Group Contract Manager

Job Description

Aramark UK is recruiting a Group Contract Manager and lead a dynamic, multi-site catering operation across South Wales.

We’re looking for an energetic and commercially astute leader to take ownership of service delivery across five vibrant college campuses at Coleg Gwent. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone passionate about food, people, and creating an outstanding student experience every day.

As Group Contract Manager, you’ll inspire high-performing teams, drive innovation, and deliver exceptional standards in a fast-paced, high-volume environment. Working closely with senior stakeholders and clients, you’ll play a key role in shaping a fresh, modern and inclusive catering offer while ensuring strong financial performance.

This is a permanent full time role on site working Monday to Friday term time only (44 working weeks).

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and we expect all employees and workers to share this commitment. All roles are subject to safer recruitment checks, including references and an enhanced DBS check, in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE).

What's in it for you:

• Competitive salary of up to £38,000 depending on experience
• Generous annual leave that increases in line with service, with the opportunity to buy extra
• Life assurance and pension scheme
• Benefits app: access to 100s of discounts, free mortgage advice, cycle to work scheme, health cash plans, online GP appointments, and our Employee Assistance Programme
• FOOD! Opportunities to attend in-house events and try the culinary genius of our teams (we are a food business after all!)

Job Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee catering operations across five campuses, ensuring consistent, high-quality service delivery and student experience
• Build, motivate and develop high‑performing teams, including Catering Managers, Chefs and Assistants, through strong leadership and engagement
• Maintain a robust Health & Safety culture, ensuring full compliance, training, risk management and incident investigation
• Drive commercial performance by managing P&L, controlling costs, analysing sales data and delivering budgeted financial results
• Ensure food quality, hygiene and service standards consistently meet 5* EHO and client expectations
• Develop and implement innovative food concepts, profitable product lines and technology-driven improvements to grow revenue
• Build and maintain strong client relationships, leading regular operational and financial review meetings
• Champion continuous improvement, customer feedback and operational excellence across all sites

Key Requirements:

• Proven experience in contract catering, ideally within the education sector and high-volume environments
• Strong leadership capability with a track record of managing and developing large, multi-site teams
• Solid commercial acumen, including P&L management and experience driving profitability in low-margin operations
• In-depth knowledge of food service operations, including dining, coffee shop efficiency, and food quality standards
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with confidence presenting to clients and senior leaders
• Resilience, adaptability and strong problem-solving ability, with a proactive approach to change and continuous improvement

About Aramark

If you are applying for this role and you already work for Aramark, you must notify your line manager before submitting your application.

At Aramark UK, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone is valued and empowered to thrive. As a proud Disability Confident and Forces Friendly employer, we actively encourage applications from individuals of all abilities and are dedicated to supporting employees with disabilities throughout their career journey.

We ensure our recruitment process is accessible, and reasonable adjustments are available at every stage, from application to interview and employment. If you require any accommodations or have any questions, please reach out to our recruitment team – careers@aramark.co.uk

All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.