At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team in providing top-notch food and beverage service across Imperial's campuses.
- Company: Join a world Top 10 university known for excellence in teaching and research.
- Benefits: Enjoy 41 days of annual leave, flexible working, and a generous salary package.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse and inclusive culture with great career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a vibrant environment while supporting the Imperial community.
- Qualifications: Experience in supervising teams and excellent communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Imperial is a world Top 10 university with an international reputation for excellence in teaching and research. The Hospitality Department of the Property Division is responsible for operating various cafes, restaurants, bars and events located across all their Campuses to provide affordable and high-quality food and services for the Imperial community and external clients.
We are looking to recruit Team Leaders to join our busy Catering Operations Teams to conduct and supervise the service of food and beverages within Imperial’s catering outlets, in accordance with pre-agreed budgets and ensure compliance with Imperial / Departmental policies and health and hygiene legislation across our London campuses.
What you would be doing:
- You will join a dynamic team of professional individuals supporting a continuous drive to improve service provision to Imperial and its clients, both internal and external.
- You will be an effective communicator, able to monitor and support staff, assist with training, and promote customer friendly service and teamwork.
What we are looking for:
- Previous experience of effectively supervising a team, with proven ability to motivate and lead team members.
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, to present and deliver information in an appropriate manner to staff at all levels at Imperial.
- A good understanding of the importance of health & safety at work and associated regulations/legislative requirements.
- Good numerical skills, sufficient to be able to deal with cash transactions effectively and accurately.
- The ability to use your own initiative with limited supervision, to deal with problems which may hinder the delivery of an effective service.
- Excellent organisational and time management skills.
- A flexible approach to working, sufficient to be able to work a 5/7 days per week arrangement, and work evenings and weekends across all Imperial sites.
What we can offer you:
- The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to use science for humanity.
- Benefit from a sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 41 days’ annual leave and generous pension schemes).
- Access to a range of workplace benefits including a flexible working policy from day one, generous family leave packages, on-site leisure facilities and cycle-to-work scheme.
- Interest-free season ticket loan schemes for travel.
- Be part of a diverse, inclusive and collaborative work culture with various staff networks and resources to support your personal and professional wellbeing.
If you require any further details on the role please contact: Michele Severgnini, Catering Operations Manager by email – m.severgnini@imperial.ac.uk
The vacancy is based in Hammersmith Campus only.
Closing Date: Midnight on Wednesday, 17th June 2026.
Equal Opportunity: We work towards equality of opportunity, to eliminating discrimination, and to creating an inclusive working environment for all. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, communities and industries, and are committed to employing a team that has diverse skills, experiences and abilities.
Catering Operations Team Leader employer: SONICOM
Imperial is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture within a world-renowned institution. As a Catering Operations Team Leader, you will benefit from a competitive salary, extensive annual leave, and access to on-site leisure facilities, all while contributing to a mission that uses science for humanity. With a strong focus on employee growth and inclusivity, Imperial provides a supportive environment where your skills can flourish across its diverse campuses in London.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Catering Operations Team Leader
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the catering industry or even at Imperial. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings and give you a leg up on the competition.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by practising common questions. Think about how your experience aligns with the role of Team Leader. We want to see your passion for food service and leadership shine through!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your personality! When you apply through our website, make sure your application reflects who you are. We love candidates who can bring their unique flair to the team while maintaining professionalism.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can keep you fresh in the minds of the hiring team. It shows you're genuinely interested in the position and appreciate the opportunity.
We think you need these skills to ace Catering Operations Team Leader
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your previous experience in supervising teams within a fast-paced catering environment. We want to see how you've motivated and led your team to success!
Communicate Clearly:Your written application should reflect your excellent communication skills. Use clear and concise language to present your information, just like you would when communicating with staff at all levels.
Demonstrate Your Organisational Skills:We love seeing candidates who can manage their time effectively. Share examples of how you've organised tasks or managed schedules in previous roles to show us you're up for the challenge!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Imperial.
How to prepare for a job interview at SONICOM
✨Know Your Catering Basics
Brush up on your knowledge of food and beverage service standards, especially in a fast-paced environment. Be ready to discuss how you’ve supervised teams in similar settings and how you ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your ability to motivate and lead a team. Think about specific situations where you’ve successfully trained staff or improved service delivery, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Communicate Effectively
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Since excellent communication is key for this role, consider how you can demonstrate your ability to convey information to various levels of staff during the interview.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility and Initiative
Be ready to discuss how you handle unexpected challenges in a busy catering environment. Share examples of when you took the initiative to solve problems and how you manage your time effectively across multiple tasks.
