Catering Operations Manager - University of Kent

Compass Group UK & Ireland; Canterbury; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading catering company is seeking an Operations Manager in Canterbury, UK. Responsible for managing contracts, ensuring excellent food service, and developing teams. Ideal candidates will have a strong background in contract catering or hospitality, exceptional management skills, and a passion for customer service. Join our team for competitive pay and extensive career growth opportunities in a diverse workplace.

Benefits

Free meals

Subsidised car parking

Contributory pension scheme

Career development programs

Exclusive travel discounts

Grocery discounts

Cinema ticket discounts

Wellness and mindfulness classes

Qualifications

• Proven experience in leading and managing a high performing team.
• Extensive operational experience in a similar sized role.
• Exceptional stakeholder management skills required.

Responsibilities

• Manage the efficient and effective operation of the contract.
• Build and maintain positive client relationships.
• Plan resources for delivering a first-class food and beverage service.

Skills

Leadership skills

Communication skills

Financial management

Analytical problem solving

Stakeholder management

Job description

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Job Introduction

We ensure you're rewarded for all your hard work, which is why we offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes but is not limited to:

• Free meals
• Subsidised car parking
• 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

Operations Manager - University of Kent

Chartwells is the leading provider of catering and support services to the education sector. For over a quarter of a century Chartwells has been focusing on helping those in education to build strong bodies, sharp minds and lead long healthy lives. Every week, Chartwells serves millions of nutritious and delicious meals to pupils and students in primary and secondary schools, academies, independent schools, colleges and universities across the UK.

We believe in the power of food and drink to bring people together, whether in a restaurant or speciality café, to inspire them to do great things at work.

Our food is crafted onsite by passionate people using the best ingredients and we know that a balanced, plant focused, natural, fresh and sustainable menu will increase the productivity of our customers and keep them motivated and happy whilst at work.

We provide amazing food, create inviting spaces, and develop engaging environments that inspire, motivate and unite our customers.

To be responsible for the overall efficient and effective management of the contract to provide great quality Foodservice and Support Services as required. Responsible for the management, development and training of a large team. Ensure the contract is compliant and run commercially in line with net growth and retention targets.

More about the role:

Responsibilities

• To be responsible for the efficient and effective management of the contract
• Build and maintain a positive and effective client relationship ensuring we are true partners in their business
• To ensure the smooth planning of the contract and resources to deliver a first-class food and beverage service to our clients and customers

Who you are

As the Operations Manager, you will ideally have a successful background in Contract Catering/Hospitality/Retail, using your entrepreneurial skills to create a thriving and successful working environment. You possess excellent management and communication skills, have a good understanding of report writing and financial management, and be able to demonstrate your analytical approach to problem solving. You will have the ability to display a real passion for food and customer service and be financially and commercially astute.

• Proven experience in leading and managing a high performing team.
• Extensive operational experience in a similar sized role
• Exceptional stakeholder management skills. This contract is complex, devolved and requires exceptional client and customer relationship management skills.
• Track record of growing sales in both a competitive retail environment and through hospitality and events business
• Foodservice or similar background
• Excellent commercial acumen
• Ability to communicate effectively at all levels.

About Us

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.

Job Reference: com/1011/43156001/52774174/SU #Universities & Colleges

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!