Catering Manager - Leicester

Chartwells Independent; Leicester; On-site; GBP 33,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

14forty in Leicester is seeking an experienced Catering Manager to lead the onsite catering operation, ensuring outstanding food quality, service and financial performance. You will inspire and develop the team, build strong client relationships, and drive continuous improvement across breakfast, lunch, vending, hospitality and coffee shop services.

This hands-on role requires flexibility, strong commercial awareness and a proactive approach to deliver an exceptional dining experience for every

Qualifications

• Proven catering management experience in a similar role.
• Experience leading and developing a catering team.
• Strong client relationship management and communication skills.
• Good commercial awareness with ability to manage budgets and food costs.
• Knowledge of food safety and health & safety legislation.
• Hands-on, proactive and flexible approach.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a catering team to deliver exceptional service.
• Oversee day-to-day catering operations across the site.
• Drive food quality, presentation and customer satisfaction.
• Prepare high-quality food in line with client requirements.
• Build strong relationships with clients and stakeholders.
• Manage labour, budgets and costs to meet financial targets.
• Ensure compliance with food safety and health & safety policies.
• Support recruitment, training and development of team members.
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness and operational excellence.

Skills

Catering management

People management

Budgeting

Food safety

Client relationship management

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 join14forty 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!