Catering Manager - Retail

NHS; Tees Valley; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare service provider in Tees Valley is looking for an experienced Catering Manager (Retail) to oversee its restaurants and cafes within a hospital. The role involves delivering exceptional service, managing daily operations, driving sales, and ensuring compliance with food safety standards. The ideal candidate is a motivated leader with a passion for quality food and exceptional service.

Benefits

Pension scheme with company contribution

Night Shift Working Allowances

Bank Holiday Working Allowances

Qualifications

• Proven experience in multi-outlet hospitality management.
• Strong fiscal management skills including budgeting.
• Experience in menu planning for dietary needs.

Responsibilities

• Ensure high-quality service in all catering outlets.
• Manage day-to-day operations and staff performance.
• Drive financial performance and ensure compliance.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Organizational skills

Financial analysis

HACCP knowledge

Customer focus

Education

Level 3 qualification in Catering

Food Safety and Hygiene Certificate

Health & Safety qualification

Management qualification

Tools

Microsoft Office

Catering management systems (EPOS)

Job description

Are you a motivated hospitality professional with a passionfor great food, exceptional service, and operational excellence? Were seekingan experienced Catering Manager (Retail) to lead our restaurants and coffeeshops within a busy hospital environment.

In this key role, youll be responsible for delivering ahigh-quality and welcoming retail catering experience for patients, visitors,and staff alike. From managing daily operations and driving sales to ensuringcompliance with food safety and NHS standards, youll play a vital part increating a positive and supportive atmosphere across our catering outlets.

Youll lead and inspire a dedicated team,oversee menu development, maintain financial performance, and championsustainability and customer care in everything you do. If youre an energeticleader who thrives in a people-focused, fast-paced setting, this is an excitingopportunity to make a real difference in the heart of our hospital community.

Main duties of the job

As our Catering Manager (Retail) you will take responsibilityfor the day-to-day running and commercial success of our hospital restaurants,cafes, and coffee shops. You will ensure every outlet delivers high-quality foodand exceptional service while meeting financial and operational goals.

In this role, you will

Lead, motivate, and develop a diverse catering team todeliver outstanding customer service.

Oversee all aspects of daily operations, includingstaffing, stock management, and cash handling.

Manage budgets and financial performance, driving sales andcontrolling costs to achieve targets.

Ensure full compliance with food hygiene, health &safety, and NHS catering standards.

Work closely with suppliers and internal teams to maintainproduct quality, menu variety, and value for money.

Monitor customer feedback and implement improvements toenhance the overall dining experience.

Lead sustainability initiatives, reducing waste andsupporting healthier, locally sourced food options.

Support the introduction of new concepts,promotions, and seasonal offers to boost engagement and revenue.

About us

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.

SCL offers its own Terms and Conditions of employment which differ to the national NHS Terms and Conditions. As an employee in the company you will benefit from:

• Access to a pension scheme - National Employment Savings Trust (NEST) CDD Services will pay a 3% contribution (this is over and above the minimum contribution rate at the 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-rata hourly rate for hours worked only

Job responsibilities

As the Catering Manager (Retail), you will be responsible forthe smooth and efficient running of all retail catering operations within thehospital, including restaurants, cafes, and coffee shops. You will ensure thatevery outlet provides a welcoming environment, excellent food, and friendlyservice to patients, visitors, and staff.

Your role will involve:

Operational Management: Overseeing day-to-day operationsacross multiple catering outlets, ensuring consistent quality, cleanliness, andcompliance with all food safety and hygiene regulations.

People Leadership: Managing, training, and motivatingcatering and front-of-house teams to deliver excellent customer service andmaintain high morale.

Financial Oversight: Controlling budgets, managing stock,analysing sales performance, and implementing strategies to increaseprofitability while maintaining value for money.

Customer Experience: Ensuring menus are attractive,balanced, and meet diverse dietary needs while creating a positive andinclusive dining experience for everyone.

Compliance & Standards: Maintaining full adherence toNHS and Trust policies, food safety legislation, and health and safetyrequirements.

Innovation & Improvement: Introducing new foodconcepts, promotions, and sustainable initiatives to enhance the catering offerand support hospital-wide objectives.

Collaboration: Working closely with suppliers,hospital departments, and support services to ensure efficient operations andhigh standards across all retail catering areas.

Person Specification

Special Skills and Knowledge3>

• Sound knowledge of food safety legislation, HACCP, and infection control standards
• Strong leadership and team management skills
• Excellent communication and people skills
• Strong organisational and time management abilities
• Competent in Microsoft Office and catering management systems (EPOS, stock control, etc.)
• Ability to analyse financial and performance data and make data-driven decisions
• Professional, customer-focused, and approachable
• Resilient and able to work under pressure in a busy environment
• Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace
• Understanding of NHS or healthcare catering standards (e.g. NHS Food Standards, CQUIN, PLACE)
• Knowledge of sustainability and waste reduction in catering operations
• Creativity in menu and service development
• Commitment to promoting healthy eating and sustainability

Qualifications

• Level 3 qualification (or above) in Catering, Hospitality Management, or equivalent experience
• Level 3 Food Safety and Hygiene Certificate
• Health & Safety qualification (e.g. IOSH Managing Safely)
• Management or Leadership qualification (e.g. ILM or equivalent)
• Allergen Awareness or HACCP certification

Special Requirements

• Ability to work multisite and have flexibility to needs of the service
• Ability to work flexibly, including weekends and evenings as required
• Knowledge of catering sector

Experience

• Proven experience managing catering or hospitality operations within a multi-outlet or high-volume environment
• Experience in fiscal management, including budgeting, cost control, and forecasting
• Experience leading, training, and developing teams
• Experience in menu planning, including dietary and allergen management
• Experience working within a healthcare, hospital, or public sector setting
• Experience in supplier and contract management

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.