Job Description

Contract Manager 40 hours per week

PURPOSE OF THE JOB

HCL are leading contract caterers with a focus on school feeding. We have a commitment to deliver high-quality, nutritious, and engaging food experiences for children and staff across our primary schools, secondary schools, and commercial sites. We pride ourselves on our dynamic culture and our commitment to excellence

To manage the catering services within a geographical Area and in line with legislation and the Policies and Procedures of HCL and to deliver a quality service

according to contractual requirements and within financial targets.

The role offers a unique opportunity to impact the health and well-being of children while championing HCL's mission to make food a vital part of the educational experience.

MAIN AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

Customer Service Excellence

Develop and maintain positive customer relationships with the schools/contracts, responding to individual needs and work with the School/Business Representative to effectively promote and continually develop the service to become an integral part of the School/Business ethos. Attend Heads' meetings, Governor forums and School Councils to ensure that there is a positive and realistic view of the service and what it is trying to achieve, where required. Troubleshoot customer service issues as they arise, assisting staff in Units where necessary. Act as escalation point of contact for the management of contracts.

People Management & HR Issues

Organise and lead the catering teams for all catering Units within the designated geographical Area, ensuring that all Units are fully operational and consistently deliver the required standard. Respond to any absence problems by deploying the available mobile resources to plug gaps in provision. Responsible for supporting in recruitment and induction of Unit based staff, identify training and development needs within the Area, ensuring that statutory training is delivered to all staff in line with legislation and HCL's Policies and Procedures. Manage all aspects of performance and conduct appropriate AER and first line discipline, ensuring staff are motivated and developed to their full potential.

Kitchen Operations & Standards

Implement the operational management of the HCL Food Safety Policy and Safeguarding Policy to provide a safe and healthy environment for customers and staff in all schools/contracts. Set standards, monitor and audit compliance with HCL Policies and Procedures through the Quality Audit System; taking effective action where there is non-compliance. Maintain audit trail documentation. Work with Standards Team to ensure HCL standards are implemented and maintained.

Financial Management & KPI Monitoring

Responsible for managing and achieving all financial budgets associated with sites within their assigned Area, monitoring, food costs, labour costs, food waste and other items related to the service. Implement initiatives to increase uptake of the service (Primary) and increase turnover (Commercial). Prepare and deliver management information data reports as required.

Evaluation & Continuous Development

Seek feedback from clients, peers, and staff to improve service delivery continuously. Have and conduct termly performance evaluations based on service delivery, financial performance, and team management.

Own personal and service development by utilising e-learning, refresher courses, industry conferences and trade shows focussed on emerging trends in catering and customer service.

The duties and responsibilities listed above describe the post as it is at present. The post holder is expected to accept any reasonable alterations that may from time to time be necessary.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

You will have previous experience in catering, retail or hospitality multi-unit management as well as an excellent knowledge of current Food Safety legislation Self-motivated with excellent organisational skills and experience of prioritising workload, within demanding timescales, whilst remaining resilient under pressure work confidentially, accurately and independently with minimal referral to management Demonstrates effective IT skills, have good working knowledge of Microsoft software including Word, Excel and Outlook. Demonstrates excellent interpersonal skills, you will foster relationships with a variety of stakeholders and be able to communicate fluently with customers in accurate spoken and written English Excellent people management skills in building and supporting teams and clients Be flexible to accommodate daily priorities; enjoy solving problems You will have commercial experience as well as a good understanding of budget management and analysing data. Positive approach to the workplace and commitment to working flexibly to achieve service and team needs. This is a mobile role, you must have a driving licence and access to transport on a daily basis. Own personal development and seek opportunities to improve and continually learn

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

HCL is committed to openness and equality of opportunity in every activity, from the way we employ staff to the way we deliver services. It is a central responsibility of managers and employees of the company to ensure that every individual that we encounter is treated with dignity and respect.

HEALTH AND SAFETY

It will be the duty of every employee while at work to take reasonable care for the Health and Safety of themselves and of other persons who may be affected by their acts or omissions at work.

PRO-RATA SALARY

Salaries shown are full time equivalents. Any role with flexible, term time or part time arrangements will have the quoted salary paid on a pro-rata basis.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 41,581.00-44,884.00 per year

Benefits:

Company pension Employee discount Free parking Health & wellbeing programme On-site parking Store discount
Work Location: In person