Catering Operations Manager

Arena Racing Company; West of England; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent racing organization is seeking a Catering Operations Manager for Bath Racecourse. This role involves managing catering for events, ensuring high standards for service, budgeting, and staff leadership. The ideal candidate will have strong leadership experience and a background in food production and handling, along with proficiency in IT tools. The position offers perks like annual venue passes and a growing holiday allowance, all in a dynamic work environment focused on diversity and inclusion.

Benefits

Annual passes to any of our 21 venues

Discounted food & ARC days out

Cycle to work scheme

Holiday allowance increasing up to 28 days

Company life assurance scheme

Discretionary annual bonus schemes

Support with study assistance

Qualifications

• Strong experience in food production and visual presentation.
• 2 years of experience in a similar chef/manager position.

Responsibilities

• Deliver budget for all catering department income and expenditure.
• Ensure accurate production of documentation for monthly accounts.
• Work with the sales team to maximise profit for all events.
• Supervise and assist direct reports in their relevant duties.
• Plan and communicate weekly rotas for team management.

Skills

Leadership skills

Proficient in IT (Word, Excel)

Food production and handling

Communication skills

Ability to meet deadlines

Advanced knowledge of food principles

Education

2 years in culinary education

Job description

We are looking for a passionate and knowledgeable Catering Operations Manager to join the team at Bath Racecourse.

What is ARC?

We embrace diversity.

We develop our people.

We care for our visitors.

We think about our impact.

We are proud of our sport.

Work Perks of being a Catering Operations Manager

• Annual passes to attend any of our 21 venues
• Discounted food & ARC days out
• Cycle to work scheme
• Holiday allowance increasing with length of service up to 28 days
• Company life assurance scheme
• Discretionary group annual bonus schemes to reward your hard work
• Support with study through our study assistance schemes
• And so much more…

Responsibilities

• Work closely with the Executive Director and other catering team members to collectively deliver the annual budget for all catering department income and expenditure.
• Deliver raceday spend per head, raceday labour costs and non-raceday labour costs in accordance with budgets.
• Ensure the accurate production of documentation for the monthly management accounts including monthly stock take, labour analysis, and analysis of outlet by outlet takings.
• Adhere to and maintain the cash handling and security procedures for events in accordance with Bath Racecourse and ARC policies and procedures.
• Work alongside the commercial team and Head Chef to propose innovative and creative product offerings, developing packages and sales strategies to achieve both raceday and non-raceday income targets.
• Work with the sales team to maximise as far as possible the profit for all raceday and non-raceday events.
• Work with the Head Chef and regional Staffing Manager to ensure the delivery of budgeted labour percentages for all raceday and non-raceday events. Agree forecasted variances in advance with the Financial Controller and Executive Director.
• Achieve wet COS budgets through management of pricing along with careful stock control, minimising wastage and preventing stock shrinkage.
• Deliver all raceday and non-raceday events to a high standard.
• Plan and communicate weekly rotas for the conference & events supervisor and Bar & Cellar Manager in accordance with event and operational requirements, including non‑catered events. Work with other teams as necessary to fulfil requirements and ensure appropriate duty management of events by licensed individuals.
• Instruct, supervise and assist your direct reports in their relevant duties.
• Work closely with the Regional HR Manager to ensure adherence to all ARC HR policies and procedures including reporting and management of sickness or absenteeism; planning and approval of annual leave/holiday, 1‑1s, objectives and annual appraisals.
• Undertake licensee responsibilities as required, including the duties of Designated Premises Supervisor. Ensure relevant legislation with regard to sale of alcohol is adhered to across the site.

About the role

The Catering Operations Manager will undertake responsibility for the professional, efficient, profitable and cost‑effective operation of catering and events at Bath Racecourse through instructing and managing the relevant teams to co‑ordinate and facilitate all events hosted at the Racecourse to the highest possible standards.

To at all times act as an ambassador for Bath Racecourse and ARC, leading by example as part of the racecourse management team and demonstrating appropriate and effective communication, able decision making and the efficient deployment of resources.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership skills and ability to motivate and manage all levels of staff.
• Proficient in IT in Word and Excel.
• Strong experience in food production, food handling, and visual presentation of the food.
• Good communication skills.
• 2 years of experience in a similar chef/manager position.
• Ability to meet deadlines and work under pressure.
• Advanced knowledge of food principles and practices.
• 2 years in culinary education.

We are on a thrilling journey. So, to join us at our next destination, be part of a winning team and to learn more about our company and this exciting opportunity apply today.

Equal Opportunity Employer

At ARC, we believe that a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace makes us a more relevant, more competitive, and more resilient company. We welcome people from all backgrounds, ethnicities, cultures, and experiences. We are an equal opportunities employer and do not discriminate on the grounds of gender, sexual orientation, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, gender reassignment, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, disability or age. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements.

If you have a disability that requires reasonable adjustments, please let us know; we will ensure that individuals with additional needs are provided reasonable adjustments to participate in the job application or interview process and to perform essential job functions.

We understand the value that diversity brings to our business and we are striving to create a working environment that is inclusive, psychologically and physically safe and ensures everyone can be heard and valued for their contributions. We are committed to making a consistent, top‑down effort to be role models on what diversity, inclusion and belonging means in society.