Catering Manager/Chef - 24 Month Fixed Term Contract

Housing 21; Northampton; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 38,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Blue Light Card discount

Holiday trade scheme

Volunteer days

Sick pay

Job summary

Housing 21 is seeking a Catering Manager/Chef to lead the day-to-day running of the Village's catering and hospitality services, ensuring high standards of food quality, customer service, and operational performance.

You will manage a team of catering, bar, hospitality staff and volunteers, driving continuous improvements and ensuring compliance with safety and financial procedures to maintain a welcoming environment for residents and visitors.

Qualifications

• Sound knowledge of food hygiene legislation, food safety management systems and health and safety requirements.
• Understanding of nutritional requirements, specialist diets, allergens and menu planning for older people.
• Knowledge of stock control budgeting, food costings and financial management within a catering environment.
• Understanding of customer service principles and delivering high-quality hospitality experiences.
• Ability to build positive relationships with residents, colleagues, volunteers and external stakeholders.
• Level 2 Food Safety and Hygiene, Level 3 Food Safety and Hygiene certificates (or willingness to achieve within a specified timeframe).

Responsibilities

• Oversee the day-to-day running of the Village's catering and hospitality services.
• Lead and support a dedicated team of catering, bar, hospitality staff and volunteers.
• Ensure full compliance with food safety, health and safety, and financial procedures.
• Create an exceptional dining experience for residents and visitors.
• Contribute to the wellbeing and independence of older people living within our community.

Skills

Food safety knowledge

Nutrition & menu planning

Budgeting & cost control

Customer service

Stakeholder relationship

Education

Level 2 Food Safety & Hygiene

Level 3 Food Safety & Hygiene

Job description

Catering Manager/Chef - 24 Month Fixed Term Contract

We are currently looking to recruit a Catering Manager/Chef to join our St Crispinteam here at Housing 21.

As Catering Manager/Chef, you will oversee the day‑to‑day running of the Village's catering and hospitality services, ensuring high standards of food quality, customer service, and operational performance.

You will help create an exceptional dining experience for residents and visitors while contributing to the wellbeing and independence of older people living within our community.

You'll lead and support a dedicated team of catering, bar, hospitality staff and volunteers, fostering a positive, customer‑focused culture and driving continuous improvements across the service.

Alongside delivering nutritious, high‑quality meals, you'll ensure full compliance with food safety, health and safety, and financial procedures, helping to maintain a safe, welcoming and enjoyable environment for all.

Curious to know more? If you’re looking for an opportunity where you can make a real difference, with an organisation with a strong social purpose, take a look at the job description attached.

We’d love to meet you!

What we’re looking for

• Sound knowledge of food hygiene legislation, food safety management systems and health and safety requirements
• Understanding of nutritional requirements, specialist diets, allergens and menu planning for older people
• Knowledge of stock control budgeting, food costings and financial management within a catering environment
• Understanding of customer service principles and delivering high‑quality hospitality experiences
• Ability to build positive relationships with residents, colleagues, volunteers and external stakeholders.
• Level 2Food Safety and Hygiene, Level 3 Food Safety and Hygiene Certificate (or willingness to achieve within a specified timeframe)

Why us?

We support our employees to do what they do best, whether that’s through flexible working, learning new skills or being part of a friendly and supportive workplace culture. We also offer a great benefits package including Blue Light Card discount, holiday trade scheme, volunteer days, Occupational Sick Pay, Occupational Maternity Pay and more.

An offer of employment will be subject to the satisfactory completion of an enhanced/ basic disclosure check, satisfactory references, and induction training.

Closing date for applications 12 November 2026

Due to the nature of this role this advert may close earlier than the closing date listed and once sufficient applications have been received. Please apply early to avoid disappointment.