Title:  Catering Manager

Job Description

Join Our Team as a Catering Manager at New College Durham!

Are you a dynamic leader with a passion for exceptional food, service excellence, and driving high‑performing teams? We’re looking for an experienced Catering Manager to oversee the day‑to‑day operations of our catering service at New College Durham, DH1 5ES. In this pivotal role, you’ll lead a diverse team, inspire innovation in our food offer, and build strong relationships with both our client and frontline colleagues. If you’re commercially minded, highly organised, and motivated by delivering outstanding customer experiences, this is a fantastic opportunity to make your mark within Aramark’s Education & Healthcare division.

What's in it for you:

• Competitive salary of up to £35,000
• 39 working weeks- term time only
• Permanent position Monday to Friday
• Generous annual leave that increases in line with service, with the opportunity to buy extra
• Life assurance and pension scheme
• Benefits app: access to 100s of discounts, online GP appointments, mental health support and our Employee Assistance Programme
• FOOD! Opportunities to attend in-house events and try the culinary genius of our teams (we are a food business after all!)

Job Responsibilities

• Lead the daily catering operations across all on‑campus locations, ensuring consistent delivery of high-quality food and service standards.
• Monitor performance against financial targets, investigating variances and implementing timely corrective actions.
• Develop, manage, and communicate the annual budget, aligning with senior management expectations and business objectives.
• Proactively address operational issues, resolving challenges that could impact service delivery, client satisfaction, or team performance.
• Drive continuous improvement in food quality, presentation, and service, ensuring alignment with client standards and Aramark brand expectations.
• Motivate, develop, and support the catering team, fostering a positive culture focused on service excellence, compliance, and professional growth.
• Build strong working relationships with the client and internal stakeholders, ensuring effective communication and a collaborative approach to service delivery.
• Ensure full compliance with food hygiene legislation, health & safety requirements, and company policies—including HACCP and audit standards.

Key Requirements:

• Proven experience in managing catering or hospitality operations within a high‑volume or complex environment.
• Enhanced DBS
• Strong leadership skills, with the ability to motivate, develop, and engage a diverse team.
• Excellent financial acumen, including experience managing P&L, budgets, and commercial performance.
• Exceptional customer service focus, with the ability to build positive relationships with clients and stakeholders.
• Sound knowledge of food safety and hygiene standards, including HACCP and relevant legislation.
• Outstanding organisational and communication skills, with the ability to balance multiple priorities and work independently.
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About Aramark

If you are applying for this role and you already work for Aramark, you must notify your line manager before submitting your application. 

At Aramark UK, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone is valued and empowered to thrive. As a proud Disability Confident employer, we actively encourage applications from individuals of all abilities and are dedicated to supporting employees with disabilities throughout their career journey. 

We ensure our recruitment process is accessible, and reasonable adjustments are available at every stage, from application to interview and employment. If you require any accommodations or have any questions, please reach out to our recruitment team – careers@aramark.co.uk 

Join us in fostering a workplace where everyone can achieve their full potential. 

All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.