Assistant Manager

Caterlink; Greater London; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Caterlink is seeking an Assistant Manager (Catering) in London, England to support the Catering Manager in staff management, training, and service delivery. The role emphasises quality food, excellent customer service, and adherence to safety and budget targets.

You will ensure compliance and lead a hands-on team to maintain high presentation and service standards. Ideal candidates will have supervisory experience in catering, strong knowledge of food safety, and the ability to motivate a team

Qualifications

• Experience as a Supervisor, Assistant Manager, Chef Supervisor or Catering Manager is preferred.
• Strong knowledge of catering operations and food service practices.
• Excellent customer service and communication skills are required.
• Good understanding of food costs, labour, stock and waste to support budget goals.
• Good knowledge of food safety, allergens and health & safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Catering Manager with staff recruitment, selection and management; assess performance and develop with action plans.
• Ensure mandatory compliance training and develop annual training plans with team briefings.
• Maintain food safety and health standards; conduct risk assessments and report accidents.
• Deliver excellent customer service during meal periods and monitor feedback.
• Maintain client relations and present service objectives and financial information as needed.
• Oversee equipment maintenance and establish location cleaning schedules.
• Lead by example, motivate the team, and uphold company procedures and values.
• Attend required training, meetings, and health and safety courses and pursue personal development.

Skills

Supervisory experience

Catering knowledge

Customer service

Financial awareness

Food safety knowledge

Job description

• Assist the Catering Manager in recruiting, selecting, and managing staff to meet site, client, and company needs; assess performance, identify training requirements, and conduct development reviews with active management plans in place
• Ensure all employees receive mandatory and compliance training aligned with company standards; develop annual training plans and conduct regular team briefings to communicate targets, standards, and company/client information
• Maintain food, health, and safety standards across all operations; conduct risk assessments, record and report accidents, and ensure all employees adhere to company policies and procedures at all times
• Deliver excellent customer service by being visible during meal periods, monitoring feedback, and consistently exceeding food service and value expectations; maintain innovative presentation and service standards
• Maintain effective client relationships by understanding their needs and ensuring all agreed service objectives are met; attend catering committee meetings as required and present financial information to clients as directed
• Ensure equipment is well maintained and in good working order; make recommendations for renewal and replacement; establish and maintain location cleaning schedules
• Lead by example, motivating the team to take pride in their work; ensure company procedures are understood and practised; act as a positive ambassador for the business and treat others with respect
• Attend all required training, meetings, and health and safety courses; take responsibility for own development and demonstrate commitment to company values in all aspects of the role

Qualifications

The successful candidate will ideally have:

• Previous experience as a Supervisor, Assistant Manager, Chef Supervisor or Catering Manager
• Strong food and catering knowledge with a genuine interest in delivering quality food
• Excellent customer service and communication skills
• Good financial and commercial awareness, including understanding of food costs, labour, stock and waste
• Good knowledge of food safety, allergens and health & safety
• Strong organisational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to lead and motivate a team with a proactive, hands‑on approach

Assistant Manager London, England, United Kingdom