Assistant catering manager jobs

The Science Media Centre is a small, high-impact charity that works to get expert scientific voices into the media on the biggest and most controversial stories of the day so that news is accurate and evidence-based.  We're looking for a confident, engaged, and enthusiastic Operations and Executive Assistant to ensure our CEO and the wider team can function at pace. This is an exciting opportunity for someone early in their career to partner with a high-profile CEO at a highly-regarded scientific organisation, that has worked behind the scenes for over 20 years to deliver real impact to the public.

The core aspect of this role will be supporting our CEO. You will manage her diary and inbox, prepare her for speaking events, handle all travel and logistics, be the first port of call for tech queries, and generally act as her second brain. But on top of that, this broad role includes running our internship programme, managing events, coordinating projects for the Senior Management Team, assisting with governance and finance admin, and keeping the office running smoothly.

What we are looking for

You will be someone with outstanding organisational skills, meticulous attention to detail, strong initiative, and a clear head. On top of that, you should be genuinely excited by SMC's work and curious about the science and media stories we engage with. We want someone with good judgement who is excited to learn the ropes and develop their skills in a small but high-impact office.

What we can offer you

• 25 days annual leave + bank holidays + Christmas closure, increasing after 5 years’ service
• Annual performance and pay reviews
• Generous pension, healthcare, and family-friendly provisions
• Free gym and discounted lunch options

Selection process

• Application (CV and cover letter)
• In-person interview consisting of a 40min task and 40min panel interview on 13th May 2026
• References

This is an on-site role based at our offices in London (Euston). Staff are expected to be in the office five days a week. Start date mid-May to early June (exact date to be agreed).

How to apply

Send your CV and a covering letter (no more than 1 side of A4) detailing why you want this particular role, and how you fit the essential and desirable requirements as outlined in the role profile. You can also apply by emailing your CV and covering letter to the jobs@ address listed on our website.

Applicants must have a pre-existing right to work full time in the UK as we are unfortunately unable to sponsor visas.

We know that some demographics are less likely to apply for roles if they don’t feel they meet every requirement. We encourage all applicants who have a strong interest in our work and believe they have the right skills to succeed to apply for the role.

This role focuses on the visitor facing side of ticketing operations. Ticketing set up and revenue management is not part of the remit, and is led by a separate senior manager, who this person will work closely with.

Please download the attached Job Description for a full overview of this role's responsibilities.
If you are viewing on a job board, please navigate to our website to find the original advert.

The annual salary stated is based on the Full-Time Equivalent (40 hours per week). If the job is part-time, the weekly hours will be stated within the advert.

The deadline for applications is 23:59 on the closing date for the job posting.

Please note, applications sent via Email or 3rd party agencies will not be considered.

Need reasonable adjustments? Please contact us so we can help make the application process accessible to you. Be sure to include the job you are applying for and your full name.

We welcome applications from all backgrounds. By attracting people with diverse attitudes, opinions and beliefs we can continue to look at the world with fresh eyes and find new ways of doing things. The Southbank Centre is a warm and welcoming place to work, with great aspirations and ambitions to create great and accessible work for all. We pride ourselves in building a supportive environment to enable the development of our colleagues.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Head of Visitor Experience and Ticketing to inspire, motivate and manage the Ticketing Operations team to deliver a responsive, dynamic and vibrant visitor experience. 
• Support the overall Visitor Experience and Ticketing Strategy by monitoring, managing and improving performance of the whole Visitor Experience and Ticketing team. 
• Lead on the analysis and response to visitor feedback. 
• Lead on projects prioritised by the Head of Visitor Experience and Ticketing. 
• Work with all Southbank Centre departments and partners to improve the quality and consistency of the Southbank Centre Visitor Experience and Ticketing operation.

Skills & Experience

• Passion for providing and promoting an excellent experience for visitors.
• Extensive experience of venue ticketing operations and related systems.
• Experience managing and developing a large dynamic team in a visitor focused operation. 
• Strong leader and problem solver, always leading by example Excellent communications skills.

Benefits

As well as working at one of London's most popular and exciting  sites the successful candidate will also benefit from the following:​​​​​​​
 

• A min 5%  pension contribution (going up to 9% depending on employee contribution), from day 1 of employment
• 28 days annual leave, plus bank holidays
• Enhanced sick pay
• Enhanced family leave benefits
• Up to 30% discounts at onsite retail, food and beverage vendors
• Staff ticket offers for SC events
• Free entry to Hayward Gallery
• Free/discounted entry with other reciprocal organisations
• Free staff yoga 

Operations Director 

Location: Kington, Herefordshire (On-site)
Salary: £45,000–£50,000 per annum (dependent on experience)
Contract: Full-Time, Permanent
Reporting to: Chairman of the Board
Governance: Position on the Board of Directors (Monthly Meetings)
Start date: Immediate start preferred
Application Deadline: 24th April 2026, 5pm

The Role Purpose

The Operations Director (OD) will hold total accountability for the day-to-day running of Dunfield House. As a Board member, you will translate the Board’s long-term vision into operational reality. Your mission is to maximise the potential of our 15-acre estate, ensuring exceptional guest experiences across all potential revenue streams, while maintaining the financial health and charitable ethos of the venue.

