Catering Manager

Catering Manager Cambridge College

Salary:£40,000 £42,000 per annum
Hours:Full-time, 37.5 hours/week

Are you an experienced hospitality leader with a passion for food, events, and people management? Our client, who is one of the colleges in Cambridge, is seeking a dynamic and commercially mindedCatering Managerto lead and develop its catering, kitchen, and conference teams.

This is a unique opportunity to join the senior leadership team of a prestigious institution and shape the future of its hospitality and events offering in a values-driven, collaborative environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the day-to-day operations of thecatering, kitchen, and conference & eventsdepartments.
• Develop and implementhigh-quality, profitable food and beverage offerings, working closely with the Head Chef and Sales & Marketing team.
• Ensure excellent client experiences forinternal college events, external conferences, and high-profile functions.
• Oversee financial performance includingbudgeting, cost control, stock management, and profitability.
• Line manage, develop, and inspire a skilled team implementing training, conducting reviews, and fostering a positive workplace culture.
• Maintain high standards ofhealth & safety, food hygiene, and operational compliance.
• Act as a strategic leader, contributing to thecolleges business plan, representing the department at senior management meetings, and building long-term supplier relationships.

Essential Experience & Skills:

• At least3+ years managerial experiencein a fast-paced catering, hospitality, or events environment.
• Proven success infinancial and team management, with the ability to deliver quality while maintaining cost-efficiency.
• Strong understanding offood trends, service excellence, and guest experience.
• Confident insupervising teams, leading from the front, and handling operational challenges.
• Ability to work flexibly, including someevening and weekendcommitments.
• A respectful and understanding approach to working within afaith-based educational environment.

Preferred:

• A degree inHospitality or Business Management.
• Experience in thetertiary education, charity, or conference sectors.
• Familiarity with booking systems (e.g.Kinetics) and advanced Microsoft Office skills.

Whats On Offer:

• £40,000 £42,000 per annum(based on experience)
• 28 days holiday+ Bank Holidays
• Freelunch and parkingon working days (subject to availability)
• Access to theEmployee Assistance Programme&Life Insurance
• Excellent sick payafter probation
• A meaningful role in a close-knit, respectful, and historic college community