Catering Operations Manager

Compass Group PLC; City of Westminster; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading catering company is seeking a skilled manager to oversee day-to-day operations, ensuring high food quality and customer service. This role involves managing budgets, developing staff, and implementing innovative catering solutions, aiming for excellent client relationships. Competitive pay and great benefits are offered, including career growth programs and health benefits.

Benefits

Contributory pension scheme

Career Pathways and MyLearning programmes

Digital GP access

Exclusive travel discounts

Discounts on groceries

Cinema ticket discounts

Cash rewards on spending

Free wellness classes

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a commercial contract catering setting.
• Ability to manage teams and ensure high-quality food and beverage service.
• Experience with budget management and financial reporting.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day catering operations across multiple outlets.
• Manage budgets and achieve financial targets.
• Recruit, train, and develop catering staff.
• Align with sustainability initiatives.

Skills

Team management

Customer service

Budget management

Food safety compliance

Staff training and development

Job description

As part of Compass you'll help to feed people, fuel progress and forge connections in around 6,000 venues. Join us to grow your career with the industry leader, and get competitive pay, great perks and unrivalled opportunities for learning and development, at one of the UK's biggest businesses.

Core Responsibilities

• Oversee day‑to‑day catering operations across multiple outlets.
• Ensure consistent high standards in food quality, presentation, and customer service.
• Lead and manage catering teams including chefs, supervisors, and front‑of‑house staff.

Strategic Development

• Develop and enhance the catering offer to meet customer expectations and market trends.
• Implement sustainability initiatives and align with university values and strategies.
• Drive innovation in menus, service models, and customer engagement.

Financial & Business Management

• Manage budgets, control costs, and achieve financial targets (e.g., gross profit margins, wage‑to‑turnover ratios).
• Prepare business plans and monthly P&L reports.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, health & safety, and other relevant legislation.

Customer Experience

• Champion a customer‑centric culture.
• Use feedback and data to improve services.
• Support university events, VIP functions, and large‑scale hospitality.

Staff Development

• Recruit, train, and develop catering staff.
• Conduct performance reviews and implement training plans.
• Foster teamwork, motivation, and high performance.

Who you are

• To be responsible for the overall efficient and effective management of the contract to ensure great quality, consistent food and beverage services across all areas.
• To maintain positive client relationships ensuring.
• To ensure the smooth planning of the contract and resources to deliver a first‑class service to our clients and customers.
• To be responsible for the management, recruitment, development and training of team members.
• To ensure the contract is fully compliant with company policies and procedures.
• To deliver on the agreed financial budget and run commercially in line with net income and cost targets.
• Have experience in a commercial contract catering setting.

Benefits

• Contributory pension scheme
• Grow your career with our Career Pathways and MyLearning programmes
• Quick access for you and your immediate family to a Digital GP, and wider healthcare benefits
• Exclusive travel discounts with TUI, Expedia, Booking.com and many more
• Save money on your food shop with discounts on Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrisons and many more
• Up to 44% off cinema tickets to enjoy your favourite blockbuster
• Receive cash rewards every time you spend and use them on a wide range of brands
• Un‑wind with us with free wellness, mindfulness and exercise classes
• You can share all discounts and offers with your friends and families