Catering Manager

University of Manchester Students' Union; Manchester; On-site; GBP 32,042 - 35,237; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

30 days annual leave

Pension contributions matched up to 8%

Discounts across cafés and bars

Access to Manchester Academy gig tickets

Job summary

The University of Manchester Students' Union is seeking a Catering Manager to oversee the daily operations of student catering, focusing on Corridor Coffee and Food Hall. This full-time position offers a competitive salary ranging from £32,042 to £35,237 per year with many benefits including 30 days annual leave and matched pension contributions up to 8%.

We are looking for a candidate with prior experience in similar roles who can manage a team effectively and maintain high service standards. The role primarily runs Monday to Friday with flexibility for key events.

Qualifications

• Experience as Assistant Manager, Café Manager, or similar role in a busy catering environment.
• Excellent leadership and organisational skills.
• Ability to ensure consistent service and maintain high standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead the day-to-day operation of catering services.
• Oversee the management of student and staff experience.
• Handle staffing, stock ordering, and supplier relationships.

Skills

Hospitality management

Staff leadership

Commercial thinking

Food safety compliance

Job description

About the role

Still love hospitality? At Manchester Students’ Union, we’re looking for a Catering Manager to lead the day‑to‑day operation of our student‑focused catering offer, with a particular focus on Corridor Coffee and our Food Hall operations.

This hospitality management role runs at 35 hours per week, usually Monday to Friday, with occasional weekend days for key events.

The package is strong – £32,042 to 35,237 per year, 30 days annual leave, bank holidays, two additional paid weeks during Christmas closure, pension contributions matched up to 8%, a staff room with free snacks, discounts across cafés and bars, development opportunities and access to selected Manchester Academy gig tickets.

Responsibilities

• Lead the day‑to‑day operation of the catering offer, overseeing Corridor Coffee and Food Hall operations.
• Lead a small core team and a wider group of student staff, ensuring service is organised, standards are consistent, products are available and students, staff and visitors get a great experience.
• Take ownership of staffing, stock, ordering, food safety, supplier relationships, training, promotions, waste, sales and service improvement.
• Lead from the floor, think commercially and bring people with you.

Qualifications

Experience as Assistant Manager, Café Manager, Food Hall Manager, Catering Manager or junior General Manager who enjoys the buzz of a busy operation and can spot the details that make it work.

Benefits

• Competitive salary £32,042 - 35,237 per year
• 30 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays and two additional paid weeks during Christmas closure
• Pension contributions matched up to 8%
• A staff room with free snacks and discounts across our cafés and bars
• Development opportunities
• Access to selected Manchester Academy gig tickets
• Clear values and purpose with real commercial ownership

Details

• Salary: £32,042 - 35,237 per year
• Contract: Permanent, Full‑time
• Hours: 35 hours per week
• Eligibility: Open to applicants with relevant skills and experience who are eligible to work in the UK at the start of employment