Catering Events Operations Manager (FTC)

ZipRecruiter; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A recruitment agency is seeking an experienced Food Operations Manager to oversee Christmas Market stalls in Cambridge on a fixed-term contract. Key responsibilities include staff recruitment, daily operations management, and compliance with food safety regulations. The ideal candidate will have proven multi-site management experience in street food or events. This role offers a contract from Early November to Mid-January, with a salary of £12,000.

Qualifications

• Proven multi-site operations management in street food or events.
• Strong leadership and ability to motivate seasonal teams.
• Highly organised and skilled in compliance and rota management.

Responsibilities

• Recruit, train, and onboard stall staff.
• Oversee daily unit operations and service quality.
• Manage stock orders and daily financial reporting.

Skills

Operations management in street food

Leadership

Inventory management

Compliance knowledge

Problem-solving

Job description

Overview

Job Title: Food Operations Manager

Location: Cambridge

Contract: Fixed-term contract, Early November to Mid-January

Salary: £12,000

Holt Recruitment is working with a well-established events management company in Cambridge, seeking an experienced Catering Events Operations Manager to oversee the operations of the Christmas Market stalls on a fixed-term basis.

Responsibilities

• Pre-Opening: Recruit, train, and onboard stall staff
• Manage rotas using Deputy, aligned with sales forecasts and budgets
• Oversee install preparation: stock takes, deliveries, and site setup
• During Trading (Nov–Jan):
• Daily unit oversight: staffing, uniforms, morale, service quality, and compliance (EHO, SFBB, H&S)
• Coordinate stock orders and manage storage
• Submit daily financial reports
• Monitor sales vs forecast; adjust operations as needed
• Approve rotas and process payroll
• Resolve equipment issues and staff/payroll queries
• Post-Trading (Jan):
• Manage breakdown and equipment returns
• Finalise invoices, stock reconciliation, and reporting

Qualifications

• Proven multi-site operations management in street food, events, or hospitality
• Strong leadership with a track record of motivating seasonal teams
• Highly organised; skilled in inventory, compliance, and rota management
• Hands-on and solutions-focused; thrives in fast-paced environments
• Solid understanding of EHO, SFBB, and food safety regulations

What to expect

To apply, please contact Shannon on (phone number removed) or email (url removed).