Catering Development Manager Recruitment Pack December 2017
Dear Prospective Candidate Re: Catering Development Manager Thank you for your interest in the position of Catering Development Manager at Kent Union. We are a successful, vibrant and exciting organisation with a bright future ahead. We have achieved a great deal in the last few years, more than doubling in size to our current £11 million turnover, 500 employees and 2,000+ volunteers. We achieved Investor in People Gold status in December 2014, and we were the first students’ union in the UK to achieve Investing in Volunteers status and we have been included in the Sunday Times 100 Best Not-For-Profit Organisations to Work For, for 8 years, placed 24th for 2017. Kent Union operate a range of services for students at the Canterbury and Medway campuses and include: Student Advice; Student Activities; Volunteering; Representation and Democracy; Student Media; Employment Agency; Retail shop; Bars; Cafe; Nightclub and a children’s nursery. The Catering Development Manager will be a key member of the Catering and Licensed Trade Department reporting directly to the Head of Catering and Licensed Trade. It is an exciting and transformational time to join the team as we continue to develop and grow our catering provision across the Canterbury and Medway campuses. In 2015, the Library Café was relocated and extended as part of the Templeman Library’s £18m extension. In January 2017 we opened our new Student Hub and Deep End Bar/Café at the Medway campus; a £5m investment to provide additional social/study/activity and entertainment space. We also recently launched our new street food offer Canvas and have many future developments which include a £3m Student Hub and £25m new Students’ Union building in Canterbury. The Catering Development Manager will support the development of our catering offer across Kent Union’s new and existing sites ensuring our offers are distinctive, authentic and offer great value for money. Student expectations for their life at University are higher than ever before and Kent Union increasingly need to innovate to compete with high street national chains and outlets on campus. Our food offer in particular needs to better reflect our membership and the changing demographic of Kent students. The post holder will take a lead on developing the offer for our new Parkwood Building and £3m student hub located in the centre of the largest accommodation area on campus and due to open in the summer of 2018. This building will include a bar/café, central production unit, retail convenience shop as well as social/study and flexible activity space. The successful candidate will be a self-confessed ‘Foody’ who monitors food trends and likes to test new ideas and concepts. The post holder will ideally have a background in the catering industry and have experienced working within a kitchen/ restaurant. The post holder will also need to be able to interpret research and develop products and concepts that add value to the catering experience on campus, as well as growing Kent Union’s income. The role is varied and requires the candidate to balance commercial acumen with our charitable purpose and mission. Our charitable purpose is to stand up for students at Kent, to help them have the best time at Kent and to prepare them for life after Kent. This pack should provide everything you need to support your application. It contains: Job description and person specification Copy of full advert Summary conditions of appointment
Summary governance and management arrangements Application and selection process and timetable
For an informal conversation about this opportunity or details on how to apply, please contact Robert Buckingham-Pegg, Head of Catering and Licensed Trade on 01227 823252 or
[email protected] Yours faithfully, Robert Buckingham-Pegg Head of Catering and Licensed Trade
Job Description – Catering Development Manager Department: Catering and Licensed Trade Reports to: Head of Catering and Licensed Trade Role Purpose: The Catering Development Manager will support the Head of Catering and Licensed Trade in the continual review, creation and implementation of new catering products and services. In particular the role will focus on: Development of the food offer at the New Parkwood Student Hub and Woodys Sports Bar Development of new catering concepts and outlets across Kent Union Review and development of the existing catering offer across Kent Union outlets Support the planning, organisation and management of commercial catering events. The post holder will support the Head of Catering and Licensed Trade to achieve objectives within the current Catering Strategy. Duties and Responsibilities Catering Development 1. Support the Head of Licensed Trade in the successful delivery of strategic projects. 2. To inspire the catering teams to continually review and develop product ranges and be seen as the lead innovator within the department. 3. To understand food trends and translate them to the student market ensuring our catering is distinctive, authentic and offers great value for money. 4. To ensure objectives within the Kent Union Catering Strategy are monitored, reviewed and achieved. 5. To review recently developed projects and concepts and advise on changes and improvements where necessary. 6. To ensure all catering developments and ways of working are compliant with legislation and Kent Union’s policies. 7. To lead the review and development of menus across the department based on sound analysis and research, ensuring our offer is distinctive and offers something unique on campus. Financial Responsibilities: 1. Support the improvement in margins across the Catering and Licensed Trade department through effective product sourcing and supplier negotiations. 2. To pro-actively network with product representatives and NUS Services to ensure mutually beneficial relationships exist with suppliers and oversee all catering contracts. 3. To ensure best practice project management techniques are effectively used to manage small and large scale projects. 4. To ensure all budgets are managed effectively, ensuring full adherence to Kent Union’s financial reporting procedures. 5. To coach direct reports and staff in financial management and to ensure financial systems are adhered to at all times, enabling the Catering and Licensed Trade Department to maximise its profit and contribution for Kent Union.
