Catering Manager

Sodexo Group; Preston; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in quality of life services is seeking a dedicated Catering Manager to oversee operations across two sites in Carlisle. This role requires strong leadership, financial management, and culinary skills. The successful candidate will ensure high standards and compliance while managing a motivated team. Join a global leader committed to improving everyday life for everyone.

Qualifications

• Experience in a similar role.
• Proven experience in catering management and leading operational teams.
• Strong financial acumen with experience managing budgets.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning, preparation, and delivery of all catering services.
• Ensure compliance with food safety and hygiene regulations.
• Manage staff training, performance, and discipline.

Skills

Leadership & People Management

Client & Customer Satisfaction

Innovation and Change

Employee Engagement

Education

Basic culinary/chef qualifications

Job description

Shift Pattern and Requirements

• Monday-Friday, 06:00-14:30 (occasional flexibility required to support operational needs)
• Must have access to own vehicle to commute between sites

About Sodexo

Sodexo is seeking a dedicated and experienced Catering Manager to lead catering and vending operations across two sites in Carlisle. This role offers a fantastic opportunity for a motivated professional with strong leadership, financial, and culinary management skills to join a global leader in quality of life services.

Key Responsibilities

1. Lead planning, preparation, and delivery of all catering and vending services in accordance with service level agreements and client expectations.
2. Oversee dual-site operations, ensuring consistency and high standards across both locations.
3. Ensure compliance with food safety, health, and hygiene regulations, especially regarding allergens and dietary requirements.
4. Manage staff training, performance, and discipline in line with company procedures.
5. Maintain accurate financial records, including payroll, budgeting, and banking for vending services.
6. Support the implementation of new food offerings and operational changes.
7. Organize hospitality catering, including occasional out-of-hours events.
8. Maintain inventory control and supplier compliance.

What We’re Looking For

1. Experience in a similar role
2. Basic culinary/chef qualifications
3. Proven experience in catering management and leading operational teams
4. Strong financial acumen with experience managing budgets and reporting
5. Effective trainer and coach with excellent interpersonal and communication skills
6. Highly organized, self-motivated, and flexible with a proactive approach
7. Strong IT and numerical skills

Core Competencies

• Leadership & People Management
• Client & Customer Satisfaction
• Innovation and Change
• Employee Engagement

About Sodexo

At Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better every day for everyone to build a better life for all. As the global leader in services that improve quality of life, we operate in 55 countries, serving over 100 million consumers daily through our unique combination of On-Site Food and FM Services, Benefits & Rewards Services, and Personal & Home Services.

We are committed to being an inclusive employer and are a forces-friendly employer. We welcome and encourage applications from people with diverse experiences, backgrounds, and identities. We also encourage our employees to get involved with our Employee Networks such as Pride, Sodexo Parents & Carers, Sodexo Disability, Ability Network, SoTogether, Generations, and Origins.

We’re a Disability Confident Leader employer, committed to changing attitudes towards disability and ensuring disabled people have the opportunity to fulfill their aspirations. We run a Disability Confident interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria for the job.