Catering Manager - Retail

CDD Services (Synchronicity Care Ltd); Tees Valley; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A health and catering services provider in Tees Valley is seeking an experienced Catering Manager (Retail) to oversee operations in hospital restaurants. This role demands strong leadership skills, a commitment to food safety and insurance compliance, and an ability to enhance customer service. Responsibilities include managing budgets, driving sales, and improving the dining experience for patients and staff. The position offers a competitive salary with additional benefits including pension contributions and allowances for night or bank holiday shifts.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Access to pension scheme (NEST)

Night shift working allowances

Bank holiday working allowances

Qualifications

• Experienced in managing catering operations within a healthcare or hospitality setting.
• Strong background in food safety regulations and NHS standards.
• Ability to lead and develop a diverse team while enhancing customer service.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily catering operations and ensure compliance with food hygiene standards.
• Manage budgets, drive sales, and control costs to meet financial goals.
• Lead initiatives for sustainability and customer-focused dining experience.

Skills

Leadership

Food safety compliance

Customer service excellence

Financial management

Job description

Overview

Are you a motivated hospitality professional with a passion for great food, exceptional service, and operational excellence? We’re seeking an experienced Catering Manager (Retail) to lead our restaurants and coffee shops within a busy hospital environment. In this key role, you’ll be responsible for delivering a high‑quality and welcoming retail catering experience for patients, visitors, and staff alike. From managing daily operations and driving sales to ensuring compliance with food safety and NHS standards, you’ll play a vital part in creating a positive and supportive atmosphere across our catering outlets. You’ll lead and inspire a dedicated team, oversee menu development, maintain financial performance, and champion sustainability and customer care in everything you do. If you’re an energetic leader who thrives in a people‑focused, fast‑paced setting, this is an exciting opportunity to make a real difference in the heart of our hospital community.

As our Catering Manager (Retail) you will take responsibility for the day‑to‑day running and commercial success of our hospital restaurants, cafés, and coffee shops. You will ensure every outlet delivers high‑quality food and exceptional service while meeting financial and operational goals. In this role, you will lead, motivate, and develop a diverse catering team to deliver outstanding customer service. Oversee all aspects of daily operations, including staffing, stock management, and cash handling. Manage budgets and financial performance, driving sales and controlling costs to achieve targets. Ensure full compliance with food hygiene, health & safety, and NHS catering standards. Work closely with suppliers and internal teams to maintain product quality, menu variety, and value for money. Monitor customer feedback and implement improvements to enhance the overall dining experience. Lead sustainability initiatives, reducing waste and supporting healthier, locally sourced food options. Support the introduction of new concepts, promotions, and seasonal offers to boost engagement and revenue.

SCL is a wholly owned subsidiary of County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust (CDDFT) set up to deliver a range of non‑clinical services. The company is a separate legal body to CDDFT.

Benefits

• A competitive salary
• Access to a pension scheme – National Employment Savings Trust (NEST). CDD Services will pay a 3% contribution (over and above the minimum contribution rate at present time).
• Night shift working allowances (where appropriate)
• Bank holiday working allowances (where appropriate)
• Bank work is offered on an ‘as and when’ basis with no guaranteed hours and will be paid on a pro‑rated hourly rate for hours worked only.