Head of Catering & Events

Head of Catering & Events

Job Purpose

The Head of Catering & Events is responsible for leading the Catering & Events function which is part of the Commercial Services directorate within University Services.

The post holder will be required to lead the development and delivery of strategy, policy, and operational plans, whilst maximising commercial opportunities, against the backdrop of the Commercial Services directorate's and University's strategic aims.

The role is responsible for providing strategic leadership, management, and direction of the Catering & Events function, and to lead a team responsible for the provision of a professional and effective service which is focussed on the customer and offering value-for-quality.

The Head of Catering & Events is responsible for UoG Commercial Limited (UoGC), the University's wholly owned subsidiary, and exerting impact and influence over the way in which the company discharges its responsibility to deliver on behalf of the University.

There will be a requirement for the post holder to contribute significantly as a senior leader within the Commercial Services directorate and to support the Executive Director to develop and deliver wider policy, operational plans, and the development and maintenance of the directorate's culture.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Provide overall strategic leadership of the Catering & Events function with ultimate responsibility for achieving all income, expenditure and contribution targets to deliver a budgeted surplus for the University, addressing any projected shortfalls through increased, revised or promotional sales activity. This will require a rolling five-year business plan framework and financial forecast based on robust analysis of business needs and objectives within budgetary constraints.

Lead the day-to-day management of the Catering & Events function including operation of the various food service outlets across campus, the hospitality and function business and all conferencing and eventing. Leadership responsibility for the delivery of catering services through the UoGC subsidiary and the remaining small team employed directly by the University.

Lead, motivate and develop staff within Catering & Events, ensuring high performing cohesive and collaborative working and that staff behaviours and attitudes reflect University values. Promote a continuous improvement approach to professional standards and foster high levels of customer service and staff engagement through a clear vision which engenders a culture of ownership and accountability.

Continue to reshape and evolve the provision of catering, hospitality, conferencing and event delivery within the University estate, both for the internal (staff and student) customer and for external markets. Includes leading the development of the catering proposition for the University campus development programme (new buildings and outlet openings).

Through delegated responsibility, manage the entire sales and delivery function (inc. CRM) within Events, including responsibility for developing the vision and strategic approach alongside a team of CRM specialists ensuring quality and accuracy of output, continuity of service levels and effective client database management.

Work with external providers to implement the Catering & Events vision so that it is understood and engaged in by other University Service providers and external suppliers.

Internally raising the profile of Catering & Events through attending staff events, conducting presentations, and actively seeking out promotional activities within the internal market. Externally representing Catering & Events at local and national business tourism events and proactively building strong productive relationships with key industry contacts.

Ensure that all operational policies and procedures are implemented and that good management practices are adopted to deliver compliance with all statutory obligations, particularly relating to the storage, preparation and serving of food and beverages. Guarantee all relevant training is completed and documented through appropriate, up to date records.

Implement and retain robust financial management systems and controls of all financial processes to proactively manage and monitor income and expenditure in accordance with University Financial Regulations to deliver value for money across the range of activities and suppliers.

Work in close partnership with University Services People & OD to ensure effective people management at all levels, good employee relations and compliance with University HR policy and procedures across all areas of activity. Identify training and development opportunities for direct line reports and the wider Catering & Events staff body in line with Commercial Services operational priorities.

Uphold the fundamental rules, behaviours, and standards applicable to procurement and supply chain activity. Work closely with the University's procurement specialists to develop appropriate tender documents for external suppliers, whilst ensuring that all Catering & Events terms and conditions and service level agreements are fit for purpose.

Act as the function's primary contact in relation to internal audit and procurement, ensuring there is compliance with all legislative, best practice and University corporate financial requirements and procedures. Ensure legal compliance in all areas of Catering & Events activity specifically all statutory requirements relating to financial, health and safety, GDPR, FOI, procurement and equality activity.

Provide occasional assistance with the supervision of functions which may require some evening and weekend working ad hoc.

Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills, and Experience

Knowledge/Qualifications

Essential:

A1 Ability to demonstrate the necessary strategic competencies required to undertake the duties associated with this level of post having acquired the necessary professional knowledge and leadership experience in a similar or number of different specialist roles.

