At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic catering team and ensure exceptional service delivery.
- Company: Join Sodexo, a global leader in improving Quality of Life.
- Benefits: Enjoy perks like wellbeing support, discounts, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive culture that values diversity and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in hospitality while growing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in catering management and strong team leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 38000 - 40000 £ per year.
We're looking for a dynamic Business Catering Manager to lead a well-established catering operation, ensuring outstanding service delivery, operational excellence, and exceptional customer experiences. This is an exciting opportunity for an innovative manager who combines strong commercial awareness with excellent leadership skills and a genuine passion for hospitality.
About the Role
As Business Catering Manager, you will be responsible for leading and developing the catering team while ensuring services are delivered in line with contractual agreements, KPIs, and client expectations. Working closely with both client stakeholders and internal teams, you will drive continuous improvement, maintain compliance, manage financial performance, and create a positive culture where people and service excellence thrive.
What You'll Be Doing
- Operational Leadership
- Lead the day-to-day catering operation, ensuring exceptional food and front-of-house service.
- Deliver services in line with contractual KPIs, SLAs, and company standards.
- Maintain consistently high operational and customer service standards.
- People Management
- Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing catering team.
- Drive colleague engagement, performance, and ongoing training.
- Manage recruitment, onboarding, and compliance, including Right to Work documentation.
- Client & Commercial Management
- Build strong relationships with clients and key stakeholders.
- Monitor budgets, labour, food margins, and operational costs to deliver financial targets.
- Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, customer satisfaction, and business performance.
- Compliance & Continuous Improvement
- Ensure compliance with food safety, health & safety, HR, finance, and company procedures.
- Lead site audits and ensure all locations remain audit-ready.
- Promote a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and operational excellence.
What We're Looking For
- Experience in a senior catering or hospitality management role.
- Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop high-performing teams.
- Strong financial and commercial management skills.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.
- Sound knowledge of food safety, health & safety, and compliance.
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel, Outlook, and reporting tools.
Desirable
- Hospitality qualification or equivalent.
- IOSH qualification or equivalent.
- Experience managing client relationships within contract catering or facilities management.
- Train the Trainer or IFM accreditation.
Why Sodexo?
Working with Sodexo is more than a job; it's a chance to be part of something greater. Belong in a company and team that values you for you. Act with purpose and have an impact through your everyday actions. Thrive in your own way.
We also offer a range of perks, rewards and benefits for our colleagues and their families:
- Unlimited access to an online platform offering wellbeing support
- An extensive Employee Assistance Programme to help with everyday issues or life's larger problems, including legal and financial advice, support with work or personal issues impacting your wellbeing
- Access to a 24hr virtual GP Service
- Sodexo Discounts Scheme, offering great deals 24/7 across popular high street retailers (also open to friends and family)
- Save for your future by becoming a member of the Pension Plan
- Opportunities to enable colleagues to grow and succeed throughout their career at Sodexo, including a variety of learning and development tools
- Bike to Work Scheme to help colleagues to do their bit for the environment whilst keeping fit
- Sodexo UK and Ireland's enhanced benefits and leave policies
A little more about Sodexo:
At Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better every day for everyone to build a better life for all. As the global leader in services that improve the Quality of Life, we operate in 55 countries, serving over 100 million consumers each day through our unique combination of On-Site Food and FM Services, Benefits & Rewards Services and Personal & Home Services. We are committed to being an inclusive employer. We are a forces friendly employer. We welcome and encourage applications from people with a diverse variety of experiences, backgrounds and identities. We encourage our employees to get involved with our Employee Networks such as Pride, Sodexo Parents & Carers, Sodexo Disability, Ability network, SoTogether, Generations and Origins. We're a Disability Confident Leader employer. We're committed to changing attitudes towards disability, and making sure disabled people have the chance to fulfil their aspirations. We run a Disability Confident interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria for the job.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Manager - Garnerville in Antrim
✨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. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Sodexo
Don't be shy about reaching out to Sodexo 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 Business Manager - Garnerville in Antrim
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 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
✨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!
