Catering Operations Manager (FTC)

Holt Recruitment Group Limited; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is seeking an experienced Catering Operations Manager to oversee Christmas Market stalls in Cambridge on a fixed-term basis. The role includes recruiting and training staff, ensuring service quality, and managing operations. The ideal candidate has extensive experience in multi-site management and a strong focus on compliance and inventory. Apply now to join this exciting seasonal opportunity!

Qualifications

• Proven multi-site operations management in street food, events, or hospitality.
• Strong leadership with a track record of motivating seasonal teams.
• Highly organised; skilled in inventory, compliance, and rota management.
• Hands-on and solutions-focused; thrives in fast-paced environments.
• Solid understanding of EHO, SFBB, and food safety regulations.

Responsibilities

• Recruit, train, and onboard stall staff.
• Oversee install prep: stock takes, deliveries, and site setup.
• Daily unit oversight: staffing, service quality, and compliance.
• Coordinate stock orders and manage storage.
• Submit daily financial reports and monitor sales.

Skills

Multi-site operations management

Leadership

Inventory management

Compliance knowledge

Fast-paced adaptability

Job description

Overview

Role: Catering Operations Manager
Location: Cambridge
Contract: Fixed-term contract, Early November to Mid-January
Salary: £12,000 Fee

Holt Recruitment is working with a well-established events management company in Cambridge, who is looking for an experienced Catering Operations Manager to join the team on a fixed-term contract to oversee the operations of the Christmas Market stalls.

Responsibilities

• Pre-Opening
  • Recruit, train, and onboard stall staff.
  • Manage rotas using ‘Deputy’, aligned with sales forecasts and budgets.
  • Oversee install prep: stock takes, deliveries, and site setup.
• During Trading (Nov–Jan)
  • Daily unit oversight: staffing, uniforms, morale, service quality, and compliance (EHO, SFBB, H&S).
  • Coordinate stock orders and manage storage (3 x 20ft containers).
  • Submit daily financial reports via WhatsApp.
  • Monitor sales vs forecast; adjust operations as needed.
  • Approve rotas and process payroll via ‘Deputy’/ ‘NOQ’.
  • Resolve equipment issues and staff/payroll queries.
• Post-Trading (Jan)
  • Manage breakdown and equipment returns.
  • Finalise invoices, stock reconciliation, and reporting.

What you need as the Catering Operations Manager

• Proven multi-site operations management in street food, events, or hospitality.
• Strong leadership with a track record of motivating seasonal teams.
• Highly organised; skilled in inventory, compliance, and rota management.
• Hands-on and solutions-focused; thrives in fast-paced environments.
• Solid understanding of EHO, SFBB, and food safety regulations.

Next steps

If you believe this is the right role for you, click 'Apply' or call us, and one of our team members will be happy to discuss this Catering Operations Manager role in Cambridge.

Job ID Number: 87117
Division: Commercial Division
Job Role: Catering Operations Manager
Location: Cambridge