At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a vibrant catering team and deliver exceptional service across campus events.
- Company: Join Sodexo, a leader in hospitality with a focus on creating memorable experiences.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, career growth, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal and professional development.
- Why this job: Be part of something bigger and make a real impact in hospitality.
- Qualifications: Experience in hospitality or catering management and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Join Our Team as a Catering Duty Manager – Lead with Energy & Deliver Exceptional Hospitality
Location: Wellington College, Duke’s Ride, Crowthorne, Berkshire RG45 7PU
Hours: 40 hours per week – 5 out of 7 days; 6.45am - 3.15pm and 12pm - 8.30pm (early and late shifts including mornings and evenings)
Salary: Competitive Salary + Excellent Sodexo Benefits
At Sodexo, we believe in creating exceptional experiences for our students, staff, visitors, and clients every single day. We’re looking for a passionate, people-focused, and energetic Catering Duty Manager to join our team at Wellington College. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone with strong hospitality, front-of-house, or customer service leadership experience who enjoys leading teams, delivering outstanding service, and working in a vibrant, fast-paced environment.
Previous catering management experience is preferred for this role. However, if you have strong hospitality, front-of-house or catering service experience, combined with excellent people management and leadership skills, we would still love to hear from you.
About the Role
As Catering Duty Manager, your primary responsibility will be overseeing service operations across the campus. This is a front-of-house focused leadership role where you’ll ensure breakfast, lunch, hospitality events, and day-to-day catering services run smoothly and professionally. This is a varied and hands-on position where no two days are the same. You may be supporting student dining services one day and overseeing bespoke hospitality events across campus the next.
Responsibilities
- Leading and motivating a front-of-house and catering team of up to 14 people per shift
- Overseeing breakfast, lunch and supper service operations
- Managing service setup, presentation, clear down, and overall guest experience
- Supporting bespoke hospitality and catering events across campus
- Delivering outstanding customer service standards at all times
- Conducting team briefings and supporting staff communication
- Supporting additional administrative tasks such as uniform ordering, staff training, team huddles
- Ensuring all food hygiene, allergen, health & safety, and COSHH standards are followed
- Supporting opening and closing procedures across the department
- Creating a positive, welcoming, and professional environment for students, staff, and visitors
What We’re Looking For
We’re looking for someone with energy, confidence, and a passion for hospitality and leadership.
Essential
- Hospitality, restaurant, hotel, events, or catering front-of-house experience
- Previous supervisory or managerial leadership experience
- Strong customer service and people management skills
- Experience leading teams in a busy service environment
- Excellent communication and organisational skills
- Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment
- Positive attitude with a hands-on approach to service
- Awareness of health & safety and food hygiene standards
Desirable
- Experience within education, hospitality, events, or contract catering
- Food Hygiene Certificate
- Experience managing multiple service areas
- Passion for hospitality and food service excellence
What We Offer
At Sodexo, this is more than just a job — it’s an opportunity to be part of something bigger. We celebrate individuality, support career growth, and create an environment where you can thrive.
You’ll receive:
- Competitive salary and benefits package
- Career progression and development opportunities
- Full training and support
- A supportive and inclusive team environment
- Access to mental health and wellbeing support services
- Employee Assistance Programme for legal, financial, and personal support
- Discounts, cashback schemes, and retail benefits
- Pension scheme
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Opportunities to get involved in exciting hospitality and campus events
Recruitment Process
This role will involve a two-stage interview process. Please note there is no trade test required for this position.
Ready to Be Part of Something Greater?
If you’re passionate about hospitality, leadership, customer service, and creating memorable experiences, we’d love to hear from you. Apply today and start your next exciting journey with Sodexo.
Friendly Teams. Exceptional Service. Exciting Careers.
Please note: Sodexo and our clients are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All offers are subject to safer recruitment checks, including an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references. Sodexo reserves the right to close this advert early if we receive a high number of applications.
Duty Catering Manager in England employer: Sodexo Group
Sodexo Group is an excellent employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture at their Unilever R&D location in Bebington. As a Front Desk & Visitor Experience Coordinator, you will benefit from competitive pay, access to a staff shop, and a virtual GP service, all while being part of a team that values your contributions and fosters professional growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Duty Catering Manager in England
✨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 Sodexo Group. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Sodexo Group
Don't be shy about reaching out to Sodexo Group 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 Duty Catering Manager in England
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 Sodexo Group 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 Sodexo Group
✨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!
