Catering Manager

Compass Group; Leeds; On-site; GBP 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading catering business in Leeds is seeking a hands-on Catering Manager to oversee operations and ensure high food quality. The role involves managing budgets, leading team development, and building client relationships. The ideal candidate has a strong culinary background, previous leadership experience, and excellent communication skills. Join a dynamic team that values diversity and professional growth in an environment that celebrates individual strengths and abilities.

Benefits

Opportunities for progression

Support for skills development

Autonomy in operations

Qualifications

• Proven culinary background with significant kitchen leadership experience.
• Experience as a Catering Manager or similar role in contract catering or hospitality.
• Willingness to work hands-on in the kitchen when necessary.
• Strong people management and leadership skills.
• Solid commercial awareness for budgeting and KPI management.
• Excellent communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the full catering operation ensuring food quality and service excellence.
• Lead and motivate the team to create a positive working environment.
• Support food preparation and service when needed.
• Manage budgets, food costs, labour, and margins effectively.
• Build client relationships and respond to feedback proactively.
• Ensure compliance with food safety and company policies.
• Drive menu and service delivery improvements.

Skills

Culinary background

Leadership skills

Commercial awareness

Client-focused mindset

Job description

Salary: £35,000 per annum

We’re seeking a hands‑on Catering Manager with a strong culinary foundation to lead a dynamic contract catering operation. This role is ideal for someone who understands food from the ground up, leads confidently from the front, and is happy to roll up their sleeves and support the kitchen when service demands it.

You’ll take full ownership of the catering contract, balancing people leadership, food quality, and commercial performance. Acting as the main point of contact for the client, you’ll ensure a seamless service while maintaining high standards across both front and back of house.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the full catering operation, ensuring consistent food quality and service excellence.
• Lead, develop, and motivate your team, creating a positive and professional working environment.
• Step into the kitchen when required, supporting food preparation, service, and team cover.
• Manage budgets, food costs, labour, and margins to meet financial targets.
• Build strong client relationships, responding proactively to feedback and evolving requirements.
• Ensure full compliance with food safety, health & safety, and company policies.
• Drive continuous improvement across menus, service delivery, and operational efficiency.

Essential Requirements

• A proven culinary background (e.g. trained chef or significant kitchen leadership experience).
• Previous experience as a Catering Manager, Chef Manager, or similar role within contract catering or hospitality.
• Willingness and ability to work hands‑on in the kitchen when required to support service delivery.
• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Solid commercial awareness, including cost control, budgeting, and KPI management.
• Excellent communication skills and a client-focused mindset.

Why Join Us?

You’ll be part of a forward-thinking contract catering business that values food quality, teamwork, and professional development. We offer genuine opportunities to progress, support to grow your skills, and the autonomy to run your operation with pride and accountability.

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!