At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage multi-site catering operations, ensuring excellent service and team performance.
- Company: Join The Campus Kitchen at the University of Southampton, a vibrant in-house catering service.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, pension scheme, and a balanced working week.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace committed to equality and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment while enhancing customer experiences.
- Qualifications: Experience in retail or hospitality leadership with strong customer service skills.
An exciting opportunity has arisen to join The Campus Kitchen at the University of Southampton in a broad operational leadership role with multi-site responsibility within our retail catering team. We have an established retail and hospitality offer across our campuses and are focused on growing services and enhancing the customer experience. This role plays a critical part in delivering that growth on the ground – leading teams, driving standards and ensuring consistently excellent service across multiple outlets.
About The Role
The Campus Kitchen is the University of Southampton’s in-house catering service, delivering food across retail outlets, cafés and grab-and-go locations. In this role, you will take responsibility for the day-to-day running of retail catering operations, leading teams to deliver a high-quality, efficient and customer-focused service. This is a hands‑on leadership role with real ownership, where you will be accountable for service delivery, team performance, operational standards and the overall customer experience. You will lead busy service periods, coordinate staffing and rotas, oversee stock control and ordering, and ensure all food safety and health & safety standards are consistently met. You will also play a key role in maintaining consistency, supporting your team and driving performance across a fast‑paced retail environment.
About You
We are looking for an experienced retail or hospitality leader who thrives in a busy environment and leads from the front. You will bring experience from a high-volume retail, catering or hospitality setting, with a strong track record of leading teams, driving standards and delivering consistently high levels of customer service. You will be hands‑on in your approach, comfortable taking ownership during busy service periods, and experienced in stock control, ordering and working within financial procedures. A strong customer focus is essential, with the ability to handle queries and resolve issues professionally. You will also have a solid understanding of food safety, health & safety and compliance requirements, alongside the ability to plan ahead, prioritise workload and coordinate staffing effectively.
Why Join Us?
This is an opportunity for an experienced hospitality or retail leader looking to bring their skills into a broad, multi-site role with a high level of operational responsibility. You will play a key role in leading teams, overseeing operations, maintaining standards and delivering a high‑quality customer experience. Working at the University of Southampton gives you access to a wide range of benefits alongside a competitive salary, including:
- A generous annual leave allowance, plus bank holidays and University closure days, including time off over the Easter and Christmas periods
- A 36‑hour working week
- Membership of a pension scheme
Our Commitment to Inclusion
We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive and be themselves. We welcome applications from all candidates and are dedicated to equality of opportunity and respect for all. Predominantly Monday to Friday, with occasional evening and weekend working, this role offers a more balanced and sustainable working pattern than is typically found in the sector.
Catering Operations Supervisor in Southampton employer: University of Southampton
The University of Southampton is an outstanding employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters creativity and collaboration among its staff. With a strong commitment to employee development, you will have access to numerous growth opportunities and professional training, all while contributing to impactful marketing strategies that shape the future of education. Located in a vibrant city, the university promotes a healthy work-life balance and values diversity, making it an ideal place for passionate individuals looking to make a difference.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Catering Operations Supervisor in Southampton
✨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 University of Southampton. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to University of Southampton
Don't be shy about reaching out to University of Southampton 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 Catering Operations Supervisor in Southampton
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 University of Southampton 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 University of Southampton
✨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!
