Catering & Hospitality Manager

About the role

Job reference: CIX-031735 Salary: Grade 5 - £33,002 to £36,636 per annum Faculty/Organisational Unit: Cultural Institutions Location: Jodrell Bank, Cheshire Employment type: Permanent Division/Team: JBCE Operations Hours Per Week: Full-time Closing date (DD/MM/YYYY): 02/07/2026 Contract Duration: Permanent starting as soon as possible School/Directorate: Jodrell Bank Centre for Engagement Are you ready to provide an 'out of this world' catering offering at the iconic Jodrell Bank Centre for Engagement? Jodrell Bank Centre for Engagement (JBCE) is a vibrant hub for scientific discovery, education, and inspiration. You'll be part of a passionate team dedicated to igniting curiosity and wonder, and you will play a starring role in that mission, directly fuelling an unforgettable experience. We are looking to appoint a hospitality professional to undertake operational leadership for catering operations for the First Light and Planet Cafés, together with Event and Conferencing hospitality, ensuring efficient administration, professional execution, and high-quality food and beverage presentation and delivery, all while adhering to health, safety and hygiene regulations. Candidates will empower their team to achieve the highest attainable standards in the provision of excellent hospitality, product/brand quality, and customer service. The role will be key in delivering excellent customer service, enhancing the visitor experience, and maximising sales across the centre's cafes and event operation. The successful post holder will implement strategic initiatives to boost operational effectiveness and achieve business revenue and profit goals, contributing to the overall success of JBCE. In this crucial role, you will: Curate a "must-visit" food & beverage experience: Elevate our café & event offering, ensuring the highest possible quality of service, together with a vibrant atmosphere that reflects the unique location of this role. Lead an inspired team: Motivate and empower your Assistant Manager, Café Supervisors, and Hospitality Service Assistants to deliver exceptional customer care and consistently uphold our ambitious standards. Drive operational excellence: Implement best practices, manage Health & Safety, oversee recruitment & staff development/training, and set up efficient stock & financial management systems. Partner for success: Collaborate with the Venue Hire Manager to ensure seamless event hospitality, and work with the Head of Marketing & Communications to effectively promote the catering and hospitality services at Jodrell Bank. Contribute to our strategic vision: Set and track key performance indicators, check costs, analyse budgets, and contribute to the annual business plans for Catering & Events. A natural positive attitude towards a busy/pressurised environment and the ability to work flexibly across the week to the requirements the business is essential to this role. Previous experience running catering and event operations within a cultural venue/institution is preferred but not essential. PLEASE NOTE - Jodrell Bank does not open on Mondays (except for School Holidays), and therefore working hours are generally between Tuesday and Sunday. What you will get in return: Fantastic market leading Pension scheme Excellent employee health and wellbeing services including an Employee Assistance Programme Exceptional starting annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays Additional paid closure over the Christmas period Local and national discounts at a range of major retailers To find out more about staff benefits, and working at the University, visit: Benefits of working here | The University of Manchester For enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews: Amanda Lowndes - Head of Cultural Enterprises Tel: 01477 571766 or Email: Amanda.Lowndes@manchester.ac.uk General Enquiries: People.Recruitment@manchester.ac.uk £33,002 to £36,636 per annum (Grade 5)

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