Group Catering Manager - University of Kent, Broad Oak

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:

Qualifications, skills, and all relevant experience needed for this role can be found in the full description below.
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, 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

As Group Manager, you will hold full responsibility for the operational delivery and performance of multiple catering outlets across a busy university campus. You will lead safe, compliant, commercially focused and customer-centric operations, ensuring consistently high standards across all areas of the business.

The role encompasses responsibility for financial performance, labour management, staffing, customer experience, food safety compliance, stock control, hospitality, vending and event operations. You will ensure seamless service delivery within a diverse, high-volume and fast-paced environment while driving operational excellence and continuous improvement.

You will organise and supervise all catering operations in accordance with Compass Group UK & Ireland standards, contractual requirements and statutory regulations, ensuring the efficient and effective management of all resources, including people, stock and company assets.
Key ResponsibilitiesOperational Leadership Lead and manage the day-to-day operation of multiple catering outlets across campus
Ensure all services are delivered safely, efficiently and to agreed company and client standards
Drive operational consistency, customer satisfaction and commercial performance
Ensure all hospitality and event catering is delivered to the highest standard
Support vending and retail operations to maximise service delivery and revenue opportunities
Client Relationship Management Build and maintain strong relationships with university stakeholders and clients
Ensure all contractual obligations are fully understood and consistently delivered
Communicate regularly with clients and respond proactively to operational feedback
Implement action plans following client satisfaction surveys
Act as a positive ambassador for Compass Group at all times
Financial & Commercial Management Manage all site costs effectively, including labour, food, consumables and operational expenditure
Deliver labour schedules in line with budget and business requirements
Minimise agency usage and overtime spend through effective workforce planning
Monitor gross profit performance and ensure purchasing compliance targets are achieved
Analyse sales trends and identify opportunities to improve revenue and profitability
Ensure accurate completion of financial and operational reporting
Customer Experience & Retail Standards Ensure all retail and catering areas are fully stocked, presented and operating to high standards
Deliver excellent customer service across all outlets and hospitality services
Support and implement company promotions and marketing initiatives
Ensure products are correctly priced and aligned with company and client requirements
Act on customer feedback to continuously improve the consumer experience
Food Safety, Health & Safety & Compliance Ensure full compliance with all food safety, health & safety and statutory regulations
Maintain accurate training records and ensure all team members complete required training
Investigate and report incidents appropriately, implementing corrective actions where required
Conduct regular compliance checks and audits across all operational areas
Promote a strong health & safety culture across the business
People Management Lead, motivate and develop teams to deliver operational excellence
Ensure all team members are trained, supported and understand their responsibilities
Manage recruitment, onboarding, succession planning and performance management
Conduct regular team briefings and encourage engagement through initiatives such as Your Voice
Monitor labour turnover and absenteeism, implementing action plans where necessary
Create a positive, inclusive and high-performing team culture
Skills & ExperienceEssential Proven experience managing successful catering operations within a similar environment
Experience leading and developing teams within a high-volume operation
Strong financial and commercial acumen
Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
Good understanding of food safety and health & safety legislation
IT literate with experience using operational and financial systems
Minimum of 2 years' catering management experience
NVQ Level 1 & 2 or City & Guilds 706/1 and 2
Basic Food Hygiene Certificate
Desirable Experience within a university or education catering environment
Strong knowledge of food production methods and operational procedures
Experience managing hospitality and event catering
Self-motivated with the ability to adapt within a changing environment
Good culinary knowledge and chef skills
Key Behaviours Results driven with strong attention to detail
Customer focused with a passion for service excellence
Positive and proactive approach to leadership
Strong organisational and problem-solving skills
Ability to hold teams accountable while supporting development
Collaborative team player with the ability to build strong working relationships

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/2805/43156001/52810591/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. xwzovoh We want our colleagues to feel valued, empowered to reach their full potential, and to thrive - because diversity is our strength!