Catering Manager

Wilson Vale; Oxford; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A renowned catering company in Oxford seeks a Catering Manager to oversee all operations at a prestigious venue. The ideal candidate will possess experience in Hospitality Management and demonstrate excellent leadership abilities, ensuring high standards of food and customer service. This permanent role involves managing a team, developing efficient processes, and adapting to a fast-paced environment. Competitive salary and engaging benefits offered, including craft-focused career development opportunities.

Benefits

Career development opportunities

Free training programs

Employee Assistance Programme

Online employee benefits scheme

Birthday off after a year

Enhanced Maternity Pay

Qualifications

• Experience in Hospitality Management with hands-on operational approach.
• Track record of developing efficient processes and managing budgets.
• Strong communication skills and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day catering operations ensuring client satisfaction.
• Lead and develop the team to foster a high-quality service culture.
• Manage hospitality offerings with a focus on food knowledge.

Skills

Hospitality Management

Customer Service Excellence

Team Leadership

Flexible Work Attitude

Creativity and Innovation

Job description

We have an exciting opportunity to become our new Catering Manager to join a prestigious venue in Oxford.

Salary; circa. £40,000

We are a fresh, food-led operation open seven days a week, welcoming an average of 200 guests daily, in addition to providing hospitality services.

As our Catering Manager, you will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the catering operation, from planning and logistics to staff management and client relations. We take great pride in the high quality of our offering, which includes daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner services featuring buffets, a salad bar, a grab-and-go section, and freshly baked goods. We also provide daily specials and host fine dining dinners, special events, and themed social gatherings. We place a strong emphasis on guest interaction during service, so you must be personable, approachable, and well presented.

This is a permanent position based on a 40‑hour working week. However, we operate a TOIL system to help align workflow and demand with seasonal peaks and troughs. Shifts will be on a rota basis between the hours of 6am and midnight to accommodate special evening events. For this reason, flexibility is essential in this role.

Wilson Vale is an established, quality-led contract caterer. We work with amazing clients across the UK who place huge value on great food as a key part of their culture and community. We work in office restaurants, independent schools and at conference venues with the same high‑end ethos throughout.

Our culture unites us. We stand for craft, quality, creative freedom, forward thinking and integrity. We never compromise on our commitment to fresh, seasonal produce and the fantastic people that make it all happen!

We are looking for someone with experience in Hospitality Management that can inspire and motivate their team yet retain a hands‑on approach to the operations. You will head up the team and build on successes to deliver the highest standards of food and customer service across the site.

The role requires someone who is commercially minded with the ability to demonstrate a track record of developing efficient and cost‑effective processes and that you have first class communication skills and a keen eye for detail.

Responsibilities, Skills & Experience:

• Deliver all hospitality services to the highest standard with a hands‑on, guest‑focused approach.
• Oversee day‑to‑day operations, ensuring all client requirements are met.
• Lead, motivate, and develop the team; foster a strong, food‑led service culture.
• Manage labour budgets, costs, and understand P&L accounts.
• Create bespoke hospitality offerings; strong food knowledge or chef background preferred.
• Provide exceptional customer service with excellent communication and organisational skills.
• Demonstrate creativity, innovation, and strong presentation skills.
• Proven experience managing successful teams in premium hospitality or a similar role.
• Able to work flexibly and thrive in a fast‑paced, high‑pressure environment.
• Passionate about food, service excellence, and ongoing staff training and development.
• Local knowledge and experience in the area is advantageous.

Benefits:

• Our working environment is fun and inspiring, with excellent career development opportunities.
• Craft Works – Free craft‑focused career development training programme.
• Paid training bespoke to you.
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme – your wellbeing is very important to us.
• Online employee benefits scheme – monetary savings on everyday items.
• Your birthday off every year after 1 year’s service.
• Enhanced Maternity Pay.

Wilson Vale is an equal opportunities employer that strives to create an inclusive working environment for all. We are committed to supporting our people and do not tolerate discrimination of any kind. From each and every person in our catering teams, to our operations and central support teams – everyone at has a voice.

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