Role Overview
This role sits within the Facilities Directorate and is directly responsible for keeping staff fed, refreshed and well cared for throughout the event. Oversee an external catering contractor delivering breakfast, lunch and dinner, and lead the Front of House team in the dining area and a dedicated Staff Comforts team. Report to the Director of Facilities and Deputy Director of Facilities (Operations).
Responsibilities
- Act as the primary liaison and contract manager for the external catering contractor, holding them to agreed service levels for breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Monitor daily catering operations to ensure meals are served promptly and to a high standard, resolving issues around food quality, portions, dietary requirements and service timings
- Oversee and verify daily meal transaction counts and contractor administrative records
- Recruit, lead and manage the Front of House team, ensuring staff are welcomed warmly on arrival to the dining area
- Coordinate queue management and direct Front of House volunteers to support the catering team, keeping waiting times to a minimum and the dining hall flowing smoothly
- Maintain high standards of cleanliness in the dining area throughout each service
- Design, resource and oversee the Staff Comforts area, recruiting and managing a small team of volunteers to run it
- Procure a varied food and drink offer for the Comforts area within a fixed budget, catering for a range of dietary requirements and food sensitivities
- Manage staff breaks and the Comforts area's opening and closing times
- Work closely with the Staff Training and Bar teams
- Attend planning meetings and respond to communications in a timely and professional manner, supporting the build, event and take-down, on-site full time for the duration of the event
Who we are looking for
Experienced individuals with a background in managing large-scale catering or hospitality operations, including contract management and holding suppliers to service level agreements. Confident leaders able to motivate and coordinate both contractors and volunteers, with excellent people skills and a genuine focus on staff welfare. Strong communicators able to liaise effectively between the contractor, volunteers and senior Jamboree leadership, who remain calm and solution-focused under pressure. Training in food safety and food sensitivity awareness will be provided.
