Still love hospitality, but had enough of the late nights, weekend-heavy rotas and constant firefighting?
This could be the reset you’re looking for.
At Manchester Students’ Union, we’re looking for a Catering Manager to lead the day-to-day operation of our student-focused catering offer, with a particular focus on Corridor Coffee and our Food Hall operations.
This is a hospitality management role with pace, people, standards and sales - but with a working pattern that gives you your life back. You’ll work 35 hours per week, usually Monday to Friday, with only occasional weekend days for key events such as Open Days or major Union activity.
The package is strong too: £32,042 - 35,237, 30 days’ annual leave, bank holidays, around two additional paid weeks off during our Christmas closure period, pension contributions matched up to 8%, a staff room with free snacks, discounts across our cafés and bars, development opportunities and access to benefits such as selected Manchester Academy gig tickets.
We’re looking for someone who knows how good hospitality should feel. Someone who can lead busy service, develop a team, keep standards high and create the kind of welcoming, energetic and fun environment that students want to come back to. You might be an experienced Assistant Manager, Café Manager, Food Hall Manager, Catering Manager or junior General Manager who enjoys the buzz of a busy operation and can spot the details that make it work.
As Catering Manager, you’ll be visible, active and close to the team. You’ll lead a small core team alongside a wider group of student staff, making sure service is organised, standards are consistent, products are available and students, staff and visitors get a great experience every time.
You’ll also take ownership for the rhythm and performance of the operation - staffing, stock, ordering, food safety, supplier relationships, training, promotions, waste, sales and service improvement. This is a hands-on management role, but not a step backwards. We need someone who can lead from the floor, think commercially and bring people with them.
Ready to leave the late-night and weekend grind behind? Step into a role with a fresh approach, better work-life balance, real commercial ownership and clear values and purpose. Apply now.
Please read the full role profile before applying, as well as our guide to recruitment.
Details
Salary: £32,042 - 35,237 per year
Contract: Permanent, Full-time
Hours: 35 hours per week
Eligibility: Open to applicants with relevant skills and experience who are eligible to work in the UK at the start of employment
Recruitment Timeline
Applications opened: 11th June
Applications close: 28th June 23:59
Interviews: 6th July
Role Commencing: 1st September 2026
We may close applications early if we receive a high volume of applications. We recommend that you apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. Once the vacancy has closed, we’re unable to accept late applications to ensure a fair process for all candidates.
Once you have submitted your application, you will not be able to make any further changes. Please ensure you are happy with your responses before submitting.
