Assistant Catering Manager

Manpower Group (UK); Penarth; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Weekly pay (PAYE)

Job summary

Manpower is recruiting on behalf of our client to launch a brand-new public sector catering unit. The Assistant Manager will support mobilisation, lead the team and ensure the operation opens safely, smoothly and to a high standard.

This is a 3-month temporary contract with potential for permanent employment, starting ASAP or by 14 September 2026. The role requires Level 3 Food Safety, at least five years of catering experience, and proven team leadership in a regulated environment.

Qualifications

• Level 3 Food Safety is required.
• Minimum 5 years’ commercial catering experience.
• Proven experience managing teams, not just supervising.
• Strong HACCP and food safety management knowledge.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily operations in a busy public-sector catering unit.
• Supervise staff, including rota management and interviews.
• Maintain HACCP compliance and food safety standards.
• Oversee stock control, ordering, replenishment and waste.
• Ensure accurate completion of food safety documentation.
• Support staff training ahead of opening.
• Handle customer queries and service recovery.
• Deputise for senior management when required.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Communication skills

Food safety awareness

Organisational skills

Education

Level 3 Food Safety

Tools

EPOS systems

Job description

Contract: Temporary
Duration: 3 months with the potential for permanent role
Start date: ASAP - no later than 14 September 2026
Hours: Fixed rota - Week 1 12.00 pm - 8.00 pm Week 2 6:30 am - 2:30 pm, every other weekend)
Hourly Rate: Weekdays £14.74 | Saturdays £18.55 | Sundays & Bank Holidays £22.83

A brand new public sector retail catering unit is launching in September. Manpower is recruiting on behalf of our client. We are seeking an experienced Assistant Manager to support mobilisation, lead the team, and ensure the operation opens safely, smoothly and to a high standard. This is a critical appointment, and only candidates who fully meet the specification will be considered.

About the Role

The Assistant Manager will play a key role in preparing the unit for opening, supporting staff training, embedding workflows and SOPs, and ensuring the highest standards of food safety, customer service and operational delivery. You will act as a senior on?site lead during your shifts, taking responsibility for day?to?day operations within a busy catering environment.

You must be confident working within a regulated public sector catering setting, where documentation, compliance and safe systems of work are essential. This is a hands on role requiring autonomy, strong decision making and the ability to maintain standards without close supervision.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead daily operations within a busy public?sector catering unit, ensuring consistent high?quality service.
• Supervise and support staff, including rota management, performance monitoring and return?to?work interviews.
• Maintain full compliance with HACCP, food safety legislation and organisational policies.
• Oversee stock control, ordering, replenishment and waste management.
• Ensure accurate completion of food safety documentation and operational records.
• Support staff training and induction ahead of the unit opening.
• Handle customer queries, complaints and service recovery professionally.
• Maintain safe working practices and report defects or issues promptly.
• Deputise for senior management when required.

Essential Requirements

• Level 3 Food Safety (applications without this will not be considered).
• Minimum 5 years' commercial catering experience in a busy environment.
• Proven experience managing teams - not just supervising.
• Strong understanding of HACCP and food safety management systems.
• Confident, reliable and able to work independently.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills.
• Ability to organise workloads, allocate tasks and maintain service standards under pressure.
• Flexible to work the fixed rota pattern including alternate weekends.
• Comfortable working within a regulated public sector catering environment.

Desirable

• Experience supporting the mobilisation or opening of a new catering unit.
• Experience in retail catering or branded food outlets.
• Knowledge of EPOS systems and stock management processes.
• Experience delivering staff training.

What We Provide

• Weekly pay (PAYE)
• Opportunity for it to become a permanent position