Catering General Manager
Role Overview
The Catering General Manager is responsible for the overall leadership, strategic direction, and operational performance of catering services across multiple sites within a vibrant higher education environment. This role ensures that high-quality, efficient, and customer-focused food are consistently delivered in alignment with Master Chefs organisational values, health and safety standards, and financial objectives. Working closely with campus stakeholders, suppliers, and on-site teams, the Catering General Manager will drive excellence in service delivery, sustainability, and innovation across all dining and event operations. The role oversees a diverse portfolio of outlets including student dining, hospitality, and event services, ensuring each operates to the highest standards of quality, compliance, and profitability. Key priorities include effective team leadership, financial management, operational planning, and continuous improvement. The role demands strong commercial acumen, exceptional people management skills, and the ability to balance strategic oversight with hands-on operational involvement. The successful candidate will champion a positive food culture within the campus community, ensuring that all catering operations enhance the student, staff, and visitor experience while contributing to the broader goals of the organisation
Key Responsibilities
- Provide strategic direction and operational management for all catering outlets across multiple campus sites.
- Lead on service innovation, menu development, and sustainability initiatives to enhance the overall catering offer.
- Ensure consistent delivery of high standards of food quality, presentation, and customer service.
- Manage budgets, forecasts, and financial performance across all catering operations. Lead, motivate, and develop catering teams to foster a culture of accountability, engagement, and excellence.
- Oversee recruitment, training, and performance management to ensure a skilled and customerfocused workforce.
- Promote a safe, inclusive, and supportive working environment. Ensure full compliance with food safety, health and safety, and environmental standards.
- Build strong relationships with students, staff, and external partners to ensure catering services meet evolving needs.
- Act as the primary point of contact for catering-related feedback, ensuring timely and effective resolution of issues.
- Support college events, conferences, and hospitality functions with exceptional service delivery.
What We’re Looking For:
- Proven leadership experience within a multi-site catering or hospitality operation, ideally in a higher education or similar setting.
- Strong financial experience managing budgets and delivering profitability.
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills.
- Passion for delivering high-quality, customer-focused services.
- Knowledge of relevant legislation, food hygiene, and health & safety standards.
- Ability to inspire and develop diverse teams across multiple locations.
- Strategic thinker with a hands-on approach to operational excellence.
- Commitment to sustainability, innovation, and continuous improvement.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: €40,000.00-€45,000.00 per year
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Limerick, County Limerick: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Work Location: In person
