Assistant Catering & Hospitality Manager

Job reference: CIX-031805
Salary: Grade 4 - £29,588 to £32,080 per annum
Faculty/Organisational Unit: Cultural Institutions
Location: Jodrell Bank, Cheshire
Employment type: Permanent
Division/Team: JBCE Operations
Hours Per Week: Full-time
Closing date (DD/MM/YYYY): 13/07/2026
Contract Duration: Permanent starting as soon as possible
School/Directorate: Jodrell Bank Centre for Engagement

Are you ready to provide an ‘out of this world’ catering offering at the iconic Jodrell Bank Centre for Engagement?

Jodrell Bank Centre for Engagement (JBCE) is a vibrant hub for scientific discovery, education, and inspiration. You'll be part of a passionate team dedicated to igniting curiosity and wonder, and you will play a starring role in that mission, directly fuelling an unforgettable experience.

We are looking to appoint a hospitality professional to support the Catering & Hospitality Manager in the day-to-day running of the Planet and First Light Cafés, together with Event and Conferencing Hospitality, ensuring efficient administration, professional execution, and high-quality food and beverage presentation and delivery, all while adhering to health, safety and hygiene regulations.

The role will assist in delivering excellent customer service, enhancing the visitor experience, and maximising sales across the centre’s cafes and event operation. The Assistant Manager will support the coordination and supervision of front-of-house café & event staff, helping to foster a motivated, welcoming, and professional team culture.

The postholder will assist with daily operational procedures, rota planning, and act as a key point of contact for team queries. They will also deputise for the Catering & Hospitality Manager in their absence.

In this crucial role, you will support:

• A strong food and beverage offer: Help deliver a high-quality café and event service in a welcoming setting.
• An effective team: Support and motivate staff to deliver excellent customer care and service standards.
• Operational excellence: Promote best practice, health and safety compliance, staff development, and effective stock and financial processes.
• Collaborative delivery: Work with colleagues to ensure smooth event hospitality and effective promotion of services.
• Strategic support: Help monitor performance, costs and sales targets, and contribute to business planning.
• A natural positive attitude towards a busy/pressurised environment and the ability to work flexibly across the week to the requirements the business is essential to this role.
• Previous experience running catering and event operations within a cultural venue/institution is preferred but not essential.

PLEASE NOTE – Jodrell Bank does not open on Mondays (except for School Holidays), and therefore working hours are generally between Tuesday and Sunday.

What you will get in return:

• Fantastic market leading Pension scheme
• Excellent employee health and wellbeing services including an Employee Assistance Programme
• Exceptional starting annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays
• Additional paid closure over the Christmas period
• Local and national discounts at a range of major retailers

To find out more about staff benefits, and working at the University, visit

• Benefits of working here | The University of Manchester

For enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:

Amanda Lowndes – Head of Cultural Enterprises

Tel: 01477 571766 or Email: Amanda.Lowndes@manchester.ac.uk

General Enquiries:

People.Recruitment@manchester.ac.uk

The closing date for this vacancy is 13/07/26

Please quote the appropriate reference when applying.

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