At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and coordinate events at the iconic Gherkin, ensuring seamless execution.
- Company: Join Searcys, the oldest caterer in the UK, with a rich history.
- Benefits: Enjoy 50% venue discounts, up to 35 days leave, and your birthday off!
- Why this job: Be part of prestigious events while gaining valuable experience in hospitality.
- Qualifications: 2+ years in event management and strong organisational skills required.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with opportunities for growth and mentorship.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 Β£ per year.
Company Description
Searcys are looking for an Catering Manager to join the team at Gherkin.
Fixed Term Contract from September to 31.12.2025
As a Catering Manager for Searcys you will be responsible for the overall co-ordination and profitability of an event. Managing and co-ordinating the team during the event and working closely with the sales team and to deliver the event seamlessly.
The Gherkin is an iconic London landmark in the heart of The City of London. Our venue is located at the top of this iconic building, on levels 37, 38, 39 and 40. We are famous for our corporate events, beautiful weddings, private dining events with a spectacular view as well as delicious food, famous Champagne and cocktails served in our Helix Restaurant and Iris Bar on top of the building over the weekends.
As a Catering Manager you will receive the following industry leading benefits:
- 50% discount across Searcys venues
- Enrolment into the Searcys pension scheme
- Up to 35 days annual leave (dependant on job role)
- Access to everyday discounts and communication portal
- Employee assistance programme
- Enrolment into Searcys Champagne School
- Meals provided on shift when working within one of our venue
- Annual celebration event
- Cycle to work scheme
- Your birthday off to celebrate in style
- A day off to volunteer / give back to the charity of your choice
Job Description
The Catering Manager will be working as part of an exciting events operations team to deliver the food & beverage, event operations at a large selection of events spaces, Will also lead the front of house operation on assigned events, providing a comprehensive briefing to all team members involved in the delivery of the event.
Job Type: Full Time – Fixed Term Contract from September to 31.12.2025
Salary: Β£40,000
Responsibilities:
- To ensure events are set up as required by the event sheets.
- Ensure events are delivered on time as required by the event sheets.
- Attend and have active input to daily and weekly event operations meetings.
- To liaise with the kitchen, event sales, operations and client teams to deliver successful events.
- Conducts short- and long-term planning and management for events and sales.
- Develops and recommend the budget, marketing plans, and objectives and manages within those approved plans.
- Maintains or exceeds budgeted sales and profits in all event areas.
- Recommends, develops, and implements effective marketing plans for generating event revenues.
- Evaluates each piece of event business to ensure business can be properly serviced.
- Assembles creative and innovative event attractions based on internal capabilities or outsources to qualified vendors.
- Leads event team to build long-term, value-based customer relationships that enable achievement of sales objectives.
Qualifications
- Minimum 2 years experience in event management
- Thorough understanding of the event and meeting management process – conception to completion
- Ability to prioritize multiple projects in a fast-paced, multi-faceted, creative environment and able to work well under pressure
- Meticulous organizational abilities; high attention to detail
- Concise and effective verbal and written communication
- Ability to adapt to challenges and opportunities with a solution-oriented perspective
- Excellent strategic thinking and critical reasoning skills
- Creative, positive energy, self-directed, amiable, and composed under pressure; helpful and humble
Additional Information
We are the oldest caterer in the UK, having been founded in 1847, working with us will give you an opportunity to be part of some of London\’s most prestigious events, gaining insights and mentoring from skilled and experienced colleagues, as well as getting a chance to be part of a storied legacy in the hospitality industry.
A career at Searcys means you are part of something special, we are an employer with a rich history, and an established reputation which will provide you with an enormous sense of pride and belonging.
To find out more on the rich history of Searcys, please visit our website at www.searcys.co.uk
Catering Manager (Fixed Term) employer: WSH Group
Contact Detail:
WSH Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Catering Manager (Fixed Term)
β¨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend industry events, connect with fellow catering managers, and donβt be shy about reaching out to people on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings.
β¨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills in person! If you can, volunteer for events or offer to help out at local venues. This not only builds your experience but also gets your name out there in the catering community.
β¨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching Searcys and their events. Know their history and what makes them unique. Tailor your answers to show how your experience aligns with their values and needs.
β¨Tip Number 4
Donβt forget to apply through our website! Itβs the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows youβre genuinely interested in being part of the Searcys team.
We think you need these skills to ace Catering Manager (Fixed Term)
Some tips for your application π«‘
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Catering Manager role. Highlight your event management experience and any relevant skills that match the job description. We want to see how you can bring your unique flair to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about catering and events. Share specific examples of your past successes and how they relate to what we do at Searcys.
Show Off Your Communication Skills: Since effective communication is key in this role, make sure your application reflects your verbal and written skills. Keep it clear, concise, and engaging β we love a good story that showcases your personality!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. Itβs the best way for us to receive your application and ensures youβre considered for the role. Plus, youβll get to explore more about Searcys while youβre at it!
How to prepare for a job interview at WSH Group
β¨Know Your Events Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure youβre familiar with the types of events Searcys hosts. Research their past events and think about how your experience aligns with their needs. This will show that youβre genuinely interested and prepared.
β¨Showcase Your Team Management Skills
As a Catering Manager, you'll be leading a team. Be ready to discuss your previous experiences in managing teams during events. Share specific examples where you successfully coordinated staff and ensured smooth operations.
β¨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific event challenges. Think of scenarios like last-minute changes or difficult clients, and prepare your responses. This will demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to stay composed under pressure.
β¨Highlight Your Attention to Detail
Attention to detail is crucial in catering management. Bring examples of how your meticulous nature has positively impacted past events. Whether itβs through budgeting or event setup, showing this quality can set you apart from other candidates.