Organisational Structure

You will act as the "hub" of Dunfield House, providing leadership, mentorship, and accountability to a dedicated senior management team.

Direct Reports

• Sales & Marketing Manager: Driving occupancy and commercial revenue.
• Admin Assistant: Oversight of HR, budgets, cash flow, and financial reporting.
• Site Caretaker: Ensuring the 15-acre site, indoor pool, and historic buildings are safe, compliant, and well-maintained.
• Head of Kitchen: Managing food safety, gross profit (GP), and quality of service.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Leadership & Governance

• Prepare and present monthly operational reports to the Chairman and the Board.
• Present Key financial reports in collaboration with the admin assistant.
• Lead the annual business planning process.
• In collaboration with the sales and marketing manager, implement the marketing strategy.
• Act as a guardian of Dunfield’s culture, ensuring the venue remains a "home from home" for all guests.

2. Financial & Commercial Management

• Work with the admin assistant to optimise margins, particularly focusing on energy efficiency and food costs.
• Work with the sales & marketing manager to implement dynamic pricing and improve mid-week occupancy.
• Understands the importance of financial management and has the ability to compile financial reports for Board meetings.

3. Operational Excellence & Compliance

• Oversee the site caretaker to ensure rigorous health and safety standards, particularly regarding the indoor pool and fire safety in a high-capacity residential setting.
• Oversee the head of kitchen to ensure 5-star hygiene ratings and efficient volume catering for up to 90 guests.
• Streamline internal processes (booking systems, staff rotas, guest check-ins) to improve efficiency.
• Share duty manager responsibilities.

4. People & Culture

• Foster a high-performing, collaborative environment between the distinct departments.
• Manage recruitment, appraisals, and professional development for the senior team.

Performance Indicators (KPIs)

1. Financial & Efficiency KPIs

• Primary KPI: Achievement of 103 FHE days.
• Secondary KPI: 15% conversion rate of OTA guests to direct bookers.
• Tertiary KPI: Average TRevPAG of £2.00+ per guest.

2. Operational & Capacity KPIs

• Full House Equivalent (FHE) Readiness: While Sales books the days, Operations must ensure the site is "Turnaround Ready." A KPI for "Zero Down-Time" between back-to-back groups.
• The "Pool Availability" Score: A KPI of 98%+ uptime (excluding scheduled maintenance).
• Catering Margin: 70% Gross Profit (GP) on meals by managing waste and seasonal purchasing.

3. Compliance & Duty Management KPIs

• Health & Safety Audit Score: 100% compliance on monthly internal safety checks (Fire, Water/Legionella, Pool, Safeguarding).
• Guest "Home from Home" Satisfaction: A score (derived from post-stay surveys) specifically measuring Cleanliness and Facility Functionality.
• Staff Retention & Training: A target for Staff Turnover <15%.

The Ideal Candidate

Experience

• Senior Management: At least 5 years in a senior operational role within hospitality, residential centres, or large-scale venue management.
• Board-Level Presence: Comfortable reporting to a Board and communicating complex operational data to stakeholders.
• Commercial Acumen: Proven track record of improving profit margins without compromising service quality.
• Team Leadership: Experience managing diverse teams (from maintenance and catering to sales and finance).

Skills

• Strategic Thinking: The ability to look beyond the day-to-day and plan for the next 3–5 years.
• Financial Literacy: Ability to interpret P&Ls, balance sheets, and budget variances.
• Adaptability: Equally comfortable in a boardroom meeting as they are walking the estate with a contractor.

Benefits

• Board Position: A genuine opportunity to shape the future of a significant regional venue.
• Autonomy: High degree of freedom to implement operational changes and drive the commercial strategy.
• Environment: Work in a beautiful 15-acre setting in the Herefordshire countryside.

Why Join Us?

You will be taking the helm of a financially viable venue at a pivotal moment of transition. You have the opportunity to secure the future of a unique estate that serves as a vital resource for schools, churches, and families alike.

Dunfield House is operated by Dunfield House Ltd, governed by The Dunfield Charity, and owned by Community of Christ.

Worcester Students' Union 

Chief Executive Officer 

Salary: £62,000 - £64,000 per annum 

Working Pattern: Full-time

Location: Worcester

Contract: Permanent 

Atkinson HR is pleased to be supporting Worcester Students' Union in the recruitment of their next Chief Executive Officer. 

