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Head of Catering Operations

Please Note: The application deadline for this job has now passed.

Job Introduction

Exciting careers.

At Sodexo, we’re passionate about delivering exceptional service and creating meaningful experiences for our clients, customers, and employees. We are currently seeking a dedicated and dynamic Head of Catering Operations to join our team in Cambridge
CB2 0AA
and play a key role in driving excellence and innovation 

About the Role

  • Senior Management Role: Reporting to the Operations Manager, this role is part of a 5-strong senior management team, acting as a General Manager for a specific workstream, with core responsibilities in operations, finance, team leadership, and client relations.

  • Overseeing Catering Operations: The Head of Catering Ops is responsible for the smooth, daily operations of the Discovery Centre’s contemporary kitchen, restaurant, cafe, coffee bar, grab-and-go markets, and pop-up food counters.

  • Financial & Operational Success: The role requires meeting and exceeding qualitative and financial performance targets. Crafting business cases and engaging in financial discussions will ensure a commercially focused operation, driven by data.

  • Team Leadership & Development: You will lead and develop a team of approximately 30 employees, supported by the Executive Head Chef and Catering Operations Manager, fostering a positive, innovative, and inclusive working culture.

  • Client & Stakeholder Relationship Management: As an ambassador for Sodexo’s flagship site, you will build and nurture relationships with external visitors and internal stakeholders, serving as the primary point of contact for catering services with the client.

What We’re Looking For

  • Financial Analysis & Decision-Making: Demonstrates the ability to gather, utilize, and interpret financial information to drive commercial gains within a P&L contract, ensuring business success.

  • Strong Interpersonal Skills: Exhibits excellent interpersonal skills to communicate effectively and build long-term relationships with customers and clients at all levels, fostering collaboration and trust.

  • Exceptional Planning & Organizational Skills: Capable of managing multiple workloads and shifting priorities, consistently meeting deadlines while maintaining efficiency and high performance.

  • Proven Leadership & Workforce Development: Experienced in leading a large, diverse workforce, developing a new working culture within a corporate, hotel, or visitor attraction setting, while driving team success and engagement.

  • Operational Expertise & Customer Focus: At least 5 years of experience managing kitchen, hospitality, restaurant, and café operations. Adept at seamlessly operating both BOH (Back of House) and FOH (Front of House), with a strong focus on safety standards and exceptional customer service.

What We Offer

  • A competitive salary and benefits package.
  • Opportunities for professional growth and development.
  • A supportive and inclusive work environment.
  • The chance to make a difference

What we offer:

Working with Sodexo is more than a job; it’s a chance to be part of something greater. You’ll belong in a company and team that values you for you; you’ll act with purpose and have an impact through your everyday actions; and you’ll be able to thrive in your own way. In addition, we also offer a range of resources, rewards and benefits for our colleagues and their families:

  • Unlimited access to an online platform offering mental health and wellbeing support.
  • An Employee Assistance Programme to help with everyday issues or larger problems where you may need additional support, including legal and financial advice, support with work related issues or personal issues such as bereavement.
  • Access to a 24hr virtual GP Service
  • The Sodexo Discounts Scheme, offers great deals 24/7 (also open to friends and family).
  • Save for your future by becoming a member of the Mercer Aspire Pension Plan
  • Opportunities to enable colleagues to grow and succeed throughout their career at Sodexo, including a variety of learning and development tools.
  • Bike to Work Scheme to help colleagues to do their bit for the environment whilst keeping fit.

Ready to be part of something greater? Apply today and start your journey with Sodexo!

Friendly customers. Vibrant communities. Exciting careers.

Sodexo reserves the right to close this advert early if we are in receipt of a high number of applications

Package Description

 

Head of Catering Operations

  • Monday - Friday 
  • Full-time role 
  • Salary between 50k - 55k 
  • UK&I bonus scheme,
  • Opportunities for growth,
  • Supportive team, and strong workplace values.

 

About the Company

About Sodexo

At Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better every day for everyone to build a better life for all. As the global leader in services that improve the Quality of Life, we operate in 55 countries, serving over 100 million consumers each day through our unique combination of On-Site Food and FM Services, Benefits & Rewards Services and Personal & Home Services.

We are committed to being an inclusive employer. We are a forces friendly employer. We welcome and encourage applications from people with a diverse variety of experiences, backgrounds and identities. We encourage our employees to get involved with our Employee Networks such as Pride, Sodexo Parents & Carers, Sodexo Disability, Ability network, So Together, Generations and Origins.

We’re a Disability Confident Leader employer. We’re committed to changing attitudes towards disability, and making sure disabled people have the chance to fulfil their aspirations. We run a Disability Confident interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria for the job.

Click here to read more about what we do to promote an inclusive culture.

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