Deputy General Manager

Are you an experienced hospitality professional passionate about delivering excellent customer service, leading teams and maintaining high operational standards?
We are looking for a Deputy General Manager to join our catering, hospitality and retail operation at Ulster University Belfast Campus.
As Deputy General Manager, you will support the day-to-day operation, lead and motivate the team, maintain excellent service standards, maximise sales opportunities and ensure all operational, food safety, health and safety and company requirements are consistently met. You will be a visible and positive presence, creating a welcoming environment for customers while supporting colleagues to achieve their best.
Key Responsibilities
Deliver consistently high standards of customer service and respond positively to customer requests.
Identify and maximise sales opportunities through effective selling and upselling techniques.
Maintain excellent product knowledge and confidently advise customers.
Seek customer feedback and communicate opportunities for improvement.
Support promotions, marketing initiatives and service development.
Prepare, produce and serve food and beverages to required brand and company standards.
Ensure health, safety, food hygiene and company procedures are consistently followed.
Maintain high standards across counters, displays, seating areas and workspaces.
Complete temperature checks, records and unit paperwork accurately and on time.
Support the safe receipt, checking and storage of deliveries.
Ensure cash handling and security procedures are followed.
Minimise waste and contribute to effective cost and profit protection.
Support recruitment, team development, appraisals and absence management where required.
Promote teamwork, continuous improvement and high performance.
Support the operation in achieving successful audit results and maintaining the highest standards.
Essential Criteria
Previous experience in a hospitality, catering, retail or customer service environment.
Experience supervising or leading a team within a busy operational environment.
Excellent customer service and communication skills, with the ability to build positive relationships.
Experience of working to and maintaining health, safety, food hygiene and company standards.
Ability to work effectively under pressure in a busy customer-facing environment.
Experience of cash handling and following financial and security procedures.
Strong attention to detail and ability to complete records, paperwork and operational checks accurately.
A positive attitude towards sales, including identifying and maximising sales opportunities.
Desirable Criteria
Previous experience in a Deputy General Manager, Assistant Manager, Catering Manager, Hospitality Manager or similar role.
Experience within a university, education, contract catering or large-scale hospitality environment.
Knowledge of food safety, HACCP principles and relevant health and safety requirements.
Experience supporting internal, client, brand or hygiene audits.
Experience of recruitment, staff induction, training, appraisals and absence management.
Experience managing stock, wastage and profit protection.
Food Hygiene Level 2 and/or Health & Safety qualifications.
Why Join Us?
This is an opportunity to play an important role in a busy university catering and hospitality environment, working alongside a dedicated team and helping to deliver high-quality service to a diverse campus community.
If you are an enthusiastic hospitality professional who enjoys leading by example, delivering excellent customer experiences and making a positive difference to day-to-day operations, we would love to hear from you.