Chartwells is part of the wider Compass Group family. We are based on site at Northumbria University, and work in partnership with our clients to deliver the best university experience with our hospitality and event catering, for all students and faculty. 

We love food, love great events and are passionate about delivering the best. 

About the Role:

We are looking for a Contract Director to join our team here at Chartwells, Northumbria University on 12 months fixed term maternity cover. This is a position where you will oversee all our services across the University, including cafes, restaurants, supermarket, hospitality and events and our own onsite food delivery operation, delivered through the Uni Food Hub App. You will plan, measure, be creative and compliant with a vision to be looking for the next best and big thing to bring to the contract to ensure our client and customers experience the very best and most current food offers, technology and service available. You'll lead and inspire a team of over 90 colleagues, overseeing a culture of training, development and individual care of all our team. All of this whilst ensuring our financial performance is in line with and exceeds budget.

Overview of Duties:

• Lead and inspire a high performing management team and champion our approach to being an outstanding place to work
• Drive a culture of training and development within all outlets and a focus on outstanding service from all colleagues
• Work closely with the university events team to support growth in our hospitality and events business and a first class catering offer
• To be responsible for the overall efficient and effective management of the contract
• Build and maintain a positive and effective client relationship ensuring we are true partners in their business
• To ensure the smooth planning of the contract and resources to deliver a first-class food and beverage service to our clients and customers
• Work with the marketing team to implement creative and impactful marketing and event campaigns to deliver a first-class student experience 
• Ensure all products are correctly priced in line with the 'Kit Bag' or in line with client specifications
• Action plans are completed following consumers satisfaction surveys
• To ensure the contract is fully compliant with company policies and procedures
• To deliver on the agreed financial budget and run commercially in line with net income and cost targets
• Be innovative and proactive bringing new ideas forward to the client and Chartwells
• Champion and monitor all Health and Safety, Food Hygiene, Environmental and HR procedures

Person Specification

• Excellent industry knowledge and experience of working with food in both retail and hospitality
• Demonstrable experience of managing complex, multi-outlet sites or area operations
• Knowledge of the education and contract catering sector
• Strong stakeholder management skills
• Strong commercial acumen
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral
• People Management 
• Results Orientation
• Exceptional leadership skills

Essential 

• Passion for great events and great food
• Demonstrable experience of managing complex, multi-outlet sites or area operations
• Knowledge of the education and/or contract catering sector
• Exceptional stakeholder relationship skills
• Experience and evidence of leading and managing teams to deliver results
• Track record of achieving targets 
• High quality food service experience including extensive hospitality and events
• Strong commercial acumen
• Ability to communicate effectively 
• IT & computer literate

Some benefits:

We ensure you're rewarded for all your hard work, which is why we offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes but is not limited to:

• Free meals
• Free on-site gym
• Free onsite swimming pool access
• Hybrid working
• Contributory pension scheme
• Grow your career with our Career Pathways and MyLearning programmes
• Quick access for you and your immediate family to a Digital GP, and wider healthcare benefits
• Exclusive travel discounts with TUI, Expedia, Booking.com and many more
• Save money on your food shop with discounts on Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrisons and many more
• Up to 44% off cinema tickets to enjoy your favourite blockbuster
• Receive cash rewards every time you spend and use them on a wide range of brands
• Un-wind with us with free wellness, mindfulness and exercise classes
• You can share all discounts and offers with your friends and families

About Us

As part of Compass, you'll help to feed people, fuel progress and forge connections in around 6,000 venues. Join us to grow your career with the industry leader, and get competitive pay, great perks and unrivalled opportunities for learning and development, at one of the UK's biggest businesses.

Job Reference: com/0110/91078001/52765649/SU #Universities & Colleges

Compass Group UK&I is committed to fostering an environment where every individual can truly be themselves at work and has equal opportunities to advance in their careers. We strive to build a culture that respects and celebrates the unique talents, beliefs, backgrounds, and abilities of all our team members. We want our colleagues to feel valued, empowered to reach their full potential, and to thrive - because diversity is our strength!