University Of London & Aramark - General Manager

University Of London & Aramark - General Manager

GENERAL MANAGER

WELCOME FROM THE HEAD OF EVENTS & HOSPITALITY

ABOUT UNIVERSITY OF LONDON

The University of London is a federal University which consists of 27 of the world’s leading Colleges and specialist Research Institutes. Together, they make the University of London one of the oldest, largest and most diverse universities in the UK. When studying with the University, a student belongs to a particular member Institution as well as the University of London itself. Between the Member Institutions, the University has over 120,000 students studying over 3,700 courses. Not all students are located in London; some study at the University of London Institute in Paris and over 50,000 students study in over 180 countries on the University of London International Programmes. The University owns a significant property portfolio located primarily in Bloomsbury which is renowned as one the world’s most prestigious academic campuses. The University’s Property and Facilities Management Department works to ensure that the estate is utilised efficiently and effectively.

Thank you for your interest in the role of General Manager at University of London Venues, based at the iconic centrepiece venue, Senate House. We have developed this brochure to provide job applicants with information about the University, it’s values and aims which we hope you will find useful and informative. Senate House has a rich history of hosting a variety of high profile events, as well as being a popular location for film and TV productions, utilising it’s art deco features, as well as the numerous outdoor event spaces in notable productions from the 1950’s to now In 2006, the university completed a £55 million refurbishment project, to bring the venues original features back to life, as well as developing new contemporary spaces. Further to this project, there are evolving plans across the estate to develop new event spaces, as well upgrade existing facilities across site to cement its position as a leader in Higher Education and Commercial events. Hospitality sits at the heart of all of our events, and is incredibly important for the success of the event strategy moving forward. We are lucky to have an award winning head chef at Senate House, who consistently delivers culinary excellence to all of our guests. In the General Manager role, we are looking for someone who can mirror this excellence in the delivery of the event experience across all of our indoor & outdoor settings. It is an exciting time to join the team, and an opportunity for the right person to work with the events team to really put their mark on how this evolves in the future. If you believe you have the experience and qualities to contribute to the achievement of the University’s aspirations through its next period of development and growth, then I hope that you will pursue your application.

ABOUT ARAMARK

Aramark are the food and hospitality partners for the University of London. We work closely with the University to deliver their mission, goals and service standards. All that we do is part of the ethos of the university and we are effectively part of one team.

Northern Europe - Our Mission

Rooted in service and united by our purpose, we strive to do great things for each other, our partners, our communities, and our planet.

Northern Europe - About Aramark

Aramark is a leading service and solutions provider in Northern Europe. We proudly support clients, partners and customers in food, facilities management, property services, and retail solutions. We believe a career should develop your talents, fuel your passions, and empower your professional growth. So, no matter what you’re pursuing — a new challenge, a sense of belonging, or just a great place to work — our focus is helping you reach your full potential. Learn more about working here at: http://www.aramarkcareers.com.

All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence. Aramark Northern Europe is an equal opportunities employer.

Vivienne Shinner Director of Operations

UNIVERSITY OF LONDON

OUR OVERALL STRATEGIC VISION

From the Second World War to the present day

By the time war broke out in September 1939, the University had 14,000 registered students. The Colleges and their students were forced into exile in other parts of the UK and Senate House was taken over by the Ministry of Information – the roof becoming a valuable observation point for the Royal Observatory Corp. By 1944, the Colleges began to return to London and exams again took place in the capital. The Principal of the University reported that the exams were carried out ‘without casualties, other than those normally caused by these exacting but essential tests’. In 1948, Lillian Penson was elected as the University’s 31st Vice-Chancellor, the first women to hold this post in a Commonwealth University. During the 1960s and 1970s the number of students going to university in the UK expanded enormously. In line with this, the total number of internal students at the University of London doubled to almost 54,000 by 1981. In 1981 Princess Anne, The Princess Royal succeeded the Queen Mother as the University’s 10th Chancellor. In the 1990s, many of the University’s central responsibilities were devolved to the Colleges. The Funding Council also began to fund the Colleges directly. The University continues to grow and evolve to reflect the changing times. In 2008 it introduced a streamlined, transparent and flexible system of governance headed by a Board of Trustees with a lay majority.

To make a unique contribution to learning and research-led scholarship through our unrivalled network of member institutions, our global reach and reputation, and the breadth of our high-quality innovative academic services and infrastructure. Aim 1: Deliver academic excellence Invest in our academic excellence to widen student access through flexible learning and to fulfil an ambitious programme of research promotion and facilitation in the humanities Aim 2: Provide innovative high-quality academic support and professional services Develop, augment and commercialise our portfolio of services for the University’s members and the education sector, with the aim to be the “go to” provider of student and academic support services Aim 3: Property that is valued and relevant Create a vibrant academic hub, through a property portfolio which balances the needs of the University’s members with maximising income opportunities The University owns and manages a large prestigious estate which includes academic and service buildings, student halls of residence, a book depository, gardens and private residences. These host a number of key activities that are fundamental to an effective University, notably academic space, libraries, student accommodation, student services and conference facilities. Our objectives in relation to this aim are: • Greater use of Senate House as an academic hub and development of the public realm • Further modernisation and expansion of student residences • Increase the financial return from the estate • Ensure that there is a good fit between buildings & their function • Act as the custodian of the estate • Ensure that the estate is environmentally sustainable Aim 4: Manage a high-performing organisation Increase our investment in staff development, encourage a common purpose across our diverse activities and enhance our capacity where gaps exist, in order to deliver our plans.

