Catering Manager - Leicester

14forty; Leicester; On-site; GBP 33,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

14forty is seeking a skilled Catering Manager to lead our catering operation in Leicester. You will inspire and develop a team, ensure exceptional food quality, outstanding customer service and strong financial performance.

This Monday–Friday role requires some flexibility to cover seven days as needed, driving costs, menu quality and client relationships to deliver an outstanding dining experience that aligns with Compass Group UK&I standards.

Qualifications

• Lead and develop catering team to deliver service.
• Manage day-to-day operations with efficient service.
• Drive food quality, presentation and customer satisfaction.
• Prepare high-quality food for clients as required.
• Build relationships with clients and stakeholders.
• Manage labour, food costs and budgets to hit targets.
• Ensure food safety and health & safety compliance.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop catering team to deliver service.
• Manage day-to-day operations for smooth service.
• Drive food quality and customer satisfaction.
• Prepare delicious food for clients as required.
• Build strong client relationships.
• Control labour, food costs and budgets.
• Ensure compliance with food safety and H&S.
• Support recruitment and training of staff.
• Maintain high cleanliness and operational standards.

Skills

Catering management

Chef experience

People management

Client relationships

Financial understanding

Job description

Catering Manager

Location: Leicester

Salary: Up to £36,700 per annum, depending on experience

Working Pattern: This role is predominantly Monday to Friday, 7:00am to 3:00pm. However, as the site operates seven days a week, flexibility is required, and you will be expected to work across all seven days in line with business needs.

We currently have a fantastic opportunity for an experienced Catering Manager to join 14forty team. As a Catering Manager, you'll be responsible for leading the successful delivery of our catering operation, ensuring exceptional food quality, outstanding customer service, and strong financial performance. You'll inspire and develop your team, build positive client relationships, and create an outstanding dining experience for every customer.

Services

• Breakfast and lunch service 7am to 3pm
• Vending and Retail Market Place
• Hospitality and Coffee Shop

What You’ll Be Doing

• Leading and developing a catering team to deliver exceptional customer service
• Managing the day-to-day catering operation, ensuring smooth and efficient service
• Driving food quality, presentation, and customer satisfaction
• Preparing delicious, high-quality food that delights our clients and customers when required
• Building strong working relationships with clients and stakeholders
• Managing labour, food costs, and budgets to achieve financial targets
• Ensuring compliance with food safety, health & safety, and company procedures
• Monitoring performance and identifying opportunities to improve sales and service
• Supporting recruitment, training, and development of team members
• Maintaining high standards of cleanliness and operational excellence

What We’re Looking For

• Previous Catering management experience in a similar role including client management
• Previous chef experience essential
• Strong people management and team development skills
• Excellent client and customer relationship management abilities
• Good commercial awareness and financial understanding
• Experience managing budgets, food costs, and labour spend
• Knowledge of food safety and health & safety legislation
• A proactive, flexible, and hands-on approach
• Passionate about working in a food service environment

Job Reference: com/1709/99608001/52613665/SU #14Forty

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!