Catering Manager

Care First UK Recruitment Solutions; Gosport; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Permanent contract

Full-time role

Benefits package

Job summary

Care First UK Recruitment Solutions is assisting a residential care setting in Hampshire to recruit a Catering Manager. You will lead the kitchen, plan menus, and supervise a team to deliver nutritious meals that meet dietary needs while upholding high hygiene standards.

You will manage budgeting, stock control, supplier relationships and ensure HACCP compliance in a busy residential care environment. Strong leadership and communication are essential.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a catering leadership role within a care setting.
• Food Hygiene qualification (Level 3 or equivalent).
• Experience managing and motivating catering teams.
• Strong menu planning experience, including dietary and nutritional requirements.
• Experience managing budgets, food costs and stock control.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Experience liaising with suppliers and external contractors.
• Strong organisational and workload management abilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all kitchen and catering operations.
• Plan, prepare and deliver nutritious meals to a high standard.
• Develop and maintain seasonal menus, including special diets.
• Manage food purchasing, stock control and supplier relationships.
• Monitor and control catering budgets and expenditure.
• Ensure compliance with Food Safety legislation, HACCP and Health & Safety.

Skills

Leadership

Food Hygiene

Budgeting

Menu planning

Stock control

Communication

Supplier liaison

IT skills

Education

NVQ Level 3 Supervisory Management

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Residential Care Setting | Hampshire 37.5 Hours per Week | Permanent Competitive Salary + Benefits

Catering Manager Opportunity

Our client is seeking an experienced and motivated Catering Manager to lead the catering operation within a well-established residential care setting in Hampshire.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Catering Manager, Kitchen Manager, Chef Manager or Head Cook looking to take ownership of a busy kitchen, lead a dedicated team, and deliver high-quality meals that positively impact the lives of residents.

The successful candidate will oversee all aspects of kitchen operations, including menu planning, food preparation, stock control, budgeting, food safety compliance and team leadership.

The Role

As Catering Manager, you will be responsible for managing the day-to-day catering service, ensuring residents receive nutritious, well-balanced meals while maintaining the highest standards of food quality, hygiene, and customer service.

You will work closely with management and residents to develop menus that meet dietary requirements and preferences, whilst ensuring budgets and operational targets are achieved.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all kitchen and catering operations.
• Plan, prepare and deliver nutritious meals to a consistently high standard.
• Develop and maintain seasonal menus, including specialist and modified diets.
• Manage food purchasing, stock control and supplier relationships.
• Monitor and control catering budgets and expenditure.
• Ensure compliance with Food Safety legislation, HACCP principles and Health & Safety requirements.
• Maintain excellent kitchen hygiene standards and environmental health compliance.
• Create and manage staff rotas to ensure effective service delivery.
• Recruit, train, supervise and develop catering team members.
• Conduct performance reviews and identify training needs.
• Organise catering provision for events, functions and community activities.Maintain accurate records and documentation for audits and inspections.
• Ensure all catering equipment is maintained and serviced appropriately.

About You

Essential Skills & Experience

• Previous experience as a Catering Manager, Chef Manager, Kitchen Manager, Head Chef or similar leadership role.
• Food Hygiene qualification (Level 3 or equivalent).
• Experience managing and motivating catering teams.
• Strong menu planning experience, including dietary and nutritional requirements.
• Experience managing budgets, food costs and stock control.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Experience liaising with suppliers and external contractors.
• Strong organisational and workload management abilities.
• Competent IT skills, including Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to work independently and make informed decisions.

Desirable

• NVQ Level 3 in Supervisory Management or equivalent.
• Experience within a care home, healthcare, retirement living, assisted living or residential care environment.
• Knowledge of current food safety, HACCP and health & safety regulations.
• Experience supporting staff development and training programmes.

What's on Offer?

• Permanent, full-time opportunity.
• Supportive and values-driven working environment.
• Opportunity to lead and shape a successf