Catering Manager – Care Home Dining Lead

Ad Talent Recruitment; Romford; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Parkside Residential Home in Romford is hiring a hands-on Catering Manager to lead the Hospitality team and ensure residents enjoy freshly cooked, nutritious meals daily. The role requires previous care home kitchen experience and reliable commuting to Romford.

You will oversee a seven‑day service, cook twice weekly, and provide cover during holidays, while managing rosters, budgets and supplier relations. A Catering Diploma or NVQ Level 3 and Level 2 Hygiene are required.

Qualifications

• Experience cooking for residents in a residential or nursing care setting.
• Minimum 2 years cooking for 30+ people in a professional kitchen.
• Catering/food-service management with supervision experience.
• Qualifications: Catering Diploma or City & Guilds or NVQ Level 3.
• Level 2+ Food Hygiene Certificate; HACCP knowledge.
• Experience managing kitchen stock, suppliers and budgets.
• Strong organisation and communication; proficiency with Microsoft Office.

Responsibilities

• Oversee seven-day catering service and main cook twice a week.
• Provide cooking cover during staff holidays.
• Lead Hospitality team; manage rota; train staff on safety.
• Plan varied seasonal menus reflecting residents' tastes and dietary needs.
• Ensure meals meet allergies and dietary requirements.
• Manage food orders, stock, budgets and waste.
• Maintain hygiene records, temperature checks, cleaning schedules, labelling.
• Prepare for inspections (CQC and Environmental Health).
• Plan catering for birthdays and special occasions.

Skills

Kitchen leadership

Menu planning

Food preparation

Stock management

Communication

MS Office

Education

Catering Diploma

City & Guilds

NVQ Level 3 in Practical Cookery

Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate

Job description

Parkside Residential Home in Romford is hiring a hands-on Catering Manager to lead the Hospitality team and ensure residents enjoy freshly cooked, nutritious meals daily. The role requires previous care home kitchen experience and reliable commuting to Romford.

You will oversee a seven‑day service, cook twice weekly, and provide cover during holidays, while managing rosters, budgets and supplier relations. A Catering Diploma or NVQ Level 3 and Level 2 Hygiene are required.