Today – as it has been throughout its long history – the University is a family of world-class institutions, collectively upholding its international reputation of academic distinction in teaching and research.

VENUES

The building of Senate House

In its first century of existence the University moved between a succession of temporary homes, each of which it quickly outgrew. The decision was finally taken to provide what had become the world’s largest University with a purpose-built, permanent home. A large parcel of land located behind the British Museum in the central London district of Bloomsbury was purchased from the Duke of Bedford’s estate. The architect Charles Holden, who designed many of London’s Underground stations, was appointed in February 1931 and construction work began in 1932. On 26 June 1933, King George V laid the foundation stone and the building was occupied in 1936. At 209 feet, it was the tallest secular building in the capital.

University of London Venues offer a collection of stunning garden locations ideal for hosting a variety of outdoor events. The atmosphere of being outside amongst a natural backdrop is freeing, relaxing and atmospheric. At UoL venues we are now proud to offer our iconic outdoor spaces for parties, drink receptions, dinners, award ceremonies and much more!

Suitable for the following occasions:

• Award ceremonies

• Film shoots

• Parties

In 2011 Senate House celebrated its 75th anniversary.

Health Safety • Ensure workpacks and staff training records are maintained as per company policy. • Ensure that any equipment issues that may result in causing risk to staff or client and customers are reported to the health and safety helpline. • Raise any issues with clients to line managers to ensure clients resolve the matter. • Ensure that all food diaries on site are checked and actions taken as appropiate. Regional Responsibilities • Provide support to the regional team in areas of management as required. • Provide mobilization support for new business gains in the region. • Provide once trained HR support at grievence investigations and staff disciplinary procedures. Client / Account Management Support DOO to: • Prepare and conduct client reviews: Monthly / quarterly / annually. • Facilitate and support new business / retention activities. • Contribute to appropriate contract negotiations with client to achieve contract sign off (New business / retentions / scope changes).

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title:

Reports To: Director of Operations

General Manager

Specialism: Service

Activities and Responsibilities Operational Delivery • Overall ownership and accountability of operational management and financial performance of the unit. • Work closely with the Head Ched to ensure correct stock level. • Plan effective schemes to build sales; measuring client satisfaction and increase customer satisfaction and loyalty. • Ensure that RRP is maintained as per company poilcy and client tariff is followed for non RRP items. • Assist in the implementation of schemes including new products, procedures and menu specifications, ensuring they fit with ARAMARK guidelines and quality requirements. • Work and develop good commercial relationships with suppliers, ensuring receipt of service and quality levels required to obtain the highest financial return. • Ensure all daily paper / computer work is complete and that inventories and statistical reports are completed correctly and at the right time.

• Identify & unlock opportunity for growth. • Maintain & develop client relationships. • Develop strategic plans & value proposition.

Compliance • Knowledge of all applicable personnel policies, labour laws and agreements. • Ensure strict compliance with ARAMARK Hygiene and Safety requirements.

Finance • Act as a purchasing officer and budget controller for the catering facilities with support from Supervisors / Senior Supervisors. • Prepare and manage accurate projections for all P & L accounts including raw materials, wages etc. Team Management • Line management, scheduling and performance management of Supervisors / Senior Supervisors; Senior / Head Chefs on site and, in some cases, direct line management of Team Members. • Ensure Supervisors and Team Members receive appropriate training to company policies; legal and health and safety requirements. • Champion a training culture within the team to ensure succession planning. • Oversee the performance evaluation process for staff on site to ensure this is conducted in a timely manner and based on agreed objectives and targets. • Plan and lead team management meetings.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Qualifications & Experience

Qualifications Excellent numeracy skills; strong written and verbal skills Food Hygiene Certificate Level 3 Knowledge of applicable health and safety legislation Experience Previous management experience in the food services industry

Behaviours / Attitudes

• Positive attitude • Enthusiastic

• Coordination skills • Speed and diligence • Willingness to learn • Quality focused • Composed under pressure • Empathetic – resolves team members or customers concerns • Works quickly and accurately • Tact and diplomacy • Ability to meet deadlines • Performs supervisory duties and exercises financial authority across the site • Deep understanding of catering finances – costing, production, yields, wastage etc., as well as employee wages and benefits • Budgeting • Ability to accurately forecast P&L projections and plan accordingly • Ability to maintain a variety of operating and general records and to prepare reports for client presentation

Competencies

Technical

• PC skills (Word, Excel, Powerpoint) • Fully confident with bespoke software applications • Ability and full confidence in producing reports across all areas of the business • Adaptable / flexible • Ownership and accountability – makes decisions to resolve immediate issues • Coach/Mentor/Develop

Financial Acumen

Leadership

• Leads by example • Motivate/Inspire • Integrity • Embrace change/Adaptability • Set direction and vision • Communication • Motivate/Inspire • Problem Solver • Ability to provide feedback

Direct Reports / Span of Control

Team Lead / Senior Team Lead / Senior Chef / Head Chef / Team Members

People

• Customer focused – communicates well with all types of customers • Communicator • Cooperative and supportive of others • Approachable • Team worker/ability to manage multiple teams • Delegation • Able to prioritise • Build & Maintain Customer and Supplier relations • Excellent negotiation skills • Able to multitask

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS AND HOW TO APPLY

For a confidential discussion please contact our retained advisors James Gregory of The Management Recruitment Group on;

James Gregory - [email protected] or on 07966 827 391.

Applications should consist of a comprehensive CV and covering letter outlining key matching experience.

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