At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage retail catering operations, ensuring excellent service and staff development.
- Company: Join a vibrant university environment with a focus on student experience and sustainability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional growth opportunities, and a dynamic work atmosphere.
- Other info: Exciting role with diverse responsibilities and the chance to innovate in a busy environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on campus life while developing your leadership skills in a fun setting.
- Qualifications: Experience in catering or retail management, strong leadership, and communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 28031 - 30378 € per year.
Salary range: £28,031 - £30,378 FTE: 1.0 (35 hours per week) Term: Open Closing date: 14 May 2026
The Assistant Catering Manager will play a key role in leading the University's retail catering operations, working alongside the Deputy Retail Catering Manager, Supervisors, and Team Leaders to deliver the University's Catering Strategy and annual operating plan. Catering and Hospitality, part of Campus Services, generates around £4 million annually, with Retail Catering contributing approximately £1.6 million across ten busy café outlets and plans to expand further in the next two years.
As a hands‑on leader, you'll manage and motivate staff to deliver friendly, efficient service that enhances the experience of students, staff, and visitors. You'll take responsibility for staff recruitment and development, stock and resource management, and the implementation of sustainable practices across outlets. We're looking for someone with experience in catering, hospitality, or retail management, ideally across multiple sites. You'll have strong leadership, organisational, and communication skills, with a passion for great food, excellent service, and continuous improvement. Energetic, adaptable, and customer-focused, you'll bring creativity and professionalism to a role where no two days are the same.
Activities / Responsibilities
- Assist the Deputy Retail Catering Manager (DRCM) to implement innovative business development strategies and solid operational plans in Catering outlets to generate income for the University, whilst enhancing both the student experience and the University's reputation.
- Support the DRCM to manage a cluster of catering outlets, operating across the campus, with responsibility for the set up and service delivery in each area, whilst providing support to the retail supervisors and team leader.
- Support the DRCM to deliver Food Hygiene/HACCP/Allergen management systems and University Health and Safety procedures, ensure full compliance with accurate recording of critical temperature control and carrying out the required staff training.
- Assist with recruitment and induction of staff.
- Implement and support the development and delivery of training plans to ensure staff have the knowledge to deliver an outstanding customer experience; recognise good performance, as well as address any areas of concern as they occur.
- Undertake Annual Development Reviews with all direct reports, reviewing performance for the previous year and setting smart objectives, in line with the Departmental Strategy for the coming year.
- Organise and lead weekly/monthly team meetings with direct reports and the wider teams to ensure clear, regular and positive communication at all times.
- Use surveys, feedback and sales analysis of the back of house reports to provide insight on how food offering, pricing and catering environments are performing to assist the DRCM in making informed business improvement decisions.
- Develop internal and external relationships with key stakeholders and build partnerships in support of the Catering strategy.
- Through short and long‑term forecasting, appropriate budgeting and tight controls, ensure each unit in cluster is both operationally excellent and financially sustainable.
- Share best practice with retail supervisors and team leaders.
- Ensure appropriate stock levels, full product availability and excellent merchandising standards in each unit.
- Regular liaison with the Production Kitchen and Main Stores to ensure quality and consistency of homemade products on offer.
- Ensure the Catering Department promotes itself within the university, raising the profile and reputation with student bodies, clubs and societies.
- Attend workshops, exhibitions, conferences representing the University's interests.
- Perform any other reasonable duties requested by the DRCM including deputising and representing the Deputy Retail Catering Manager in their absence.
For informal enquiries, please contact Laura Cassidy, Retail Catering Manager at laura.cassidy@strath.ac.uk.
Assistant Retail Catering Manager (808976) employer: University of Strathclyde
As an Assistant Retail Catering Manager at our University, you will thrive in a dynamic and supportive work environment that prioritises employee development and sustainability. With a focus on innovation and excellent service, we offer competitive salaries, opportunities for professional growth, and a vibrant campus culture that enhances the experience of students, staff, and visitors alike. Join us to be part of a team that values creativity, collaboration, and a passion for great food.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Retail Catering Manager (808976)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the catering and hospitality industry, especially those who work at universities or similar settings. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! When you get the chance for an interview, be ready to share specific examples of how you've led teams or improved service in previous roles. We want to see your passion for great food and excellent service shine through!
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! If you see a role that fits, don’t wait until the closing date. Apply through our website and follow up with a quick email to express your enthusiasm. It shows you're keen and can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay adaptable! The catering world is fast-paced and ever-changing. Be prepared to discuss how you've handled unexpected challenges in the past and how you can bring that adaptability to our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Retail Catering Manager (808976)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience mentioned in the job description. Highlight your leadership and management experience in catering or retail, as well as any innovative strategies you've implemented in the past.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to showcase your passion for great food and excellent service. Mention specific examples of how you've enhanced customer experiences in previous roles.
Showcase Your Team Spirit:Since this role involves working closely with others, emphasise your ability to motivate and develop staff. Share stories that demonstrate your teamwork and communication skills, as well as your adaptability in a fast-paced environment.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Strathclyde
✨Know Your Catering Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of catering operations and management. Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in food service, sustainability practices, and customer experience strategies. This will show that you're not just passionate about food but also understand the business side of things.
✨Show Off Your Leadership Skills
As an Assistant Retail Catering Manager, you'll need to lead a team effectively. Prepare examples of how you've motivated staff or improved team performance in previous roles. Think about specific situations where your leadership made a difference, and be ready to discuss them during the interview.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you'd handle specific situations, like managing a busy café during peak hours or dealing with a dissatisfied customer. Practise your responses to these scenarios, focusing on your problem-solving skills and ability to maintain excellent service under pressure.
✨Demonstrate Your Communication Skills
Effective communication is key in this role. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve successfully communicated with different stakeholders, from team members to upper management. Highlight any experience you have in conducting meetings or training sessions, as this will showcase your ability to keep everyone informed and engaged.
