Catering Manager - Leeds

Chartwells Independent; Leeds; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

Chartwells Independent in Leeds is seeking a hands-on, commercially focused Catering Manager to lead the Riverside Restaurant, Coffee Bar, Vending and Hospitality services. You will shape the day-to-day operation, drive sales and deliver an exceptional customer experience.

This role requires strong operational leadership, P&L accountability and the ability to work closely with the client to keep the site competitive and compliant with Health & Safety standards.

Qualifications

• Experienced Catering Manager or General Manager in hospitality.
• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Commercial mindset with experience in P&L and budgeting.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day operation across restaurant, coffee bar, vending and hospitality.
• Create an exciting, innovative, commercially attractive food offer.
• Build relationships with client and deliver shared objectives.
• Plan menus and develop new concepts and promotions.
• Manage ordering, stock control and stock takes; take P&L accountability.
• Motivate and develop the catering team; ensure quality and compliance.
• Maintain health & safety, food safety and company policies.
• Lead HR processes including recruitment and performance management.
• Monitor customer feedback and drive continuous improvement.
• Deliver hospitality and events to a high standard.

Skills

P&L management

Menu planning

People leadership

Stock control

Food quality

Health & Safety

Hospitality operations

Customer service

Job description

Catering Manager - Leeds

Salary: £40,000 per annum
Monday - Friday | Full-Time

Lead a Vibrant, High-Performing Catering Operation

We’re looking for a hands-on and commercially focused Catering Manager to lead the day-to-day operation across a busy Riverside Restaurant, Coffee Bar, Vending and Hospitality service in Leeds.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a passionate foodie and people leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is always looking for new and innovative ways to improve the food offer, drive sales and create an exceptional customer experience.

Working closely with the client, you’ll have the autonomy to shape the operation, introduce fresh ideas and ensure the site remains competitive and attractive in an environment where customers have alternative onsite catering options.

What you’ll be responsible for

• Leading the day-to-day operation across the restaurant, coffee bar, vending and hospitality services
• Creating an exciting, innovative and commercially attractive food offer – a real foodie is a must!
• Building strong relationships with the client and working collaboratively to deliver shared objectives
• Menu planning and developing new food concepts and promotions
• Managing ordering, stock control and regular stock takesTaking full accountability for the site’s P&L and commercial performance
• Managing, motivating and developing the catering team
• Maintaining excellent food quality, service and presentation standards
• Ensuring full compliance with Health & Safety, food safety and company policies
• Taking ownership of HR processes, including recruitment, performance management and team development
• Monitoring customer feedback and identifying opportunities to improve the overall experience
• Driving continuous improvement, innovation and operational efficiency
• Delivering hospitality and events to a consistently high standard

What we’re looking for

We’re looking for an experienced Catering Manager, General Manager or similar hospitality professional who can combine strong operational leadership with genuine passion for food and commercial performance.

You’ll be:

• A passionate foodie with a creative approach to menus and customer experience
• Hands-on and visible within the operation
• Commercially minded, with strong P&L and financial management experience
• Confident managing stock, costs, budgets and margins
• An inspiring people manager who enjoys developing a team
• Comfortable working closely with senior clients and stakeholders
• Highly organised, proactive and solutions-focused
• Someone who thrives on innovation and continually looks for ways to improve
• Experienced in managing Health & Safety, food safety and HR responsibilities

Why join us?

This is more than just running a catering operation. It’s an opportunity to put your own stamp on a busy site, work in partnership with the client and create a food and hospitality experience that customers actively choose.

If you’re a passionate foodie, commercially driven leader who loves creating great food, developing people and making things happen, we’d love to hear from you.