Catering Supervisor

Reed; Thatcham; On-site; GBP 29,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading catering service provider in Thatcham is seeking a passionate Catering Team Leader to manage food service and ensure exceptional standards in a dynamic environment. The ideal candidate will have prior experience in catering, strong leadership, and organizational skills. This role offers a competitive salary and the opportunity to work in a beautiful rural setting with a full-time schedule.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Generous pension scheme

Free meals

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a similar catering role, ideally for large numbers.
• Ability to work unsupervised and as part of a team.
• High standards of personal hygiene and commitment to food safety.

Responsibilities

• Supervise all General Assistants and Kitchen Porters on shift.
• Oversee management and maintenance of dining rooms and food service areas.
• Enforce health & safety compliance and food hygiene standards.

Skills

Organisational skills

Team leadership

Communication skills

Ability to work under pressure

Commitment to food safety

Job description

Catering Team Leader

Start Date: Immediate Contract Type: Permanent Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week, 52 weeks per year. Working 5 days out of 7 (Monday–Sunday) on a rotating shift pattern:

• Week 1: 6:30am – 3:00pm
• Week 2: 12:00pm – 8:30pm

Salary: £28,476 per annum Benefits: Competitive salary, generous pension scheme, free meals, and more. Plus, the opportunity to live and work in a beautiful rural setting.

Reporting To: Catering & Events Manager

About the Role

They are seeking a dedicated Catering Team Leader to join their dynamic catering department. This is an exciting opportunity for someone passionate about food service and team leadership, who thrives in a fast-paced environment and takes pride in delivering exceptional standards.

The successful candidate will assist the Catering & Events Manager in the day-to-day running of the catering operation across multiple outlets on site. They will supervise General Assistants and Kitchen Porters during shifts, ensuring high standards of hygiene, safety, and customer service are consistently met.

About the Department

With a kitchen brigade of 15, including Chefs, Commis Chefs, Kitchen Assistants, and Stores staff, the department delivers a fully catered service serving breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, and supper, seven days a week during term time. They cater for approximately 560 pupils and 450 staff, alongside numerous hospitality events and formal dinners throughout the year.

Key Responsibilities

• Supervise all General Assistants and Kitchen Porters on shift.
• Oversee the management and maintenance of dining rooms and food service areas.
• Ensure salad counters and servery areas are clean, stocked, and ready for service.
• Conduct pre-service briefings, including allergen and dietary information.
• Enforce health & safety compliance and food hygiene standards.
• Deliver efficient, friendly service and respond promptly to customer requests.
• Complete all necessary records daily (checklists, temperatures, cleaning schedules).
• Comply with legislative procedures (Manual Handling, COSHH, Fire Safety, Food Safety).
• Maintain cleanliness and presentation standards across all catering areas.
• Collate weekly HACCP documentation.
• Order non-food items and manage COSHH products appropriately.
• Assist with stocktaking, staff induction, and training.
• Support hospitality and events as directed by management.
• Contribute to new ideas and improvements within the catering department.
• Provide cover and work overtime when required.

What They’re Looking For

Essential:

• Previous experience in a similar catering role, ideally catering for large numbers.
• Strong organisational skills and ability to lead a team effectively.
• Excellent communication skills with a professional, approachable manner.
• Ability to work under pressure, using initiative and remaining calm.
• High standards of personal hygiene and commitment to food safety.
• Ability to work unsupervised and as part of a team.
• Full driving licence or reliable transport (rural location with limited public transport).

Desirable:

• Previous supervisory experience.
• Level 2 Food Safety and Level 3 Supervising Food Safety qualifications.
• Flexible and proactive approach to work.

If this exciting opportunity interests you, please apply ASAP!