Business Support Manager (Catering)

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Business Support Manager - Catering Department

What we are looking for:

We are looking for a Business Support Manager to provide top-notch operational leadership and support to ensure the smooth running of catering services in schools and colleges. The role involves coordinating various business functions, supporting the management team, handling financial and administrative tasks, and ensuring compliance with all regulations. The post holder will work closely with school administrators, business managers, head teachers, catering staff, and other stakeholders to optimise the efficiency and effectiveness of the catering services. Join us and contribute to enhancing the educational experience by elevating our catering operations.

About Us:

BD Group was created by the London Borough of Barking & Dagenham to create positive economic, environmental and social change. We are facilities services company, providing a range of services for public and private sector clients currently across London and the Southeast, but with aspirations to broaden our geographies over time. Our mission is to help communities live, work and grow to fulfil their potential through the delivery of safe, high-quality services based on our unique understanding of local needs.

Duties:

• Provide comprehensive administrative support, including scheduling, correspondence, record-keeping, and maintaining organised records of contracts and essential documents.
• Coordinate meetings, prepare agendas, document minutes, and conduct regular client meetings to review service quality and gather feedback.
• Assist in preparing and managing budgets, monitor financial performance, process invoices, and prepare financial reports.
• Oversee catering logistics, including delivery schedules, inventory management, and procurement, while implementing inventory control systems to minimise waste.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations, conduct audits and inspections, and maintain up-to-date health and safety certifications and training records.
• Serve as a point of contact for school administrators and stakeholders, addressing client inquiries, resolving issues, and ensuring high client satisfaction.
• Assist with recruitment, onboarding, training of catering staff, and maintain accurate employee records.
• Support employee engagement initiatives, collect and analyse key performance indicators (KPIs), and prepare reports on financial performance, operational efficiency, and client satisfaction.
• Assist in planning and executing special projects, coordinating project timelines, resources, deliverables, and monitoring progress to ensure successful implementation.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, Hospitality Management, or a related field (relevant certifications are desirable).
• Experience in an administrative or business support role, preferably within the cleaning or facilities management industry.
• Familiarity with health and safety regulations, food safety standards, and industry best practices.
• Able to understand contract obligations and corporate governance and convey the appropriate aspects to team members.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, train, and motivate catering staff, manage schedules, and handle staffing issues effectively.
• Strong organisational and multitasking abilities to manage various aspects of front-of-house operations efficiently.
• High attention to detail to ensure that service standards and presentation are consistently maintained.

Working Arrangements:

• Working pattern: 36 hours per week, Monday to Friday (typically core hours will range from 7 am to 5 pm).
• Number of working weeks: 52 weeks (Annual leave to be taken during school half term).
• Location: Head office, The Cube (Dagenham) with travel to sites as per business requirement - flexible.

Benefits:

In addition to an attractive salary, our benefits package includes:

Heart Hub rewards, perks & benefits platform!

Private Medical Insurance

Group Life Assurance

Competitive Salaries

Pension Scheme

Paid Holidays from 21-26 days

Family Friendly Policies making work-life balance achievable

Health & wellbeing support including an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

Career development and training

Great offices & local amenities including our Lab Café

Free parking @ The Cube

A GREAT TEAM!

To Apply:

If you are keen to be considered for this opportunity to join a great team, please click 'apply' below to submit your CV and outline relevant skills and experience via the application form. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis so if you are keen to be considered for this role, please apply as soon as possible and do not wait until the closing date.