Group Manager - University of Kent

As Group Manager, you will hold full responsibility for the operational delivery and performance of multiple catering outlets across a busy university campus. You will lead safe, compliant, commercially focused and customer-centric operations, ensuring consistently high standards across all areas of the business. The role encompasses responsibility for financial performance, labour management, staffing, customer experience, food safety compliance, stock control, hospitality, vending and event operations. You will ensure seamless service delivery within a diverse, high-volume and fast-paced environment while driving operational excellence and continuous improvement. You will organise and supervise all catering operations in accordance with Compass Group UK & Ireland standards, contractual requirements and statutory regulations, ensuring the efficient and effective management of all resources, including people, stock and company assets. Key ResponsibilitiesOperational Leadership

• Lead and manage the day-to-day operation of multiple catering outlets across campus
• Ensure all services are delivered safely, efficiently and to agreed company and client standards
• Drive operational consistency, customer satisfaction and commercial performance
• Ensure all hospitality and event catering is delivered to the highest standard
• Support vending and retail operations to maximise service delivery and revenue opportunities
Client Relationship Management
• Build and maintain strong relationships with university stakeholders and clients
• Ensure all contractual obligations are fully understood and consistently delivered
• Communicate regularly with clients and respond proactively to operational feedback
• Implement action plans following client satisfaction surveys
• Act as a positive ambassador for Compass Group at all times
Financial & Commercial Management
• Manage all site costs effectively, including labour, food, consumables and operational expenditure
• Deliver labour schedules in line with budget and business requirements
• Minimise agency usage and overtime spend through effective workforce planning
• Monitor gross profit performance and ensure purchasing compliance targets are achieved
• Analyse sales trends and identify opportunities to improve revenue and profitability
• Ensure accurate completion of financial and operational reporting
Customer Experience & Retail Standards
• Ensure all retail and catering areas are fully stocked, presented and operating to high standards
• Deliver excellent customer service across all outlets and hospitality services
• Support and implement company promotions and marketing initiatives
• Ensure products are correctly priced and aligned with company and client requirements
• Act on customer feedback to continuously improve the consumer experience
Food Safety, Health & Safety & Compliance
• Ensure full compliance with all food safety, health & safety and statutory regulations
• Maintain accurate training records and ensure all team members complete required training
• Investigate and report incidents appropriately, implementing corrective actions where required
• Conduct regular compliance checks and audits across all operational areas
• Promote a strong health & safety culture across the business
People Management
• Lead, motivate and develop teams to deliver operational excellence
• Ensure all team members are trained, supported and understand their responsibilities
• Manage recruitment, onboarding, succession planning and performance management
• Conduct regular team briefings and encourage engagement through initiatives such as Your Voice
• Monitor labour turnover and absenteeism, implementing action plans where necessary
• Create a positive, inclusive and high-performing team culture
  
  Proven experience managing successful catering operations within a similar environment
• Experience leading and developing teams within a high-volume operation
• Strong financial and commercial acumen
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
• Good understanding of food safety and health & safety legislation
• IT literate with experience using operational and financial systems
• Minimum of 2 years' catering management experience
• NVQ Level 1 & 2 or City & Guilds 706/1 and 2
• Basic Food Hygiene Certificate
Desirable
• Experience within a university or education catering environment
• Strong knowledge of food production methods and operational procedures
• Experience managing hospitality and event catering
• Self-motivated with the ability to adapt within a changing environment
• Good culinary knowledge and chef skills
Key Behaviours
• Results driven with strong attention to detail
• Customer focused with a passion for service excellence
• Positive and proactive approach to leadership
• Strong organisational and problem-solving skills
• Ability to hold teams accountable while supporting development
• Collaborative team player with the ability to build strong working relationships
  
  As part of Compass you'll help to feed people, fuel progress and forge connections in around 6,000 venues. Join us to grow your career with the industry leader, and get competitive pay, great perks and unrivalled opportunities for learning and development, at one of the UK's biggest businesses.
  
  We ensure you're rewarded for all your hard work, which is why we offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes but is not limited to:
• Free meals
• Subsidised car parking
• Contributory pension scheme
• Grow your career with our Career Pathways and MyLearning programmes
• Quick access for you and your immediate family to a Digital GP, and wider healthcare benefits
• Exclusive travel discounts with TUI, Expedia, Booking.com and many more
• Save money on your food shop with discounts on Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrisons and many more
• Up to 44% off cinema tickets to enjoy your favourite blockbuster
• Receive cash rewards every time you spend and use them on a wide range of brands
• Un-wind with us with free wellness, mindfulness and exercise classes
• You can share all discounts and offers with your friends and families