Hospitality Engagement Manager - Greenwich

Compass Group; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading catering service provider is seeking an engaging Hospitality Engagement Manager to increase meal uptake and strengthen relationships in schools. This role involves delivering food education programs, leading activities with pupils and parents, and supporting healthy eating initiatives. Ideal candidates will have a culinary background, strong communication skills, and a passion for working with children. Benefits include a contributory pension scheme and career growth opportunities.

Benefits

Contributory pension scheme

Career development programs

Healthcare benefits

Travel discounts

Grocery discounts

Cinema ticket discounts

Cash rewards

Wellness classes

Family discounts

Qualifications

• Passion for food, healthy eating, and customer service.
• Experience delivering food education or culinary activities.
• Confident engaging with pupils and parents.

Responsibilities

• Lead food engagement activities across schools.
• Drive meal uptake and education targets.
• Support social value initiatives and waste management.

Skills

Culinary background

Strong presentation skills

Good IT skills

Customer service

Experience with food education

Education

Culinary or nutrition qualification

Job description

We have an exciting opportunity for a passionate and engaging HospitalityEngagement Manager to join the Chartwells Operations team. This role plays a vital part in increasing meal uptake, strengthening relationships with pupils, parents and clients, and supporting food education through the delivery of our Beyond the Chartwells Kitchen (BTCK) programme.

Working closely with operational teams, schools and stakeholders, you’ll bring food to life through engaging activities, workshops and events that inspire healthier choices and celebrate great school food.

This is a hands‑on, people‑focused role, ideal for someone with a culinary or nutrition background who enjoys working directly with pupils, families and school communities.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of parent, pupil and BTCK engagement activities across schools, including:
  • Parent taster sessions
  • School Food Council meetings
  • Thumbs Up, recipe trails and theme days
  • Restaurant evenings, picnic events and parent forums
• Work closely with Operations teams to drive meal uptake and food education targets
• Proactively identify and support sites with uptake growth opportunities
• Develop, implement and monitor engagement and uptake initiatives across the estate
• Support the delivery of theme days, hospitality and celebration events
• Track, analyse and act on uptake data to maintain consistently high participation
• Support social value initiatives and waste management activities
• Champion food culture, nutrition and healthy eating in a positive and engaging way

About you

You’ll be a confident communicator with a genuine passion for food, nutrition and working with children. Comfortable presenting to groups and engaging with a wide range of stakeholders, you’ll be creative, organised and motivated by making a real difference in school communities.

Essential experience & skills

• Culinary background required
• Culinary or nutrition qualification (City & Guilds 706 / 1 & 2, NVQ or AFN Registered)
• Passion for food, healthy eating and customer service
• Experience delivering food education, engagement or culinary‑based activities
• Strong presentation and communication skills
• Confident engaging with pupils, parents and clients
• Good IT skills and ability to manage projects and initiatives

Desirable

• Professional cookery or nutrition qualification
• Food Safety training
• Experience in a similar education or contract catering environment
• High standards, quality‑driven approach and a positive, ‘can‑do’ attitude

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, (url removed) 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

About Us

Part of Compass Group UK&I, 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. Chartwells is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all employees to share this commitment. Any offer of employment will be subject to successfully completing pre‑employment checks, including an enhanced DBS disclosure and a Children's Barred List check. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and we ask applicants to declare all previous convictions and cautions in order to assess their suitability to work with children.

Job Reference: com / 1912 / L94701 / (phone number removed) / SU #State Schools

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.