Central Catering & Accommodation Manager

Mount Kenya University (MKU) is seeking a dynamic and experienced Central Catering & Accommodation Manager to lead and oversee the University's Central Catering and Accommodation Services Department. This is a senior operational role that demands a seasoned hospitality professional with a proven track record in managing large-scale food service and residential accommodation facilities, preferably within an academic or institutional setting.

Reporting directly to the Principal, Students Welfare, the successful candidate will be responsible for setting departmental direction, ensuring service excellence, and fostering a safe, hygienic, and welcoming environment for students and other university stakeholders. This role is based at the Nairobi campus and offers an exciting opportunity to shape the student welfare experience at one of Kenya's leading universities.

• Provide strategic leadership and ensure the smooth, efficient, and customer-focused operation of all Central Catering and Accommodation Services.
• Develop, implement, and continuously monitor departmental policies, strategic plans, and operational work plans in alignment with the University's institutional objectives.
• Maintain and enforce high standards of food quality, hygiene, cleanliness, and customer care across all catering outlets and student accommodation facilities.
• Supervise, mentor, and maintain discipline among departmental staff, fostering a culture of professionalism, teamwork, and positive student engagement.
• Oversee all human resource functions within the department, including recruitment support, performance management, staff welfare, and capacity development initiatives.
• Prepare, manage, and control the departmental budget, ensuring prudent resource utilisation, cost efficiency, and value for money at all times.
• Oversee the procurement of food supplies, stores, equipment, and other departmental requirements in strict compliance with the University's procurement policies and procedures.
• Advise University Management on catering, accommodation, and hospitality-related matters to support informed institutional decision-making.
• Ensure full compliance with health, safety, and hygiene standards as well as all applicable statutory and institutional regulations.
• Carry out any other duties as assigned by the immediate supervisor in furtherance of departmental and institutional goals.

• Demonstrate ability to lead and manage a multi-functional catering and accommodation team in a large, fast-paced institutional environment.
• Proven capacity to develop and execute departmental strategic and operational plans aligned with organisational goals.
• Ability to enforce and uphold food safety, hygiene, and health standards in compliance with Kenya Bureau of Standards and relevant statutory bodies.
• Competence in budget preparation, financial monitoring, and cost-control measures within a catering or hospitality operation.
• Experience managing procurement processes, vendor relationships, and inventory control for food and accommodation supplies.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to engage effectively with students, staff, and university leadership.
• Proficiency in computer applications including MS Office and hospitality or catering management software.
• Demonstrated experience in staff performance management, HR administration, and team capacity building.
• Option A: Master's Degree in Food Production, Food and Beverage Service, Hospitality Management, or a relevant field from a recognised institution, plus a minimum of 3 years' experience in a comparable role within a recognised academic institution.
• Option B: Bachelor's Degree in Food Production, Food and Beverage Service, Hospitality Management, or a relevant field from a recognised institution, plus a minimum of 5 years' experience in a comparable role within a recognised academic institution.

Mount Kenya University has indicated the salary for this position as Open, meaning it is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience. Based on market benchmarks for a senior hospitality management role within a Kenyan university setting, the estimated monthly gross salary range is KES 150,000 – KES 280,000. Final compensation will be discussed during the selection process.

This role is ideal for a seasoned hospitality or catering professional who has successfully managed large-scale food service or accommodation operations within an academic institution. You are a confident leader who can balance operational efficiency with high service standards, manage diverse teams, and navigate institutional procurement and compliance frameworks. You are passionate about student welfare and understand the critical role catering and accommodation play in the overall university experience.

Do NOT apply if you have no experience in an academic or institutional setting, if your background is limited to small-scale or purely commercial restaurant management with no supervisory or administrative responsibilities, or if you do not meet the minimum academic and experience requirements outlined above.

• Interested and qualified candidates should submit their application through Mount Kenya University's official recruitment channels or as directed on the MKU careers portal.
• Ensure your application includes a detailed CV, copies of relevant academic and professional certificates, and a cover letter addressed to the relevant HR office at MKU.
• Clearly indicate the position applied for — Central Catering & Accommodation Manager — in your application.
• Applications must be submitted on or before 4th July 2026. Late applications will not be considered.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.