At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead our vibrant restaurant, bar, and events to create unforgettable guest experiences.
- Company: Join the historic University Arms Hotel, a modern luxury destination in Cambridge.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, free meals, team parties, and discounts across 8,000+ hotels.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth and a supportive team culture.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team dedicated to exceptional hospitality and memorable moments.
- Qualifications: Experience in hospitality management and a genuine love for delivering outstanding service.
The predicted salary is between 28350 - 34650 £ per year.
ABOUT US
University Arms is a 192-bedroom design-led Hotel situated in the heart of Cambridge, United Kingdom.
Overlooking Parker's Piece is the Hotel's quintessentially British Restaurant and Bar, Parker's Tavern, Library Lounge, and beautiful wood-panelled Ballroom.
Opened in 1834 as a Coaching Inn, University Arms is Cambridge's oldest Hotel.
For 180 years, the Hotel was added to, updated, and modernised in line with the age; however, it was the reopening in 2018 after a four-year £80m full renovation that really positioned the Hotel.
It is now Cambridges 'go to' destination, alluring visitors with the promise of a sense of modern luxury.
WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING
We are looking for an inspirational and experienced Food & Beverage Operations Manager to lead our restaurant, bar, and events operations.
This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who is passionate about delivering exceptional guest experiences, developing high-performing teams, and driving operational excellence.
You will be responsible for creating a culture where outstanding hospitality, attention to detail, and teamwork are at the heart of everything we do.
Working closely with departmental leaders, you will ensure every guest receives a warm welcome, outstanding service, and an experience that exceeds expectations while delivering strong commercial results.
DUTIES
- Lead the day-to-day operation of the restaurant, bar, and events departments, ensuring exceptional service standards at all times.
- Champion an outstanding guest experience by creating memorable moments, responding proactively to guest feedback, and continually raising service standards.
- Inspire, coach, and develop a high-performing team through effective leadership, regular feedback, training, and performance management.
- Foster a positive, engaging, and accountable team culture where colleagues feel supported, motivated, and empowered to succeed.
- Recruit, onboard, and retain talented team members while promoting continuous learning and career development.
- Manage staffing levels and rotas to ensure excellent service delivery while controlling labour costs.
- Work closely with the Head Chef and wider management team to deliver seamless food and beverage experiences.
- Oversee weddings, corporate events, conferences, and private functions, ensuring flawless execution from planning through to delivery.
- Monitor financial performance, including sales, budgets, payroll, stock control, and gross profit margins.
- Identify opportunities to increase revenue through service excellence, upselling, promotions, and innovative food and beverage offerings.
- Ensure compliance with food safety, licensing, health & safety, and company policies.
- Analyse guest satisfaction, operational performance, and team engagement, implementing continuous improvements that enhance both the customer and employee experience.
- This is not a 9-to-5, Monday-to-Friday role, so working in the evening, at weekends, and on public holidays is expected.
- WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR IN YOU
- Proven success in a senior Food & Beverage or Hospitality Operations Management role.
- A genuine passion for hospitality with an unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences.
- Demonstrated ability to build, lead, coach, and inspire high-performing teams.
- Strong leadership presence with excellent communication, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills.
- Commercially minded with experience managing budgets, labour costs, stock, and profitability.
- Experience overseeing restaurants, bars, and events in a fast-paced hospitality environment.
- Excellent organisational, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
- Knowledge of food safety legislation, licensing requirements, and health & safety compliance.
- Hospitality qualification and Personal Licence are desirable.
- You are not precious. We leave our egos at the door and work as a team to get stuff done.
- THE PERKS
As well as the opportunity to work with a fantastic team in an exceptional property, the position comes with:
- Competitive salary
- Free meals on duty
- Team Member Parties
- Excellent Rooms and F&B discounts across Marriott Internationals 8,000+ Hotels.
- Free employee assistance program - mental health, well-being, financial, and legal support because you matter!
- Refer a friend - who do you know who could be interested in a new role? When they are placed, you could earn up to £400 for referring them!
- RIGHT TO WORK
In line with the requirements of UK immigration legislation, all applicants must be eligible to live and work in the UK.
Documentary evidence of eligibility to work will be required from candidates as part of the recruitment process.
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Food & Beverage Operations Manager in Cambridge employer: Parker's Tavern
Parker's Tavern at the University Arms in Cambridge is an excellent employer, offering a vibrant work culture where teamwork and communication are highly valued. Employees enjoy competitive pay, free meals, and discounts across Marriott properties, alongside opportunities for personal and professional growth within a supportive environment. Working in this fast-paced hotel kitchen not only provides meaningful employment but also allows you to be part of a renowned establishment in a historic city.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Food & Beverage Operations Manager in Cambridge
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Parker's Tavern. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Parker's Tavern
Don't be shy about reaching out to Parker's Tavern directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Food & Beverage Operations Manager in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Parker's Tavern and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Parker's Tavern
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
