Catering Manager

Catering and Hospitality Operations Manager

Contract:

Professional Services, Production & Technology.

Location:

Luton, LU1 3PG
. Hours of work: 40 (Monday - Friday). Contract Type:
Permanent.

We are seeking an exceptional Operations Manager to lead the food and hospitality operation at a high‑profile client site. This hands‑on position oversees a Unity coffee bar, staff restaurant, hospitality services, and an outdoor BBQ area.

The role requires a highly visible operator who is confident engaging with high‑profile guests and senior stakeholders.

• Oversee daily operations across the coffee bar, staff restaurant, hospitality services, and BBQ area.
• Manage and support the Supervisor and Head Chef, ensuring smooth coordination between front and back of house.
• Maintain consistent food quality, service standards, and presentation across all service points.
• Monitor financial performance including cost control, stock management, waste, and P&L accuracy.
• Handle guest interactions, including escalated queries or complaints, ensuring swift and professional resolution.
• Implement and maintain operating standards through audits, performance reviews, and guest feedback.
• Ensure full compliance with food safety, hygiene, health & safety, and site property standards.
• Coordinate and support project‑based work such as menu changes, refurbishments, or new service initiatives.
• Work closely with stakeholders at all levels to communicate operational updates and align on service expectations.

• Proven experience in premium, food‑led hospitality (contract catering, fine dining, boutique hotels, or similar).
• Experience managing senior stakeholders and high‑profile guests.
• Background in contract catering (preferred).
• Ability to work at pace, adapt quickly, and remain resilient in a high‑profile operational environment.
• Exceptional attention to detail across service, operations, and financial accuracy.
• Strong communication skills, able to manage sensitive situations and turn feedback into improvements.
• Confident team manager with experience coordinating both front and back of house operations.

ISS welcomes all applicants regardless of age, disability, gender identity or gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race (which includes race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin and caste), religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation or educational background.

We are proud to be a Gold Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) award holder and a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant, recognising our commitment to supporting veterans, reservists, and military families. Through our Joint Forces Programme, we provide mentoring and support to members of the Armed Forces community and their spouses as they transition into civilian careers.

We are a Disability Confident Committed (Level
2) employer, proudly supporting and promoting inclusive hiring practices in line with the UK government’s Disability Confident scheme.

Our passion for inclusivity and diversity makes ISS a more creative, productive and happy place to work.