Catering Manager

Randstad Education; Royston; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A supportive organization in Royston is seeking a dedicated Catering Manager to lead their food service. This hands-on leadership role involves managing a team, overseeing high-quality meal preparation tailored to unique dietary needs, and ensuring compliance with food safety standards. Enjoy a Monday to Friday schedule, a welcome bonus of £1,500, and the chance to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people.

Benefits

Work-life balance

£1,500 welcome bonus

Professional growth opportunities

Qualifications

• Significant experience managing catering services in a care or education environment.
• Proven track record of team supervision and performance management.
• Excellent cooking skills and experience catering to complex dietary needs.

Responsibilities

• Lead kitchen operations while supervising staff and managing teams.
• Collaborate with other teams to create inclusive menus.
• Manage budgets, stock control, and supplier relationships.

Skills

Culinary expertise

Leadership skills

Business acumen

Tech savvy

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Catering Manager - Food, Leadership & Impact

Use your culinary leadership to make a real difference: we are looking for a Catering Manager to lead our food service in Meldreth.

More Than Just a Kitchen...

Are you a talented Chef Manager or Catering Manager looking to escape the unsociable hours of hospitality without sacrificing your passion for food?

We are looking for a Catering Manager to lead the heart of our home. This is not a standard canteen role; it is a hands‑on leadership position where food meets care. You will be ensuring that every meal we serve is not only nutritious and high‑quality but tailored to the unique and complex dietary needs of the children and young adults we support.

The Role

Leading a close‑knit team (including a Senior Cook and Catering Assistant), you will drive the standards of our onsite catering service. You will champion a person‑centred approach to mealtimes, ensuring food is a source of joy, health, and comfort for our service users.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Hands‑on Leadership: Leading from the front in the kitchen while supervising staff, managing rotas, conducting reviews, and fostering a positive, supportive team culture.

• Collaboration: Working closely with therapy, education, and care teams to create inclusive menus that accommodate complex dietary requirements (including dysphagia management) and special themed events.

• Operational Excellence: Managing budgets, stock control, and supplier relationships with a keen eye for detail.

• Safety First: Ensuring absolute compliance with food safety, hygiene, COSHH, and Natasha's Law.

Who We Are Looking For

We are looking for a leader who cooks with skill and manages with empathy. You should have:

• Relevant Experience: A background managing catering services within a care, education, or similar setting is essential.

• Leadership Skills: A proven track record of supervising teams, managing performance, and coaching staff to grow in confidence and capability.

• Culinary Expertise: Excellent cooking skills with specific experience catering to complex dietary needs.

• Business Acumen: Experience managing budgets, stock, and documentation with accuracy.

• Tech Savvy: Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel) is required for menu planning and administrative duties.

• Values: A genuine commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable young people.

Why Join Us?

• Work‑Life Balance: Enjoy a consistent Monday to Friday schedule-a rarity in the catering industry!

• Welcome Bonus: We value your decision to join us, starting with a £1,500 bonus.

• Meaningful Work: Every meal you plan and prepare makes a tangible difference in the lives of the people we support.

• Professional Growth: We support your development as a leader, just as you support your team.

Ready to bring your passion to our table?

If you are an organised, compassionate catering professional ready to lead a team in a diverse and inclusive environment, we want to hear from you.

Apply today to start your journey with us.

All applicants will be subject to a safer recruitment process, including an enhanced DBS check.