Contract Director - Bedford

Chartwells; Bedford; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking company dedicated to providing exceptional food services across numerous venues. This role involves managing a catering unit, ensuring high standards of food quality and health & safety, while fostering a positive team environment. You'll have the opportunity to lead a dedicated team, implement innovative service enhancements, and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders. With a commitment to inclusivity and career development, this position offers a chance to grow within one of the UK's largest businesses, enjoying competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package.

Benefits

Contributory pension scheme

Career development programmes

Digital GP access

Travel discounts

Food shopping discounts

Cinema ticket discounts

Cash rewards on spending

Wellness and exercise classes

Share discounts

Qualifications

• Experience in managing catering teams and ensuring high food quality.
• Strong communication skills and ability to motivate staff.

Responsibilities

• Manage the unit efficiently and oversee food preparation and service.
• Provide strategic guidance and promote the unit as a Compass Advocate.

Skills

Team Management

Food Quality Control

Health & Safety Procedures

Stakeholder Management

Budget Management

Job description

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

• Contributory pension scheme
• Career development through our Career Pathways and MyLearning programmes
• Quick access to a Digital GP and wider healthcare benefits for you and your immediate family
• Exclusive travel discounts with TUI, Expedia, Booking.com, and more
• Food shopping discounts at Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrisons, and others
• Up to 44% off cinema tickets
• Cash rewards on spending, redeemable across various brands
• Free wellness, mindfulness, and exercise classes
• Share discounts and offers with friends and family

To organise and supervise the unit according to Compass Group UK & Ireland standards, contract specifications, and statutory regulations. Responsible for managing the unit efficiently, providing quality service, overseeing food preparation, cooking, and service to standards. Ensure optimal use of resources including stock, staff, and assets.

Key responsibilities include:

• Providing strategic guidance and managing the team
• Communicating effectively, motivating, and setting operational responsibilities for management and catering staff
• Taking overall responsibility for food quality and health & safety procedures
• Promoting the unit and acting as a Compass Advocate
• Managing internal and external stakeholder relationships
• Ensuring client hospitality standards are met and seeking feedback
• Identifying opportunities for service enhancement and innovation
• Operating within budget, monitoring trends, and implementing corrective actions if needed
• Delivering customer requirements in line with expectations

About Us

As part of Compass, you'll help feed people, fuel progress, and forge connections across around 6,000 venues. Join us to advance your career with industry leaders, enjoy competitive pay, great perks, and unmatched learning and development opportunities within one of the UK's largest businesses.

Job Reference: com/0105/41031001/52541317/SU #Independent

Compass Group UK&I is dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone can be themselves and has equal opportunities for career progression. We celebrate diversity and aim to create a culture where all team members feel valued, empowered, and able to thrive—because diversity is our strength!