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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage catering operations across our heritage steam railway.
- Company: Join The Watercress Line, a beloved heritage railway with 50 years of history.
- Benefits: Enjoy travel perks, discounts, and free support services after one year.
- Why this job: Be part of a fun team, making memorable experiences in a unique setting.
- Qualifications: Experience in hospitality, management skills, and Level 3 Food Hygiene required.
- Other info: Opportunity to work with passionate volunteers and create exciting dining experiences.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 35000 £ per year.
Here at The Watercress Line, we are looking for a Food and Beverage Manager to join our team based in Alresford. You will join us on a full-time, permanent basis and in return, you will receive a competitive salary of up to £35,000 per annum.
The Watercress Line is a heritage steam railway operated by award-winning volunteers and supported by paid staff, bringing smiles to faces through the beautiful Hampshire countryside for 50 years.
Benefits you will receive:
- Travel benefits on the railway after 1 years’ service.
- Discounts for railway events, catering and retail.
- Employee Assistance Programme for free personal, legal, emotional and financial support.
About the Food and Beverage Manager role:
We are looking to recruit an enthusiastic, experienced Food and Beverage Manager. This is a service-led role responsible for the co-ordination, planning, management, and delivery of catering operations across the Watercress Line Heritage Steam Railway, so a background in hospitality would be a great advantage.
In this role, you will coordinate the catering delivered primarily by volunteers, across a large number of sites and products including:
- The West Country Buffet café at Alresford
- The Tea Junction at Ropley
- The Beer Junction at Ropley
- A snack and ticket kiosk at Alton
- On-train snack services on standard running days
- Group lunch and tea services on standard running days
- Evening dining train services
- Lunchtime dining train services
- Real ale train evening services
- Pop up catering for large events
Key responsibilities as a Food and Beverage Manager:
- Manage the forward planning of resources to co-ordinate the different activities.
- Co-ordinate the catering activities across the operational and event timetable.
- Co-ordinate the requirements for group visit catering.
- Assess, propose and agree the catering requirements for special, corporate, private and fundraising events.
- Agree with the Business Operations Manager the profile of open units according to staff and volunteer availability and business need.
- Ensure that the website is kept up to date with the catering offer.
- Build, lead and manage a team of catering support volunteers.
- Plan food and beverage menus appropriate to each product including the requirements in ingredients and set portions.
- Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.
- Create and maintain the HACCP documentation and train to plan.
- Managing, ordering, and distributing catering stock.
- Manage costs in accordance with the budget and agreed margins.
Skills and experience required as our Food and Beverage Manager:
- An enthusiastic self-starter looking to make a difference in an exciting and varied role.
- A champion of change to transform our operation, inspiring and influencing others.
- You are organised and confident, comfortable working with a very wide range of people.
- You have an eye for detail and a flair for training and being trained.
- A background in a restaurant/catering chain would be an advantage.
- Minimum Level 3 Food Hygiene qualification.
- Proven track record of management in a catering role and successful people management.
- MS Office including Excel Intermediate.
- Experience of managing volunteers is desirable.
- Effective communication skills.
- Full Driving Licence.
If you feel you have the skills and experience to become our Food and Beverage Manager, then please click "apply" now - We’d love to hear from you!
Contact Detail:
Watercress Line Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Food and Beverage Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Watercress Line and its unique offerings. Understanding the heritage aspect and the specific catering services they provide will help you tailor your approach during interviews and discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of the Watercress Line. Engaging with them can provide valuable insights into the company culture and expectations, which can be beneficial when discussing your fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to showcase your experience in managing volunteers, as this is a key aspect of the role. Think of examples where you've successfully led teams, especially in a catering or hospitality context.
✨Tip Number 4
Brush up on your knowledge of health and safety regulations and HACCP documentation. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will demonstrate your preparedness for the responsibilities of the Food and Beverage Manager position.
We think you need these skills to ace Food and Beverage Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in food and beverage management, particularly in hospitality settings. Emphasise any roles where you managed teams or coordinated events, as these are key aspects of the job.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your enthusiasm for the role and the organisation. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to manage catering operations and lead volunteers effectively.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Include your Level 3 Food Hygiene qualification prominently in your application. If you have any additional certifications or training related to food safety or management, be sure to mention those as well.
Showcase Your People Skills: Since the role involves managing volunteers and coordinating with various stakeholders, provide examples in your application that illustrate your effective communication and leadership skills. This will help demonstrate your fit for the position.
How to prepare for a job interview at Watercress Line
✨Show Your Passion for Hospitality
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for the food and beverage industry during the interview. Share specific examples of how you've contributed to a positive dining experience in previous roles, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a Food and Beverage Manager, you'll be leading a team of volunteers. Be prepared to discuss your management style and provide examples of how you've successfully motivated and trained staff in the past.
✨Know the Venue and Its Offerings
Research The Watercress Line and its catering services before the interview. Familiarise yourself with their current offerings and think about how you could enhance them. This shows initiative and genuine interest in the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills, especially in managing events or dealing with unexpected challenges. Think of scenarios from your past experiences where you successfully navigated similar situations and be ready to share those stories.
