Catering Manager
Contract: Professional Services, Production & Technology
Location: Luton, LU1 3PG
Hours of work: 40
Contract Type: Permanent
We are seeking an exceptional Operations Manager to lead a dedicated Food and Hospitality team at a high-profile client site.
This is a hands-on, visible leadership role designed for someone who lives and breathes premium hospitality, where beautifully presented food and genuine guest connection are non-negotiable.
Job Description
We are looking for an operator who goes beyond contract management to shape how food and hospitality are delivered.
You will have full autonomy over the direction of the food operation on site, leading a flagship ISS location with new investment and confidently engaging with high-profile guests and stakeholders across a diverse offer that includes a Unity Coffee bar, staff restaurant, hospitality services and a BBQ area.
Key Responsibilities
- Support and inspire a team of Managers through visible, hands-on leadership, setting the pace by leading from the front
- Drive commercial performance through rigorous cost control and strategic sales growth while protecting brand standards
- Own the end-to-end guest journey, ensuring food quality, service speed and presentation consistently exceed expectations
- Embed robust operating standards across all areas of the site, using data, audits and guest feedback to raise performance
- Lead the food operation across the Unity Coffee bar, staff restaurant, hospitality offer and BBQ area
- Champion growth initiatives, supporting new site openings and brand extensions to ensure seamless mobilisation
- Take full ownership of food safety, hygiene, health and safety, and property standards across the site
- Build strong relationships with high-profile guests and stakeholders, acting as the senior operational representative on site
Professional and Personal Competencies/Qualifications
- Proven experience in premium, food-led hospitality environments such as fine dining, contract catering or hotels
- A strong track record of dealing confidently with senior stakeholders and high-profile guests
- An operator mindset, with the flexibility and resilience to thrive in a fast-paced, high-profile environment
- Exceptional attention to detail, from food presentation and service aesthetics through to P&L management
- A genuine passion for developing people and building engaged, high-performing teams
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to handle escalated guest feedback with professionalism and turn it into learning opportunities
The Company
ISS is a world-leading workplace and facility management company, connecting people and places to make the world work better. Working with customers day by day, side by side, we understand every aspect of the user experience.
Through a unique combination of intelligent solutions, high standards and people who care, to help our customers achieve their purpose, whether it’s hospitals healing patients, businesses producing the next great innovation, or airports bringing passengers home to their families. ISS is committed to doing business the right way, taking its corporate responsibility very seriously. Our passion is people.
We offer you a challenging and exciting career in an organisation with people at its heart. In ISS, everyone has the opportunity to develop, grow and make a difference. #Becomewhoyouwant, #Bepartofsomethingbigger,
#aplacetobeyou,
#facilitiesmanagement
ISS is proud to be a diverse and inclusive employer.
ISS welcomes all applicants regardless of age, disability, gender identity or gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race (which includes race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin and caste), religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation or educational background.
We are proud to be a Gold Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) award holder and a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant, recognising our commitment to supporting veterans, reservists, and military families. Through our Joint Forces Programme, we provide mentoring and support to members of the Armed Forces community and their spouses as they transition into civilian careers.
We are a Disability Confident Committed (Level 2) employer, proudly supporting and promoting inclusive hiring practices in line with the UK government’s Disability Confident scheme.
Our passion for inclusivity and diversity makes ISS a more creative, productive and happy place to work.
If you have any further queries regarding this role, please contact the Resourcing Team by emailing [email protected]
If you are interested in learning about other opportunities at ISS, please join our Talent community by clicking on the following link: TalentPlace
To find out more about what we do - https://www.uk.issworld.com/
Work Location: In person