Responsibility for People 1. To effectively communicate individual, team and organisational goals to all team members. 2. To give regular and constructive feedback and ask for feedback from the team on how you are leading, managing and developing staff and act on it to improve performance. 3. To undertake performance reviews of direct reports, in line with Kent Union policy. 4. To effectively coach and mentor people to help achieve potential and lead by example on continuous personal development. 5. To ensure that Kent Union’s procedures and legislation on the employment and ongoing management of Tier 4 Student Staff are adhered to at all times. Operational Duties 1. To develop and maintain strong stakeholder relationships with various University departments, senior staff and local authorities. 2. To ensure the Union’s Health, Safety and Wellbeing Policy and appropriate health and safety legislation is adhered to at all times and to provide leadership in health and safety management for staff and customers. 3. To lead in creating a culture of excellence in customer service, ensuring that customers’ expectations are exceeded wherever possible. 4. To attend training sessions and appropriate meetings as and when required by Kent Union. 5. To contribute to the positive image of Kent Union with students, the University and the local community. 6. To undertake other tasks and responsibilities compatible with the level and nature of the post as required by the Head of Catering and Licensed Trade. 7. To carry out the above duties at other sites as necessary. Expected Behaviours 1. To demonstrate understanding of the organisations democratic structures. 2. To ensure all systems to reduce Kent Unions’ impact on the environment are adhered to. 3. To act as an ambassador for Kent Union and show loyalty to the organisation, abiding by the Union’s Constitution, policies and procedures at all times. Summary of terms This is a full time, permanent post Hours of work are 35 hours per week with additional hours as necessary; although this is not expected to be excessive Normal place of work – Canterbury, with visits to Medway expected Working pattern – to suit the needs of the business This job description does not form part of the contract of employment
Person Specification Essential requirements should be demonstrated before appointment and maintained in post. Desirable elements should be developed and maintained once in post as needed Qualifications Essential Desirable Tested at Tested at Interview application Generalist management qualification of equivalent (E.G. X X Certificate or Diploma in Management Studies Food Safety Qualification X Health and safety management qualification (E.G. IOSH X X certificate in managing safely Experience Experience in translating research in to commercial opportunities Experience in menu development and food innovation Experience in growing and improving catering operations Experience in delivering hospitality events Experience of project planning and project management techniques Experience of developing budgets Knowledge
X
X
X
X X
X X X X
X X X X
Good knowledge of creating recipes and products and accurately costing ingredients Sound knowledge of cost control and maximising profit margins in order to contribute to the financial sustainability of the organisation A sound knowledge of food safety legislation A good knowledge of a Students’ Union and the role it plays in enhancing students’ time at University Skills and Abilities
X
X
X
X
X
X
X X
X
Self-motivated and able to work independently and use own initiative Ability to successfully deliver profitable projects within budgets and deadlines Sound judgement and the ability to handle competing priorities and a challenging workload in a pressurised environment Proficient user of IT, specifically MS Office and Excel Ability to operate effectively in a complex environment with political skills and acumen to develop productive relationships with a range of people Excellent communication skills with the ability to relate to and communicate effectively with people at all levels Values & Behaviours
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Is passionate about food and developing new ideas and concepts
X
X
X
X X X
X X
X
X X
X
Evidence of a personal commitment to continuing professional development A commitment to equality of opportunity; someone who builds a culture of inclusivity and removes barriers to diversity A team player, who helps build a successful team, celebrates others’ success and supports others to achieve individual and team goals A strong commitment to working in a democratic and membership organisation, with the ability to empower and build constructive relationships with elected officers