OR

A2 Scottish Credit and Qualification Frameworks level 9.10 or 11 (Ordinary/honours Degree, Post Graduate Qualification) or equivalent, including professionally qualified in relevant discipline with a broad range of professional leadership experience within the Catering and Events Industry.

A3 Extensive knowledge of the management and leadership of a wide range of food service provision i.e., from fine dining and ‘grab and go'.

A4 Strong evidence of continuing professional development relevant to role.

A5 Strong and detailed knowledge of the service sector and ability to demonstrate an understanding of the local and national marketplace.

A6 Strong knowledge of budgetary management.

A7 Strong IT skills, ideally with excellent knowledge of MS Office and using shared drives (One Drive).

Skills

Essential:

C1 Strong leadership and management skills with demonstrable ability to develop high performing teams and embed positive culture of accountability and ownership

C2 Ability to constructively challenge the status quo and influence change based on sound professional judgement and expertise.

C3 Demonstrable skills in influencing strategic decision makers, communicating effectively and persuasively at all levels, both within and out with the University.

C4 Working independently with ability to resolve unforeseen issues and challenges

C5 Commercial acumen.

C6 Passionate about service excellence and able to evidence a strong track record of delivering outstanding service results.

C7 Ability to think strategically and develop ideas to implementation as well as leading an operational team on the ground.

C8 Excellent communication, writing and presentation skills.

C9 Excellent time management, administrative and organisational skills.

C10 A self-starter who is a strong team player but who can equally work well alone. The individual should also possess a clear ability to stay calm under pressure and manage a range of conflicting deadlines.

C11 Proven analytical and problem-solving skills with an ability to identify trends, generate original ideas, innovative solutions and make well-considered decisions through sound judgement.

C12 High standards of personal integrity and behaviour.

C13 Ability to drive forward and deliver change in line with strategic and operational objectives.

Experience

Essential:

E1 Significant senior leadership and management experience within a complex customer-facing environment with a proven track record in delivering successful outcomes.

E2 Demonstrable experience of working in and building partnerships with internal and external stakeholders in a highly consultative and collaborative environment.

E3 Recent experience as an industry professional in a similar or related role, within a complex organisation with high standards of customer service and quality.

E4 A strong track record showing an ability to lead, motivate, enthuse, inform, and develop people.

E5 Experience in planning, designing, and implementing a risk management framework including an understanding of business continuity and disaster planning.

E6 Experience of preparing financial forecasts, managing, and controlling budgets and understanding financial management.

E7 Experience of successfully developing, implementing, and achieving key measurable objectives.

E8 Experience of developing and sustaining a culture that meets the needs of and engages with customers, peers, and colleagues.

E9 Proven track record of performance management with experience in developing staff to ensure that there is a holistic approach to achieving personal and business objectives.

E10 Strong track record in delivering income generation and positive organisational outcomes including value for money enhancements/improvements.

E11 Experience of delivery of change and improvements in line with identified strategy objectives.

E12 Experience working with Trade Unions.

Desirable:

F1 Event management or function experience.

F1 Experience of working in the HE sector.

Terms and Conditions

Salary will be Grade 9, £54,949 - £61,823 per annum.

This post is full time and open ended.

As part of Team UofG you will be a member of a world changing, inclusive community, which values ambition, excellence, integrity and curiosity.

As a valued member of our team, you can expect:

1 A warm welcoming and engaging organisational culture, where your talents are developed and nurtured, and success is celebrated and shared.

2 An excellent employment package with generous terms and conditions including 41 days of leave for full time staff, pension - pensions handbook https: // www. gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/payandpensions/pensions/, benefits and discount packages.

3 A flexible approach to working.

4 A commitment to support your health and wellbeing, including a free 6-month UofG Sport membership for all new staff joining the University https: // www. gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/staff/healthwellbeing/.

We believe that we can only reach our full potential through the talents of all. Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our values. Applications are particularly welcome from across our communities and in particular people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented within the University. Read more on how the University promotes and embeds all aspects of equality and diversity within our community https: // www. gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/.

We endorse the principles of Athena Swan https: // www. gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/athenaswan/ and hold bronze, silver and gold awards across the University.

We are investing in our organisation, and we will invest in you too. Please visit our website https: // www. gla.ac.uk/explore/jobs/ for more information.

Vacancy Ref : 106528 Close Date : 16-Feb-2023 23:45