Area Manager

Area Manager

Full-Time 35000 - 45000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and manage catering operations across multiple contracts in education and business sectors.
  • Company: Mellors Catering Services, dedicated to quality service and food.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: Must be flexible with working hours and locations; driving licence needed.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on customer satisfaction and team development in a dynamic environment.
  • Qualifications: Previous contract catering experience and strong leadership skills required.

The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.

Overview

Mellors Catering Services – Fuelling Minds and Nourishing Futures. Our Mission is: Top quality service and food create happy and successful people.

Region: Staffordshire

Environment: Education and B&I

Hours: 40 hours per week

Accountable To: Operations Manager

Contract Start Date: ASAP

Mellors are looking to appoint an experienced Area Manager with a proven track record to deliver the highest standards of customer service and food provision to our education and business in industry contracts. As Area Manager, you will be required to work Monday to Friday as the business needs demand. You will have previous experience in a similar role and be willing to work closely with high profile clients as well as demonstrate excellent leadership to your teams. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check.

As an Area Manager you will be responsible for circa 20 contracts consisting of both business in industry and educational sites; managing and leading the teams to deliver an excellent catering service for our clients.

Responsibilities

  • Manage all aspects of unit day to day operations by supporting the onsite teams.
  • Managing income lines, ensuring and maintaining agreed budget profitability including food, sundry and labour costs.
  • Accurately report month end figures on company templates within required timescales.
  • Review monthly accounts with the Operations Manager.
  • Attend and support client meetings.
  • Build and reinforce positive client relationships to harness a competitive advantage in the market place.
  • Attend company meetings as required.
  • Mobilise new contracts and systematically project manage mobilisation plans.
  • De mobilise closing contracts and systematically manage de mobilisation plans.
  • Actively involved in menu development and planning to suit the various business needs measured through customer and client satisfaction.
  • Harness strong team working in existing and new sites to develop and maximise talent.
  • Carry out Health and Safety audits to ensure we fully compliant with legislative and company requirements.
  • Ensure full compliance with company policies.
  • Client reporting is required on meal numbers and other client details.
  • Support in the sales process for all new business when required.
  • Handle TUPE process in line with best practice and HR advice.
  • Act as disciplinary/hearing manager as and when required.
  • Identify training needs of your team and make provisions for development.
  • Provide a creative approach to menus linking with curriculum and world flavours, accounting for nutritional and calorific values and cultural requirements of the customer base.
  • Maintain a high quality of food provision and standards.
  • Escalate to your line manager relevant feedback or information specific to your contracts as soon as it occurs.
  • Identify and nurture any additional business opportunities to grow and facilitate revenue increase.
  • Any other reasonable task requested by management.

Essential Qualifications & Experience Needed To Be The Area Manager

  • Previous contract catering experience is essential.
  • Strong craft skills in both presentation and taste.
  • You will also be IT proficient.
  • Ability to work as part of a team.
  • Ability to understand and manage the diverse relationships between clients, staff and other stakeholders.
  • Ability to promote a welcoming environment to our customers.
  • A natural positive person with a ‘can do’ attitude, prepared to assist the rest of the team and the company.
  • The desire and ability to interact personally and sensitively with others, to support and encourage others, and to encourage growth, development and progression.
  • Flexible, open to new ideas, approaches and cultures, values diversity and difference, supports and takes part in change initiatives.
  • The skill and ability to spot business opportunities, to generate new ideas and approaches that move the business forward.
  • The drive, determination and commitment to achieve results, maintain performance and to retain self-confidence at all times.
  • The acceptance, support and championing of company objectives, standards and values and demonstrating support and commitment to Mellors catering.

Other Requirements

  • For this role you must be able to drive.
  • From time to time, the company may ask you to work outside of your usual location and working hours. Therefore, flexibility is a must for this role.
  • You will also be expected to work at weekends from time to time when covering B&I units or for special functions/occasions.
  • Travel to and from the support office in Skelmersdale is also required.
  • It will be necessary for the company to apply for a DBS check and further security checks may also be required at commencement of employment.

Area Manager employer: Mellors Catering

Mellors Catering Services is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a positive work culture that prioritises employee growth and development. As an Area Manager in Staffordshire, you will enjoy a supportive environment where your leadership skills are valued, and you will have the opportunity to work closely with high-profile clients while managing diverse teams across educational and business sectors. With a commitment to quality service and innovative menu development, Mellors offers a rewarding career path for those passionate about making a difference in the catering industry.

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Contact Details:

Mellors Catering Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Area Manager

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the catering and hospitality industry. Attend local events or join online groups where you can meet potential employers or colleagues. Remember, sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching Mellors Catering Services thoroughly. Understand their mission and values, and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what they’re about.

Tip Number 3

Showcase your leadership skills during interviews. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully managed teams and improved service quality in previous roles. Highlighting your ability to nurture talent and build strong client relationships will definitely catch their eye.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email expressing your appreciation for the opportunity can leave a lasting impression. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds.

We think you need these skills to ace Area Manager

Leadership Skills
Client Relationship Management
Budget Management
Project Management
Menu Development
Health and Safety Compliance
Team Development

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Area Manager role. Highlight your previous contract catering experience and any leadership roles you've held. We want to see how your skills align with our mission of delivering top-quality service!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to showcase your passion for food service and customer satisfaction. Tell us why you're the perfect fit for Mellors and how you can contribute to our success in the education and B&I sectors.

Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to manage budgets, lead teams, and build client relationships. Numbers speak volumes, so include any metrics that highlight your success!

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining the Mellors family!

How to prepare for a job interview at Mellors Catering

Know Your Stuff

Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand Mellors Catering Services' mission and values. Familiarise yourself with their approach to customer service and food provision, especially in educational and business environments. This will help you align your answers with what they value.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As an Area Manager, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led teams, managed operations, or improved client relationships. Be ready to discuss how you can nurture talent and promote a positive working environment.

Be Ready for Financial Discussions

Since managing budgets and reporting figures is crucial for this role, brush up on your financial acumen. Be prepared to discuss how you've previously managed income lines, controlled costs, and reported on financial performance. Highlight any specific tools or software you’ve used.

Emphasise Flexibility and Adaptability

Given the nature of the role, flexibility is key. Share examples of how you've adapted to changing circumstances in previous jobs, whether it’s working outside normal hours or managing multiple contracts. This will show that you're ready to meet the demands of the position.