Catering Manager

Catering Manager

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.

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

Our ideal Catering Manager will:

• Be passionate about great food and outstanding customer service
• Have at least two years’s 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,  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

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///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!