Catering Manager

Compass Group are looking for a Catering Manager to join our already established and thriving team on a permanent basis.

As our Catering Manager, you'll take full ownership of the catering operation across both sites, ensuring everything runs safely, efficiently and to the highest standard. From food production and menu delivery to people leadership and financial control, you'll be at the heart of a dynamic, multi‑site operation.

You'll also play a key role in supporting regional Support Squad / Customer Support Teams, responding to changing operational demands and ensuring we always have the right people, in the right place, at the right time.

• Leading the delivery of high‑quality food services across Trinity and Landguard
• Driving sales through centrally developed menus, promotions and hospitality growth
• Championing Health & Safety and Food Safety standards, ensuring compliance at all times
• Taking accountability for kitchen cleanliness, equipment safety and hazard reporting
• Managing labour, rotas and budgets to deliver strong financial performance
• Building, developing and motivating high‑performing teams through training and coaching
• Managing recruitment, succession planning and formal HR processes
• Overseeing stock control, ordering, invoicing and waste reduction
• Planning food production in line with FPP guidelines
• Supporting and mentoring apprentices and trainee chefs
• Maintaining excellent client relationships and acting as a trusted partner
• Supporting vending operations and ensuring full availability across site
• Approving hospitality and function menus in line with pricing structures
• Leading and deploying Support Squads/CSTs across Wattisham, Woodbridge and the PFL
• Remaining flexible to support other nearby units when required

You'll consistently role‑model The ESS Way and demonstrate Compass DNA behaviours at a managing level.

You're an enthusiastic, hands‑on leader with a genuine passion for food and service. You're organised, commercially aware and confident managing both people and operations across multiple locations.

Essential:

• Proven experience supervising or managing teams in a food service environment
• Strong communication skills with the ability to engage teams and clients
• Experience delivering against budgets and performance targets
• Minimum 2 years' experience as a Sous Chef or similar
• City & Guilds 706 (1,2,3), NVQ Level 3 or equivalent
• Intermediate Food Hygiene (Level 3)
• Strong IT skills
• A "can‑do" attitude with integrity, ownership and pride in your work

Desirable:

• Experience managing multiple catering outlets
• Menu development and innovation experience
• Advanced Food Hygiene

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
• Onsite free 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

About Us

Part of Compass Group UK&I, ESS is the Defence, Government, and Energy services sector of Compass Group UK & Ireland. We support 250+ UK military establishments, high profile police, secure environments and government sites, along with a range of onshore and offshore facilities including platforms, drilling rigs, floatels and offices for the energy sector. We know that a friendly face makes all the difference, so we look for people who are passionate about delivering excellent customer service, at all levels, to join our teams.

Job Reference: com/2304/41364001/52804605/SU #Defence

Compass Group UK&I is committed to fostering an environment where every individual can truly be themselves at work and has equal opportunities to advance in their careers. We strive to build a culture that respects and celebrates the unique talents, beliefs, backgrounds, and abilities of all our team members. We want our colleagues to feel valued, empowered to reach their full potential, and to thrive - because diversity is our strength!