Catering and Contracts Officer

Shared Services Partnership; Eastleigh; On-site; GBP 33,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

A local authority in Eastleigh is seeking a Catering and Contracts Officer to lead the catering operations at Calshot Activities Centre. The role involves ensuring high-quality customer experiences and effective team management in a vibrant environment. Candidates should possess strong leadership skills, excellent communication abilities, and a passion for service excellence. This position offers flexible working opportunities and various employee benefits.

Benefits

Opportunities for personal growth and development

Discount opportunities for activities and courses

Flexible working opportunities

Free on-site parking

Qualifications

• Understanding of catering operational models.
• Demonstrating core values of Hampshire Outdoor Centre.
• Ability to lead a team and motivate.
• Capable of accurately recording information.

Responsibilities

• Deliver excellent customer experiences.
• Lead by example and maintain operational efficiencies.
• Develop a high-quality catering operation.
• Foster a collaborative team culture.

Skills

Team player

Excellent communication skills

Leadership skills

Sound IT skills

Job description

Job Reference: HCC622026
Salary Range: £33,178 - £36,369 per annum, plus Enhancements
Work Location: Calshot Activities Centre, Calshot
Hours per week: 37
Contract Type: Permanent
Closing Date: 31 January 2026

A unique opportunity has come up at Calshot Activities Centre. As we grow our business and our internal catering provision we are looking for someone with both hospitality, catering and team leading experience to support the delivery of excellent visitor services across our site.

The Role:

Calshot Activities Centre is a unique outdoor education facility and visitor attraction in the New Forest National Park.

We offer outdoor education to 10,000 children each year through a range of residential packages, whilst also boasting a thriving and busy campsite, boat park, Tudor Castle and a busy seafront café. The beach brings thousands of people to our centre every year and this role is at the heart of ensuring all these customers have the best experience possible.

This role sits in the visitor services team, reporting to the visitor services manager. The team consists of the facilities maintenance team, the catering operations and front of house and together; we look after catering operations, facilities, site maintenance and projects, accommodation, the campsite, boat park and castle. It is our responsibility to ensure that all customers have the best experience with high quality, value for money experiences that make them want to come back.

What you’ll do:

In this role, you will focus on delivering excellent customer experiences while maintaining operational efficiencies aligned with key performance indicators. You will lead by example, demonstrating professionalism and outstanding customer engagement at every opportunity. By developing and implementing effective ways of working, you will ensure compliance and uphold high standards across the team. You'll foster a collaborative "one team" culture, encouraging teamwork and shared success.

Additionally, you will be responsible for developing a catering operation that is high quality, cost‑effective, and adaptable to changing needs. Building strong working relationships will be key to promoting efficiency and meeting the evolving demands of the business.

What we’re looking for:

• An understanding of the needs of specific catering units - we operate one policy but two operational models
• Demonstrating the core values of Hampshire Outdoor Centre
• Understanding the vision of Hampshire Outdoor Centres and the passion to bring it to life
• A team player with strong collaborative skills
• Excellent communication skills - able to coach, demonstrate and motivate a team
• Leadership skills, someone who is able to lead a team through periods of change and inspire people to be proud and understand their role within the journey
• Sound IT skills and able to accurately record information

To apply, please complete the application form and attach your CV to support your application.

Hampshire County Council is recognised nationally as one of the highest performing local authorities in the UK. A modern, forward‑looking local authority, it offers a pleasant, supportive, and collaborative working environment.

Hampshire County Council is also a flexible employer interested in making the most of your skills and offers a great work life balance. We invest in you through our internal development programmes and training and offer a competitive salary and benefits package.

The role also offers:

• A vibrant place to work, where no day is the same
• Opportunities for personal growth and development
• Discount opportunities for activities and courses
• Flexible working opportunities available
• Sunday and bank holiday enhancements
• Free on site parking

Additional Information:

Catering and Contracts Officer Candidate Pack

Vetting Requirements:

This post is subject to a Criminal Records Check.

Contact Details for an Informal Discussion:

Kelly Metcalfe, Visitor Services Manager on [e-mail]

Hampshire County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment.

In order to combat discrimination, no unnecessary conditions or requirements will be applied which could have a disproportionately adverse effect on any one group. All sections of the population will have equal access to jobs. No applicant or employee will receive less favourable treatment because of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership and pregnancy or maternity, unless a Genuine Occupational Requirement (GOR) applies.

We are a Disability Confident Employer - committed to ensuring that our recruitment and selection process is inclusive and accessible.

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