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Catering Development Manager Salary £28,332 35 hours per week Generous Pension Scheme 37 days annual leave We are a successful, vibrant and exciting organisation with a bright future ahead. We have achieved a great deal in the last few years, more than doubling in size to our current £11 million turnover, 500 employees and 2,000+ volunteers. We achieved Investor in People Gold status in December 2014, and we were the first students’ union in the UK to achieve Investing in Volunteers status and we have been included in the Sunday Times 100 Best Not-For-Profit Organisations to Work For, for 8 years, placed 24th for 2017. Kent Union operate a range of services for students at the Canterbury and Medway campuses and include: Student Advice; Student Activities; Volunteering; Representation and Democracy; Student Media; Employment Agency; Retail shops; Bars; Cafe; Nightclub and a children’s nursery. The Catering Development Manager will be a key member of the Catering and Licensed Trade Department reporting directly to the Head of Catering and Licensed Trade. It is an exciting and transformational time to join the team as we continue to develop and grow our catering provision across the Canterbury and Medway campuses. In 2015, the Library Café was relocated and extended as part of the Templeman Library’s £18m extension. In January 2017 we opened our new Student Hub and Deep End Bar/Café at the Medway campus; a £5m investment to provide additional social/study/activity and entertainment space. We also recently launched our new street food offer Canvas and have many future developments which include a £3m Student Hub and £25m new Students’ Union building in Canterbury. The Catering Development Manager is a new role and will support the development of our catering offer across Kent Union’s new and existing sites ensuring our offers are distinctive, authentic and offer great value for money. Student expectations for their life at University are higher than ever before and Kent Union increasingly need to innovate to compete with high street national chains and outlets on campus. Our food offer in particular needs to better reflect our membership and the changing demographic of Kent students. The post holder will take a lead on developing the offer for our new Parkwood Building and £3m student hub located in the centre of the largest accommodation area on campus and due to open in the summer of 2018. This building will include a bar/café, central production unit, retail convenience shop as well as social/study and flexible activity space. The successful candidate will be a self-confessed ‘Foody’ who monitors food trends and likes to test new ideas and concepts. The post holder will ideally have a background in the catering industry and have experienced working within a kitchen/ restaurant. The post holder will also need to be able to interpret research and develop products and concepts that add value to the catering experience on campus, as well as growing Kent Union’s income. The role is varied and requires the candidate to balance commercial acumen with our charitable purpose and mission. Our charitable purpose is to stand up for students at Kent, to help them have the best time at Kent and to prepare them for life after Kent. For an informal conversation about this opportunity or details on how to apply, please contact Robert Buckingham-Pegg, Head of Catering and Licensed Trade on 01227 823252 or
[email protected] Closing date for applications: Interviews:
Monday 15 January 2018 Tuesday 23 January 2018
Summary Conditions of Appointment Salary
This post is at Grade 8.1 of Kent Union’s pay scale with a starting salary of £28,332. Staff normally move up one incremental point annually, subject to performance. Probationary arrangements This post is subject to a 6-month probationary period, with 1, 3 and 6-month reviews. Notice Period The notice period for this position is one month. Annual Leave Entitlement The post-holder is entitled to 23 days’ leave, increasing by 1 day a year to a maximum of 28 days; 6 ‘customary’ days’ leave, normally taken over Christmas; and the 8 statutory leave days for England. Total entitlement is therefore 37 days in year 1, rising to 42 days after 5 years. Pension The post-holder is entitled to join Kent Union’s Career Average Related Earnings (CARE) pension scheme with salary sacrifice, in which Kent Union contributes 16% and employees contribute 6% of salary. Alternatively, the post-holder can join a personal pension scheme through Scottish Equitable, in which Kent Union contributes 6% and employees contribute 3% of salary. Hours of Work The contracted hours are 35 hours per week and will include daytime and occasional weekend and evening work. Additional hours where necessary.