Worcester Students' Union (WSU) exists to represent, support, and enrich the lives of students at the University of Worcester. As a charity, everything they do is guided by a commitment to members, ensuring they have a voice, access to outstanding services, and a community they are proud to be part of. 

This is a genuinely exciting moment for the organisation. WSU has a fantastic opportunity to reshape its strategy and culture, supported by a dedicated and talented staff and officer team, and is determined to deepen its reach across a diverse student body, strengthen partnerships, and build on the energy and momentum that defines life at Worcester. 

About the Role 

As CEO, you'll provide overall leadership and management of WSU, taking responsibility for delivering its charitable objectives and ensuring excellent services for students. You will develop a sustainable, strategically focused organisation that is ready to meet the opportunities and challenges ahead. 

Working in close partnership with elected student leaders and the Board of Trustees, you will bring professional expertise to support governance, operational delivery, and long-term planning. You will lead a committed staff team, model the values of the organisation, and ensure that WSU continues to grow in reach, relevance, and impact across the student community. 

About You 

WSU are looking for a strategic and inspirational leader with significant senior leadership experience in a complex organisation, and a demonstrable track record of developing and delivering successful organisational strategy. You'll be financially and commercially astute, able to interpret data to inform sound decisions, and experienced in working constructively with Boards and senior external stakeholders. Experience within the higher education, students' union, charity, or membership sectors is desirable, though not essential. 

You'll be an empowering and energetic leader, someone who builds inclusive, high-performing teams, encourages creativity, and is willing to engage with operational delivery as well as strategic direction. You'll bring the ability to balance challenge and support, fostering a culture of collaboration and accountability across the organisation. 

Above all, WSU are looking for someone with a genuine commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, and a real passion for working in a democratic, student-led environment. You'll believe in the importance of student voice, be able to communicate a compelling shared vision to a wide range of stakeholders, and demonstrate a lasting commitment to WSU's charitable objectives and long-term development. 

How to Apply 

Please click 'Apply' to be redirected to the Atkinson HR website, where you can download the Candidate Information Pack and find details of how to apply. 

For an informal conversation about the role and application process, please contact Atkinson HR via. the information in the candidate pack. 

Key Dates 

Closing date: Midday, Tuesday 5th May 2026 

Longlist Interviews (Remote): Tuesday 26th May 2026 

Final Stage Interviews (In-person, Worcester): Monday 1st June 2026 

The Role

This is a pivotal new role at SUSU, leading the operational delivery of our vibrant student spaces across our three buildings on Highfield Campus. As Head of Operations, you’ll ensure our facilities are safe, compliant, well-maintained, and consistently deliver excellent service.

You’ll oversee room bookings and reception, technical event support, transport operations, and sustainability initiatives, keeping services running smoothly across a busy and diverse programme of over 1,500 bookings each year.

As SUSU’s lead competent person for Health & Safety, you’ll champion a strong safety culture and ensure compliance across all activities, working closely with University stakeholders, contractors, and internal teams to drive continuous improvement.

No two days are the same — this is a fantastic opportunity to shape and enhance the student experience at scale.

About You

• Significant experience in soft facilities or operational management, including contracts and service delivery
• A recognised Health & Safety qualification, with strong experience in compliance and risk management
• Proven track record of leading teams in fast-paced, complex environments
• A confident communicator and problem-solver, able to build strong stakeholder relationships
• Highly organised and analytical, with the ability to balance strategic planning and hands-on delivery

About Us
We are the University of Southampton Students' Union (SUSU) – independent from the University and run by students, for students. Our vision is simple:  SUSU is here to enrich the life of every student. We are a workplace that’s buzzing with life, ideas, and opportunities – where your work directly shapes the student experience. 

As part of our team, you'll enjoy:

• Salary of £43,337 to £47,325
• Generous paid holiday - 30 days per year, plus eight closure days (around Easter, August and Christmas) on top of eight bank holidays (and an opportunity to purchase up to an additional week of holiday). 
• Great pension – we contribute 10% into your defined contributions pension scheme. 
• Travel perks – discounted UniLink and Blue Star bus passes, a Cycle-to-Work scheme. 

To find out more, visit our website.

Apply Now
You can easily apply using your CV and covering letter by clicking on Apply Now.

For further information prior to submitting your application, please find the relevant contact details within the advert posted on our website.

Closing Date: 19 April 2026

Interview Date: 5 May 2026

Please note feedback will not be provided if you are not shortlisted for interview.   

SUSU is an equal opportunities employer that values a diverse workforce and we want to reflect the student body that we represent. We value diversity, promote equality and challenge discrimination and will ensure that our recruitment activities are mindful of equality and diversity matters.