Catering Manager reference: 140625

Are you a Catering servicesprofessional ready to lead a dynamic food service operations team and create an exceptional dining experience?Sodexo is seeking a talentedCatering Managerto join us in London! You can find a position that fits your lifestyle and career goals, whether in a bustling city centre or serene countryside locations!You'll have the chance to showcase your management expertise, innovate ideas, and contribute to our commitment to excellence in food service! Serve incredible food (with extra perks on the side).Purpose of the Job:The Catering Operations Manager is responsible for leading the delivery of high-quality catering services, ensuring profitability, achieving sales targets, and maintaining exceptional standards of food and customer service. The role requires driving growth, client satisfaction, and innovation, while managing operational efficiency and compliance with statutory regulations and company policies. The position involves financial management, team leadership, and continuous service improvement.Main Responsibilities:Growth, Client, and Customer Satisfaction:Sales and Revenue Generation:Drive sales growth by increasing patronage and promoting company initiatives, theme days, and value-added services to clients and customers.Achieve a 5% sales increase by leveraging company promotions and continuously proposing cost-effective solutions that deliver best value to clients.Ensure all catering services meet client expectations and service standards, with a focus on enhancing customer satisfaction.Client and Customer Engagement:Develop and maintain strong working relationships with clients and internal teams to ensure ongoing satisfaction and business retention.Regularly monitor customer feedback and address any concerns in a timely manner, escalating issues as needed.Actively participate in company/client meetings and client reviews to maintain positive client relationships and align services with expectations.Operational Excellence and Rigorous Management of Results:Service Delivery:Ensure the timely and efficient provision of all meals and catering services according to specified schedules and quality standards (KPIs).Monitor the financial performance of catering services, ensuring cost control and compliance with budgeted figures.Manage P&L for the catering department, including revenue generation, cost control, and profitability.Ensure compliance with all food safety and hygiene standards, conducting regular audits and addressing issues promptly.Maintain strict adherence to company policies, statutory regulations, and client requirements, ensuring quality standards are met.Cost Control and Efficiency:Control all catering-related costs, including labor, expenses, and purchases, in line with agreed budgets.Implement cost control measures, such as waste reduction, inventory management, and optimized labor scheduling, to maintain profitability.Ensure that all catering services are costed correctly and comply with contract terms.Health & Safety Compliance:Conduct regular food safety, HSE audits, and safety briefings to ensure adherence to legal and company requirements.Ensure all equipment is maintained in safe working order and report any faults immediately for rectification.Team Leadership and People Management:Staff Development and Leadership:Recruit, induct, motivate, and manage employees following company HR policies and guidelines.Ensure team members receive adequate training and support, including regular performance reviews and coaching.Foster a team-oriented environment by promoting engagement, high performance, and adherence to the companys values.Manage labor productivity according to company policies and ensure the right number and caliber of personnel are allocated to tasks.People Management and Development:Lead by example, fostering an inclusive and motivating work culture.Oversee the professional development of the team through training, coaching, and continuous learning initiatives.Brand Promotion and Client Relationships:Brand Integrity:Promote Sodexo as a preferred employer, raising the company profile within local communities and fostering relationships with key stakeholders.Ensure adherence to brand standards, promoting corporate social responsibility initiatives, and delivering excellent service standards.Client Retention and Satisfaction:Maintain close communication with clients, ensuring services align with their needs and expectations.Seek and implement continuous improvements and innovative solutions to improve service delivery and client satisfaction.Planning and Organizing:Efficient Planning:Effectively plan and prioritize tasks for self and team to minimize reactivity, ensuring a balance between work and personal life.Maintain focus on key priorities and ensure all catering operations are planned and executed according to business needs.Accountabilities:Financial Management:Oversee the financial performance of the catering department, maintaining costs within pre-budgeted targets and providing monthly financial reports.Manage P&L, ensuring revenue generation and cost control meet or exceed targets.Identify opportunities for additional revenue through upselling, cost efficiencies, and operational improvements.Quality Assurance:Maintain the integrity of food preparation, ensuring it meets quality standards and special dietary requirements.Conduct daily service audits to ensure compliance with KPIs and SLAs, implementing corrective actions as necessary.Health & Safety Compliance:Ensure adherence to all health and safety regulations, including food safety, hygiene standards, and staff training.Leadership and Employee Engagement:Build a strong, motivated team committed to achieving service excellence, fostering a positive work environment.Person Specification:Essential Qualifications and Skills:Experience:Previous experience in a similar catering environment, with a strong understanding of P&L management, fixed subsidy, or commercial catering operations.Proven track record in managing teams, improving operational performance, and delivering financial results.Skills:Strong financial acumen, with the ability to manage budgets and P&L reports.Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with customers, clients, and team members at all levels.Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to work under pressure.Ability to make quick decisions and react to sudden operational changes.IOSH Managing Safely and Food Safety qualifications (or similar).Personal Attributes:Self-motivated with the ability to lead by example.Adaptable and flexible with a positive approach to challenges.Strong focus on quality, safety, and customer satisfaction.Competencies:Client Growth and Customer SatisfactionInnovation and ChangeRigorous Management of ResultsBrand NotorietyLeadership and People ManagementPlanning and OrganizingAnalysis and Decision MakingIndustry AcumenWorking Conditions:Full-time position with occasional weekend and after-hours work as needed.On-site presence required to oversee operations and engage with clients and staff.