Catering Manager

Compass Group UK; Downpatrick; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Compass Group UK&I is seeking an experienced Catering Manager to oversee all catering and service operations in Northern Ireland on a full-time basis. You will ensure kitchens and counters run smoothly, delivering outstanding food experiences while leading and developing teams.

Expect shift patterns of 5 out of 7 days and opportunities to progress within a supportive, diverse environment that rewards dedication and excellence in customer service.

Qualifications

• Two years catering experience required.
• Experience managing teams in a catering environment.
• Basic Food Hygiene certification is required or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Prepare high-quality food to the highest standards.
• Supervise culinary and catering teams to maintain exceptional service.
• Oversee in-unit catering operations: inventories, budgets, and action plans.
• Monitor KPIs and targets with your line manager.
• Represent Compass Group UK&I and uphold the brand image.
• Identify opportunities for new food or service concepts to drive sales.
• Bridge customers and teams to exceed expectations.
• Train and support teams to enable excellence in their roles.
• Implement and review Health & Safety standards across all teams.

Skills

Customer service

Team leadership

Communication

Financial acumen

Education

NVQ Level 1 & 2

City & Guilds 706/1 and 2

Basic Food Hygiene certificate

Job description

We're recruiting an experienced Catering Manager who is passionate about exceptional food and world-class customer service, and who can confidently oversee all Compass Group UK&I catering and service operations for Northern Ireland on a full time basis, contracted to 40 hours per week.

As a Catering Manager, you will be responsible for ensuring our kitchens and service counters run smoothly and helping to deliver truly incredible food experiences. In return, you'll have the opportunity to progress your catering career with a company that invests in its people, celebrates individuality, and rewards and recognises employees who go beyond the plate.

Here’s an idea of what your shift patterns will be: 5 out of 7 days

Could you shine as Northern Ireland's next Catering Manager? Here’s what you need to know before applying:

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Preparing delicious food to the highest standards
• Supervising our culinary and catering teams to ensure we continue to deliver impeccable food and customer service
• Overseeing the efficiency of all in-unit catering operations, including managing inventories, monitoring budgets, and implementing action plans
• Communicating regularly with your line manager to monitor KPIs and targets
• Representing Compass Group UK&I and maintaining a positive brand image
• Identifying opportunities for new food or service concepts to drive sales
• Liaising between customers and our culinary and service teams to ensure we continue to exceed expectations
• Supporting and training our teams, leading from the front to make sure everyone can excel in their role
• Implementing and reviewing Health & Safety standards to ensure compliance across all catering and service teams.

Our ideal Catering Manager will:

• Be passionate about great-tasting food and exceptional customer service
• Have a minimum of two years of catering experience
• Have experience managing teams in a similar role
• Hold an NVQ Level 1 & 2 or City & Guilds 706/1 and 2
• Hold a Basic Food Hygiene certificate
• Demonstrate brilliant financial acumen
• Have excellent communication and organisational skills
• Be an ambitious and motivated individual who is always looking to upskill

At Compass Ireland, our people are our business. When you join the Compass Group you will be joining a supportive network of incredible individuals, each united by their passion for going the extra mile for the organisations we partner with. We are building a team who care about providing a great customer experience and want to grow and develop as we do. We are dedicated to investing in every colleague joining us. We are an equal opportunity employer, we celebrate diversity and are committed to building an inclusive environment for all employees. We consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements.

Job Reference: com/2310/87025001/52842041/NI #Northern Ireland

Compass Group UK&I is committed to fostering an environment where every individual can truly be themselves at work and has equal opportunities to advance in their careers. We strive to build a culture that respects and celebrates the unique talents, beliefs, backgrounds, and abilities of all our team members. We want our colleagues to feel valued, empowered to reach their full potential, and to thrive - because diversity is our strength!