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- Tasks: Lead our catering team to deliver top-notch culinary and customer service experiences.
- Company: Join Henley Business School and the Greenlands Hotel, a stunning venue in the Chiltern Valley.
- Benefits: Enjoy 26 days of annual leave, a pension scheme, and discounted gym membership.
- Why this job: Be part of a diverse community focused on sustainability and excellence in hospitality.
- Qualifications: Bring your expertise in catering operations and a passion for exceptional service.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and opportunities for career progression await you!
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Full Time, Permanent
The closing date for applications is 23.59 on 15th September 2025
Henley Business School and the Greenlands Hotel is situated in 30 acres of beautiful countryside in the Chiltern Valley on the banks of the River Thames, two miles from Henley-on-Thames. Hotel and Conference Services is part of Campus Commerce within the University of Reading. The hospitality team strives to provide world-class services, complementing our amazing venue in its delivery of management training for postgraduates and senior executives from all around the world, whilst providing an idyllic setting for our hotel and hospitality events.
We are currently recruiting for an experienced catering manager to join our senior management team. This is a fantastic opportunity to join our diverse community and lead our catering team in its provision of excellent culinary, restaurant and customer service skills and our continual desire to improve. This must be conducted in a way that is sustainable in terms of finance, society and the environment.
We are looking for a person who has a high level of experience, knowledge and skill in all areas of kitchen, dining and bar service; a dedicated and motivated person who has the desire to consistently deliver the highest quality of service to our guests. You may be required to be flexible around your working pattern to accommodate business levels, including occasional weekends, working 35 hours a week.
Own transport is essential due to location.
As catering manager we would expect you to demonstrate:
- expert knowledge of complex catering operations through production to delivery
- experience of a wide range of catering services within a hotel and conference setting
- experience of communicating and implementing strategic plans across a large team
- experience of enhancing customer service levels
- experience of creating a supportive and inclusive environment where every team member feels valued and can contribute their best work
In return we will offer the successful applicant:
- a company contributary pension scheme
- 26 days of annual leave (closed at Easter and Christmas)
- staff discounted gym membership
- great and diverse team environment
- opportunities for training and career progression within the wider University team
Please see the job description and personal specification for further details.
Interviews will be held: Week commencing 25th September 2025
For more information, please contact:
Contact Name: Dereck St Clair
Contact Job Title: Head of Hotel and Conference Services
Contact Email address:
Alternative Contact Name: Martin Batt
Alternative Contact Job Title: Director of Campus Commerce
Alternative Contact Email address:
The University is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce, supports the gender equality Athena SWAN Charter and the Race Equality Charter, and champions LGBT+ equality. We are a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2). Applications for job-share, part-time and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs.
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Catering Manager employer: University of Reading
Contact Detail:
University of Reading Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Catering Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific catering operations at Henley Business School and the Greenlands Hotel. Understanding their unique offerings and customer service approach will help you tailor your discussions during the interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of the hotel and conference services. They can provide valuable insights into the company culture and expectations, which can be beneficial when preparing for your interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in enhancing customer service levels. Think of specific examples where you've successfully implemented strategies that improved guest satisfaction, as this aligns with the role's requirements.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your leadership skills by preparing to talk about how you've created inclusive environments in past roles. Highlighting your ability to motivate and support a diverse team will resonate well with their values.
We think you need these skills to ace Catering Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the key responsibilities and required skills for the Catering Manager position. Tailor your application to highlight your relevant experience in catering operations, customer service, and team management.
Craft a Compelling CV: Ensure your CV is up-to-date and clearly outlines your experience in catering and hospitality. Focus on achievements that demonstrate your ability to enhance customer service levels and lead a diverse team effectively.
Write a Strong Cover Letter: Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the role and the hospitality industry. Mention specific examples of how you've successfully managed catering operations and created inclusive environments in previous roles.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In both your CV and cover letter, emphasise your experience with strategic planning and communication within large teams. Showcase any initiatives you've led that improved service quality or operational efficiency.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Reading
✨Showcase Your Catering Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your extensive experience in catering operations. Highlight specific examples of how you've managed complex catering services, from production to delivery, and how this aligns with the expectations of the role.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Since the role involves leading a diverse team, be ready to share your experiences in communicating and implementing strategic plans. Discuss how you've created a supportive environment where every team member feels valued and can contribute effectively.
✨Emphasise Customer Service Excellence
Prepare to talk about your approach to enhancing customer service levels. Share specific instances where you improved guest satisfaction and how you plan to maintain high standards in this area at Henley Business School and the Greenlands Hotel.
✨Align with Sustainability Goals
Given the emphasis on sustainable practices, be ready to discuss how you've incorporated sustainability into your previous roles. This could include financial, social, and environmental aspects of catering management that you've successfully implemented.
