Catering Manager

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

Job summary

A leading catering company is seeking an experienced Catering Manager in Godalming, United Kingdom. This role involves overseeing catering operations and ensuring exceptional food and customer service. The ideal candidate has at least two years of experience in catering management, relevant qualifications, and a passion for great food. You will lead teams, manage inventories, and drive culinary excellence in a supportive environment that values diversity and individual growth. Competitive pay and opportunities for career development are offered.

Benefits

Competitive pay

Opportunities for learning and development

Qualifications

• Minimum of two years of catering experience.
• Experience managing teams in a similar role.

Responsibilities

• Prepare delicious food to the highest standards.
• Supervise culinary and catering teams for excellent service.
• Oversee catering operations, managing inventories and budgets.
• Communicate regularly with line manager on KPIs and targets.
• Ensure compliance with Health & Safety standards.
• Identify opportunities for new food or service concepts.

Skills

Passion for food and customer service

Communication skills

Organisational skills

Financial acumen

Leadership skills

Education

NVQ Level 1 & 2 or City & Guilds 706/1 and 2

Basic Food Hygiene certificate

Job description

We're recruiting an experienced Catering Manager who is passionate about exceptional food and world-class customer service, and who can confidently oversee all Compass Group UK&I catering and service operations for Chartwells on a full‑time basis, contracted to 40 hours per week.

As a Catering Manager, you will be responsible for ensuring our kitchens and service counters run smoothly and helping to deliver truly incredible food experiences. In return, you'll have the opportunity to progress your catering career with a company that invests in its people, celebrates individuality, and rewards and recognises employees who go beyond the plate.

Shift patterns will be 5 out of 7 days.

Key responsibilities include:

• Preparing delicious food to the highest standards
• Supervising our culinary and catering teams to ensure we continue to deliver impeccable food and customer service
• Overseeing the efficiency of all in‑unit catering operations, including managing inventories, monitoring budgets, and implementing action plans
• Communicating regularly with your line manager to monitor KPIs and targets
• Representing Compass Group UK&I and maintaining a positive brand image
• Identifying opportunities for new food or service concepts to drive sales
• Liaising between customers and our culinary and service teams to ensure we continue to exceed expectations
• Supporting and training our teams, leading from the front to make sure everyone can excel in their role
• Implementing and reviewing Health & Safety standards to ensure compliance across all catering and service teams

Ideal candidate profile:

• Passionate about great‑tasting food and exceptional customer service
• Minimum of two years of catering experience
• Experience managing teams in a similar role
• NVQ Level 1 & 2 or City & Guilds 706/1 and 2
• Basic Food Hygiene certificate
• Brilliant financial acumen
• Excellent communication and organisational skills
• Ambitious and motivated, always looking to upskill

Join Compass and help feed people, fuel progress and forge connections in around 6,000 venues. Grow your career with the industry leader, enjoy competitive pay, great perks, and unrivalled opportunities for learning and development at one of the UK's biggest businesses.

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!