to ensure compliance to food, licensing and health & safety laws.
• Comply with allergen awareness procedures and laws, maintaining staff training and up to date records.
• Work pro-actively to develop strong and effective relationships with other key teams at MAC, focusing on jointly improving operational planning, quality, delivery and service.
• Support the Head of Catering in the recruitment, training, and appraising of staff.
• Implement MAC's Environmental Policy and consider how this role can contribute to MAC's sustainability goals.
• Promote and ensure the implementation of the equal opportunities, diversity, safeguarding and health & safety policies of MAC.
• Any other duties which may reasonably be required to support cross-organisational needs.

Person Specification

Essential

• Previous experience as a restaurant manager, assistant manager or hospitality manager in a food and beverage environment.
• Experience of managing and organising teams, staffing, workload and priorities.
• Working knowledge of managing within Health and Safety, Hygiene, Food Safety and Premises Licensing laws.
• Previous experience of an EPOS system, cash handling and cashing up.
• Excellent communication skills, personable and able to inspire a team.
• Problem solver, able to think of solutions or new ways of working.
• Passionate about food and beverage and interested in current trends in the industry.
• Ability to remain calm under pressure and flex own and team's workload as needed.
• Motivated, hardworking and reliable.
• Able to inspire and motivate a team.

Desirable

• Food Hygiene Level 3 certificate (MAC can support successful candidates through Food Hygiene training).
• An interest in a variety of art forms and MAC as a venue and charity.

Equal Opportunities & Diversity

All staff are expected to further, promote, and ensure the implementation of the equal opportunities and diversity policies of MAC. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where individuals of all backgrounds, identities, and abilities feel valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their best work. We are also committed to ensuring our people are a reflection of the communities we serve. We ensure that our recruitment and promotion processes are fair and open to all.

How to Apply

Applications can be received at any time until midnight on 1 August 2026. Please be aware that applications will be assessed on a rolling basis and we may close this vacancy before the stated deadline. We strongly advise you to submit your application as early as possible. Shortlisted candidates will be notified of the outcome of their application between the time they submit their application and the application deadline. Interviews to be arranged with short-listed candidates.