Please note a full application including a covering letter detailing your experience alongside a CV is required for applications to be considered. Please be advised applications made without providing a cover letter will not be accepted.

Background of department/role

The Department of Estates and Facilities Services is responsible for developing the University’s estate and improving the University experience for staff, students and visitors.

The Catering, Hospitality & Conference Department are at an exciting point in the evolution of the service. The department recognises the need to drive standards and encourage good customer service. As part of the strategic ambitions of the department, we strive to improve student experience, University Catering Services play a crucial role in energising campus and providing a varied service offer to give students, staff, and visitors the best possible experience.

What will you be doing?

We are looking for a Catering & Hospitality Operations Manager to join our well-established Estates and Facilities Directorate at Canterbury Christ Church University

The role of Catering & Hospitality Operations Manager is to lead on the service standards and delivery of the Catering and Hospitality Services Department. They will be responsible for the activities, key deliverables and ambitions of all the catering outlets within the department, ensuring continuous improvement of the departments core services, introducing new trends, taking the lead on changes that need to be introduced to improve the service and drive the business forward.

Who are we looking for?

We are searching for a highly motivated individual with a flexible approach and be able to meet the expectations of providing a consistent and quality service to students, staff and external visitors.

The ideal candidate will be:

Customer focused, good communicator with established management skills.
To have the ability to manage a large team, to lead the catering service with a strong focus on good quality, sustainable and professional service delivery.
Working with the Deputy Catering manager and Team Leaders to provide a fully integrated customer led catering service to maximise the staff and student experience.
Support the other managers within the Catering department when required, to lead and front the service of Hospitality, Events and formal dinners.
Team player who leads from the front, to be consistently working with colleagues to ensure the best service is offered.

How to Apply

Start date for applications: 23rd March 2026
Closing date for applications: 29th March 2026
Interviews are to be held: 13th April 2026

Informal enquiries to Rob Eyles rob.eyles@canterbury.ac.uk , Catering Manager-North Holmes Road on (01227 922981) (strictly no agencies, thank you) quoting reference number REQ06093.

Please note, Canterbury Christ Church University reserve the right to bring the closing date of this position forward where a high volume of applications is received.

Additional Information

Canterbury Christ Church University truly welcomes fresh perspectives and new voices. We want you to bring the real you to work, so we are committed to building a genuinely inclusive working environment where everyone is welcomed and where everyone can have a true sense of belonging. Our spirit of community will help us to eliminate discrimination and will enable us all to thrive in a culture that is underpinned by fairness and justice. We therefore seek people to join us who will proactively support and shape this aim and contribute in their own unique way. If this is you, then we are waiting to hear from you. #yourCCCU

Our University is deeply committed to shaping sustainable futures as a key part of its mission and values. If you share this passion, we encourage you to join us in making CCCU a more socially and environmentally conscious, sustainable place to study and work

Employment Visa Clarification: According to the UK Government Points Based System, this position may not fulfil the requirements for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker Route application.

Please note applications must be made online via the University website; details sent directly via email cannot be considered.

Prior consideration will be given to applicants in the University’s redeployment pool. No agencies, thank you.

Canterbury Christ Church University is located in the world-famous Cathedral city amongst stunning history and heritage. Canterbury is a thriving international destination, with many students and staff choosing to study and work here, making this historic, cosmopolitan city vibrant and culturally diverse.

Our staff enjoy competitive salaries and a great working environment with a number of benefits ranging from the occupational pension scheme to use of the University’s facilities including the library and fitness centre. We are strongly committed to equality and recognise the value of a diverse workforce.

We offer generous holiday entitlements plus eight bank and public holidays, as well as discretionary days over the Christmas period.