Foodservice Cateys 2025: Rising Star Award – Sandra Juan Delgado, Chartwells Universities

Thriving in a new job is one thing, but shaping a role from scratch with no roadmap and becoming indispensable in the process is the true mark of a rising star. 

This year’s Rising Star Award goes to Sandra Juan Delgado, sustainability manager for Chartwells, part of Compass Group UK & Ireland, which is based at the University of Sussex. Delgado’s role was created in 2023 for her to design and launch a shared strategy from scratch, uniting Chartwells and the university’s ambitions into one bold programme – all in just 12 months.

Delgado embraced her role with gusto and established a structure that now defines highly sustainable and socially impactful campus catering. She leads all environmental and social strategy across six cafés, a restaurant and across the university-wide hospitality services. 

Her work has been nothing short of transformational. She has elevated the site’s environmental performance through initiatives such as introducing a returnable cup scheme, which reduced single-use waste by 30%, saving more than £6,500. The scheme diverted 35,000 cups from landfill in just nine months and reduced food waste by almost 40% through daily tracking and menu refinement. This also generated cost savings, as well as enhancing Chartwells’ reputation as a sustainable partner.

A key highlight from this year was when Delgado transformed the campus into a “food waste festival” that drew nearly 200 students. Using the hook of Stop Food Waste Day in April, the event included a pop-up serving meals made entirely from scraps and surplus ingredients, encouraging students to rethink waste as a resource. This dynamic event showcased Delgado’s talent for combining creativity, education and impact.

While continuing to deliver environmental value, she is equally committed to generating social value through charity partnerships and social initiatives that strengthen community ties, such as a Christmas collection drive with St Peter’s church in Brighton that supported 130 people experiencing homelessness.

Not only is Delgado going above and beyond in her own role, but she is also a passionate advocate for the wider foodservice industry, championing underrepresented voices and creating a culture of inclusion. She works with Ambitious about Autism, creating inclusive hospitality career opportunities for autistic young people in East Sussex, and also partners with the university’s careers team to support students seeking jobs in sustainability, acting as a mentor to demystify the world of sustainability, especially for those from minority or non-professional backgrounds.

And Delgado’s impact is still growing: she is building relationships with the Brighton & Hove Food Partnership and local food businesses to share best practices and support small operators in their own sustainability efforts.

At the heart of her work is her collaborative spirit and human touch, qualities that make her truly excel in her role. Mark Lawrence, contract director at the University of Sussex, said Delgado is “genuinely one of the most valuable team members I’ve worked with”, and added: “I honestly can’t imagine this contract without her.” 

Delgado is making a huge impact on the university’s sustainability credentials and has emerged as a driving force, shaping a bold new model for truly impactful, large-scale sustainable hospitality.

Judges’ comments

“An exceptional application. Great to see sustainability as a crucial role. Brings a human element to the key themes of sustainability, and strong collaboration.” Phil Shelley

“Sandra built a sustainability strategy from scratch and then delivered phenomenal results – 92% SRA score and in the top 10 globally. Sandra’s having a huge social impact, delivering inclusive projects and mentoring the next generation of green champions.” Chris Gamm

The shortlist

• Sandra Juan Delgado, Chartwells Universities
• Millie Humphrey, Sodexo Live!
• Amelia Pearson, BaxterStorey
• Will Smith, Green & Fortune
• James Tweedy, Restaurant Associates

See previous winners of the award