Head of Catering

Oxford

University Grade 8, £48,235 p.a. to £52,539 p.a. for 37.5 hours per week (inclusive of Oxford University Weighting Allowance)

Permanent Contract

Closing date: Monday 4 August 2025 at 12:00

Main Duties and Responsibilities

The post holder will be responsible for the development and delivery of a strategy for the catering and hospitality operation at Green Templeton College. They will ensure that service delivery is achieved through a high-quality, efficient, value for money service for both internal and external customers and in a culturally sensitive manner that balances the college’s academic purpose and the need to maximise commercial income.

Main Tasks

• Set and deliver agreed service standards, showcasing innovative ideas and trends
• Manage the allocation of staff resources to get best value for the college
• Establish then implement individual and team development plans to equip them with the necessary knowledge, skills and attitudes to achieve the required standards.
• Prepare, agree and report on budgets for food and beverage, and lead the team to deliver on these
• Be instrumental in developing the bar and catering services across the college to meet the changing needs of students, staff and visitors.
• Ensure efficient and effective use of our software packages for bookings, sales management and order tracking.
• Work effectively with college stakeholders including departments, staff and students to ensure high levels of customer satisfaction within budget.
• Be responsible for the safe and efficient operation of the catering facilities in conjunction with Head Chef, Domestic Bursar and Estates Team
• Promote the work achieved within the teams internally and externally via communications and socials
• Embed sustainability into all decisions and operations, making informed choices to help drive the College’s sustainability agenda.

Person Specification

Essential

• An experienced catering manager with a track record of achievement
• A high level of financial understanding and budgeting
• High levels of organization, ability to prioritize effectively, manage competing deadlines and remain calm under pressure
• High levels of integrity, motivation, commitment and flexibility;
• Food Hygiene qualification with a strong practical understanding of food allergens
• Proven track record of leading, motivating and developing an effective team
• Strong IT skills and proficient in the use of Microsoft Office applications
• Efficient and accurate record keeping ability and experience of maintaining and improving policies, procedures and systems where necessary
• Proven ability to work to tight deadlines and cope with the unexpected, using initiative to make considered judgments
• Excellent attention to detail, and high levels of accuracy.
• Demonstrable good judgment with experience of working on confidential matters and an ability to exercise tact, diplomacy and discretion
• Experience of developing good working relationships with key suppliers and be pro-active when resolving issues

Desirable

• Willingness to work non-standard hours, including some weekends and evenings
• Advanced Excel
• Level 4 food hygiene
• Level 4 Health and Safety or IOSH
• Environmental experience
• A sound knowledge of wine
• Experience of running a bar operation
• A strong interest in food
• Personal License Holder
• Level 4 Food Hygiene Qualification
• Working knowledge of EPOS or similar industry standard software
• Working knowledge of social media platforms and mailing software

Green Templeton welcomes applications from people from all sections of the community and are particularly encouraging those from diverse groups, such as LGBTQ+ and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic candidates, who are currently under-represented in the college staff team.

Green Templeton recognises that the actions and choices of our community have a huge impact on the college’s environmental footprint, and are committed to embedding sustainable thinking throughout its operations.

For further details and an application pack please click "Apply on our website"