Catering Manager

Job Description

About the Role

Henley Business School, located within the picturesque Green lands estate on the banks of the River Thames, is set in 30 acres of beautiful Chiltern Valley countryside just two miles from Henley-on-Thames. As part of Campus Commerce at the University of Reading, our Hotel and Conference Services team delivers exceptional hospitality in support of postgraduate education and executive development programs, while also hosting a wide range of hotel and private events.

We are currently seeking an experienced and motivated Catering Manager to join our senior leadership team. This is a fantastic opportunity to lead a dedicated catering team in providing outstanding food and beverage service across our conference, restaurant, bar, and hotel operations.

You will play a key role in enhancing service quality and delivering excellence in customer experience, while maintaining a focus on financial, social, and environmental sustainability.

Key Responsibilities:

Oversee all aspects of catering operations, from kitchen production to service delivery.

Manage and support a large team across various catering functions including restaurant, bar, and event services.

Communicate and implement strategic plans in line with organizational goals.

Ensure high levels of customer satisfaction and continuous improvement in service delivery.

Foster an inclusive, supportive team culture where every member feels valued and empowered.

Essential Requirements:

Proven expertise in managing complex catering operations.

Significant experience within a hotel and conference environment.

Strong leadership and strategic planning abilities.

Demonstrated success in improving customer service standards.

Commitment to equality, diversity, and creating a positive team environment.

Flexibility to work occasional weekends and varied hours, based on business needs.

Own transport is essential due to the rural location of the site.

What We Offer:

Competitive salary with permanent full-time contract (35 hours per week).

University contributory pension scheme.

26 days of annual leave plus university closures over Easter and Christmas.

Staff discounted gym membership.

A supportive, diverse working environment.

Ongoing training and development opportunities within the University of Reading.

Contact Information:

For further information or informal discussion, please contact:

Dereck St Clair, Head of Hotel and Conference Services

Martin Batt, Director of Campus Commerce

The University of Reading is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce. We actively support the Athena SWAN Charter for gender equality, the Race Equality Charter, and are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2). Applications for job-sharing, part-time, and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and considered based on operational requirements.