Case studies: Catering manager: Ben

Ben is currently the catering manager at Middlesex University. He enjoys the job because he says no two days are the same.

I chose a career as a catering manager because of the variety involved. I also enjoy the added pleasure of making people happy through good service.

I started working in the food service industry very early. After doing my A-levels, I began working in a restaurant as a manager. I enjoyed the job so much that I decided to continue in this field. I did four NVQs (Level 3). This technical training, along with work experience, helped me to get a job in a hotel where I had extensive on-the-job training and development in a range of areas, including health and safety and food handling.

I have been in my current job as catering manager at Middlesex University since September 2008, having previously worked in food and beverage management in the hotel sector.

In a typical day, my tasks include:

• checking staff levels for the day and monitoring staff wellbeing;
• reviewing the previous day’s or week’s sales;
• checking menu items;
• checking customer feedback;
• mixing and mingling with customers (students) during the peak hours from 12 noon to 2pm;
• timing queues;
• checking emails;
• planning for various events.

The role requires a great deal of flexibility. It is this variability that makes it interesting and keeps me motivated. I can honestly say there is no area of my job that I dislike. I love this job! My long-term goal is to get involved in area management in branded restaurants or pubs.

I have seen changes in the role and the industry recently - mainly as a result of the current economic climate. The main difference is the emphasis on the financial side of business with more importance given to managing money and being competitive.

For anyone wanting to get into the field, experience in a customer-oriented environment is the best thing - even if for only a few hours a week. This will allow you to decide if the career is right for you and to ‘test the water’.