Catering Manager

Chartwells; Godalming; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading catering company in Godalming is seeking a passionate Catering Manager to oversee all catering operations. The role entails supervising culinary teams, ensuring high food standards, and supporting team development. Ideal candidates will have at least two years of catering experience and appropriate certifications in food hygiene. A commitment to exceptional customer service and operational efficiency is essential. Join us for competitive pay and strong career growth opportunities.

Benefits

Competitive pay

Great perks

Learning and development opportunities

Qualifications

• Minimum of two years of catering experience.
• Experience managing teams in a similar role.
• Excellent communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee catering operations and ensure smooth kitchen and service counter operations.
• Supervise culinary and catering teams for impeccable food quality.
• Monitor KPIs and budgets.

Skills

Passion for great-tasting food

Customer service skills

Financial acumen

Organisational skills

Team management

Education

NVQ Level 1 & 2 or 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 Chartwells 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.

Shift patterns: 5 out of 7 days.

Key Responsibilities

• 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.

Ideal Candidate

• 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.

As part of Compass you’ll help to feed people, fuel progress and forge connections in around 6,000 venues. Join us to grow your career with the industry leader, and get competitive pay, great perks and unrivaled opportunities for learning and development, at one of the UK's biggest businesses.

Job Reference: com/1501/41311001/52785097/BU #Lodestone House

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!