As a Catering Manager, you’ll lead from the front – ensuring our kitchens and service counters run smoothly while delivering truly exceptional food experiences. Working Term Time Only - Monday to Friday.
This is more than just a kitchen role. You’ll inspire your team, drive standards, manage performance, and ensure every customer receives incredible food and service. In return, you’ll have the opportunity to progress your catering career with a company that invests in its people, celebrates individuality, and recognises those who go beyond the plate. More About the Role
Your key responsibilities will include:
Preparing delicious, high-quality food to the highest standards
Supervising culinary and catering teams to deliver impeccable food and service
Overseeing all in-unit catering operations, including stock control, cost management, and budget monitoring
Communicating regularly with your line manager to track KPIs and performance targets
Representing Compass Group UK & Ireland and maintaining a strong, positive brand image
Identifying opportunities to introduce new food or service concepts to drive sales
Acting as the link between customers and kitchen teams to consistently exceed expectations
Supporting, coaching and developing your team — leading by example every day
Implementing and reviewing Health & Safety procedures to ensure full compliance Who You Are
Our ideal Catering Manager will:
Be passionate about great food and outstanding customer service
Have at least two years’ catering experience
Have experience managing teams in a similar role
Hold NVQ Level 1 & 2 or City & Guilds 706/1 and 706/2 qualifications
Hold a Basic Food Hygiene certificate
Demonstrate strong financial and commercial awareness
Have excellent communication and organisational skills
Be ambitious, motivated and committed to continuous development
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:
Contributory pension scheme
Grow your career with our Career Pathways and My Learning 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
Please note: This role is contracted to 46 weeks per year
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/2002/72613001/52787473/R/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!