Work-Life Balance Kent Union is committed to facilitating a healthy work-life balance and has cutting edge flexible working policies, including extensive maternity, paternity and grand-parent leave; generous adoption and parental leave entitlement; facilities for sabbatical leave; the option to work from home on occasion and time off for volunteering. Equality of Opportunity Kent Union is committed to the principles of equality of opportunity and will endeavour to meet the needs of any candidate who fulfils the requirements of the person specification. Summary Governance and Management Arrangements Our Belief We believe every student at the University of Kent should have the opportunity to try out new experiences, have fun, make new friends and be part of a community; we believe every student should have the opportunity to fulfil their potential in life, have a voice in society and make a difference. We believe that Kent Union is integral to empowering students to realise this belief. Our Mission We are a charity that supports students at the University of Kent; we:
Stand up for students Help them have the best time at Kent Prepare them for life after Kent
Our Values
Bold – we are brave and courageous; we stand up for students’ rights; we are innovative and we challenge the status quo
Inclusive - we welcome all people and appreciate their uniqueness; we are champions of equality and diversity
Supportive – we look out for people; we want students to succeed in life so we offer transformative experiences for them to get involved in; we ensure our staff have a healthy work-life balance
Legal Status Kent Union is an unincorporated association and a registered charity. The Union has a Board of Trustees, which is legally responsible for all aspects of the organisation. Democratic Structures Kent Union is a membership organisation; all students at the University of Kent are automatically members of Kent Union. The membership provide strategic and political direction through the Union’s democratic structures, including referenda, the Annual General Meeting, Union Council, four debating zones and seven elected Trustees. The Trustees The Trustees of Kent Union are the five ‘sabbatical officers’, four ‘external’ trustees and four ‘student’ trustees. The sabbatical officers and two of the student trustees are elected each year by and from the student membership of Kent Union. The sabbatical officers take a year out of their studies (or immediately after graduating) to serve as a trustee; they can stand for re-election for a second year if they choose, but can serve for no more than two years. Unlike the trustees of most registered charities, the sabbatical officers are paid a living allowance and work a normal working week. The four student trustees have all the responsibilities of being a trustee, but are still studying and fulfil their duties on a ‘part-time’ and voluntary basis. Two of the four student trustees are elected by cross-campus ballot and take office on 1 July each year; the other two student trustees are selected via a recruitment process in the October of each year. Staff and Management Structure Kent Union employs approximately 500 staff to provide services for its members. Staff are of two types – approximately 360 student staff, who work whilst completing their studies at the University of Kent; and approximately 140 career staff – professionals who have made working at Kent Union part of their career. The Board of Trustees oversees the work of staff through the Chief Executive and Director Group, who in turn manage staff through the 15 senior managers, each of whom is responsible for one of the Union’s Departments or a strategic function.
Application and Selection Process and Timetable Recruitment and Selection Timetable
15 December 15 January (midday) 15 January 23 January
Advertise position Applications close Shortlisting Interviews
Applications
To complete the application process, please visit www.kentunion.co.uk. Alternatively, to request an application pack, please contact our HR department on
[email protected] or 01227 824220. Please ensure that you pay particular attention in your application to detailing how you meet the requirements of the person specification. Candidates are also required to complete the Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form, which will be separated from applications prior to short-listing. Completed applications must be received by 15 January, midday. Website Kent Union’s website contains further background information about Kent Union to help potential applicants. Potential applicants are encouraged to look at the website prior to applying; the website address is www.kentunion.co.uk Further Information and Questions
For an informal conversation, further information or any questions about this opportunity, please contact our Robert Buckingham-Pegg, Head of Catering and Licensed Trade on 01227 823252.
