Area Catering Manager

Olympus Recruitment; West Midlands Combined Authority; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is seeking an Area Manager in the West Midlands to oversee catering contracts in education and industry. The role involves leading teams, managing budgets, and ensuring food quality and client satisfaction. Ideal candidates will have strong leadership skills and a full UK Driving Licence. This opportunity fits a driven individual looking to impact the catering sector positively.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a similar area/operations management role within contract catering.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• High standards in food quality and service.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support on-site teams to deliver exceptional catering services.
• Monitor and manage budgets, including food and labour costs.
• Foster strong client relationships and conduct regular meetings.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Budget management

Food quality standards

Operational reporting

Flexibility

Tools

IT software

Job description

Overview

Area Manager (Monday - Friday!)

Are you passionate about the hospitality industry and experienced in managing multiple sites? Do you thrive on leading large teams and building strong, lasting relationships? If so, we'd love to tell you more. Keep reading!

Area Manager - About the Role

Our client is seeking an experienced Area Manager to oversee a group of catering contracts across the education and business & industry sectors. You'll be responsible for ensuring outstanding food service delivery, operational excellence, and client satisfaction across your sites. This is a high-impact role for a passionate, organised, and customer-focused professional.

You'll be the driving force behind team leadership, business performance, and food quality, playing a key role in supporting growth and maintaining high standards across the region. Flexibility, mobility, and a hands-on approach are essential.

Area Manager - Key Responsibilities

• Lead and support on-site teams to deliver exceptional catering services
• Monitor and manage budgets, including food, labour, and sundry costs
• Ensure timely and accurate reporting of period-end figures
• Foster strong client relationships and attend regular meetings
• Support the mobilisation and de-mobilisation of contracts
• Lead menu development aligned with customer needs and client expectations
• Ensure compliance with food safety, health & safety, and company policies
• Identify and nurture talent across the region, providing training and development opportunities
• Conduct regular audits and provide operational support and training as needed
• Support new business opportunities and sales processes
• Handle disciplinary matters and TUPE processes as required

Area Manager - About You

• Proven experience in a similar area/operations management role within contract catering
• Strong leadership and communication skills with the ability to build rapport at all levels
• High standards in food quality and service, with a strong understanding of presentation and taste
• Commercially aware with the ability to manage budgets and identify business opportunities
• Excellent IT skills and ability to complete operational and client reporting
• Flexibility to work occasional weekends or outside standard hours as business demands
• Willingness to travel and attend company meetings or training days as needed
• Full UK Driving Licence is essential

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone looking to make a real difference in the catering sector while leading a diverse and dynamic team. If you're a motivated leader with a passion for food, people, and performance. Click Apply today and you will receieve a call back within 48 hours.

We look forward to hearing from you