Head of Catering, Retail & Hospitality

About The Team

Commercial Services plays a vital role in enhancing the Manchester Met experience, delivering a diverse range of catering, retail and hospitality services across our vibrant city-centre campus. From food and beverage outlets and events catering to hospitality services for conferences, corporate clients and University functions, the team provides high-quality services that support students, colleagues and visitors every day. With a strong focus on customer experience, innovation and commercial performance, the team is continually evolving to meet changing customer expectations, maximise revenue opportunities and contribute to the University's wider strategic ambitions.

This is an exciting time to join Commercial Services as we continue to develop and enhance our offer, creating welcoming spaces, sustainable services and memorable experiences for our University community and guests.

About The Role

We are seeking an exceptional and commercially focused leader to join Manchester Met as our Head of Catering, Retail & Hospitality Services. This is a unique opportunity to lead and shape a significant multi-site operation, overseeing a diverse portfolio of catering, retail and hospitality services that are integral to campus life and the University's reputation.

Working closely with the Assistant Director of Commercial Services, you will provide strategic leadership and operational direction, ensuring services are innovative, customer-focused and financially successful.

Key Responsibilities Include

• Leading the strategic development and day-to-day operation of catering, retail and hospitality services across the University
• Driving commercial growth, profitability and service innovation while identifying new income-generating opportunities
• Creating exceptional customer experiences that enhance student satisfaction, staff engagement and visitor perception
• Providing inspirational leadership to a large and diverse team, building capability, performance and a culture of continuous improvement
• Developing and implementing business plans, budgets and operational strategies that support University objectives
• Using insight, market intelligence and performance data to inform decision-making and service enhancement
• Ensuring compliance with all relevant legislative, financial, health and safety and food safety requirements
• Building strong internal and external partnerships, representing the University with customers, suppliers and key stakeholders

About You

You will be an accomplished leader with significant experience managing large-scale catering, retail, hospitality or commercial operations within a complex customer-focused environment.

You Will Bring

• A track record of delivering strong commercial performance and sustainable business growth
• Proven experience leading sizeable operational teams and developing high-performing, customer-focused cultures
• Strong financial acumen, including budget management, forecasting and performance analysis
• Experience developing and implementing service strategies that improve customer experience and operational effectiveness
• Excellent stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence and build relationships at all levels
• A proactive and innovative approach, with the ability to identify opportunities and drive positive change
• A passion for delivering services that make a meaningful difference to customers and communities

Further Information

Manchester Metropolitan University fosters an inclusive culture of belonging that promotes equity and celebrates diversity. We value a diverse workforce for the innovation and diversity of thought it brings and welcome applications from all local and international communities, including Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, disabled people, and LGBTQ+ individuals.

We support a range of flexible working arrangements, including hybrid and tailored schedules, which can be discussed with your line manager. If you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process or in your role, please let us know so we can provide appropriate support.

Our commitment to inclusivity includes mentoring programmes, accessibility resources, and professional development opportunities to empower and support underrepresented groups.

Manchester Met is a Disability Confident Leader and, under this scheme, aims to offer an interview to disabled people who apply for the role and meet the essential criteria as listed in the attached Job Description for that vacancy.

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