Unit Catering Manager

Cardiff and Vale University Health Board; Greater London; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Jewish Care in London is seeking a Unit Catering Manager to lead daily catering operations, delivering nutritious, culturally aligned meals and excellent service within a care environment.

You will manage a small team, plan nutritious seasonal menus, and ensure food safety and budget adherence while engaging with residents and families for personalised dining experiences.

Qualifications

• NVQ Level 2 or 3 in relevant fields (Essential)
• Proven experience as a Chef and in managing catering operations, preferably in a care home or similar environment (Essential)
• At least five years experience in a busy kitchen (Essential)
• Awareness of COSHH (Essential)
• Experience working to deadlines and adhering to budgetary requirements (Essential)
• Takes responsibility for own work and making improvements where possible (Essential)
• Awareness of waste disposal techniques and infection control (Essential)
• Working knowledge of Health and Safety legislation (Essential)
• Exceptional culinary skills with a strong understanding of dietary needs and restrictions (Essential)
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal (Essential)
• IT Literacy with an ability to pick up new systems with ease (Essential)
• Ability to communicate and manage interpersonal relationships, including influencing skills (Essential)
• Strong client-facing skills with a commitment to excellent customer service (Essential)
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills (Essential)
• Ability to lead and manage a team effectively (Essential)
• Strong financial acumen with experience in budget management (Essential)

Responsibilities

• Culinary Management: Preparing, cooking, and presenting high-quality meals tailored to residents' dietary needs.
• Client-Facing and Customer Service: Engaging with residents and families to understand dietary preferences.
• Operational Management: Overseeing day-to-day catering operations, stock control, and invoices.
• Team Leadership: Leading, mentoring, and motivating the catering team and staff rotas.
• Financial Management: Monitoring the catering budget and providing financial reporting.

Skills

Culinary management

Team leadership

Customer service

Budget management

Food safety awareness

Education

City & Guilds 706 1/2

NVQ Level 2/3

Tools

EPOS system

Future Workforce Management System

Indicator Menu & Recipe Management System

Job description

As a Unit Catering Manager, you will lead the day-to-day delivery of a high-quality catering service, ensuring residents receive nutritious, appetising meals that meet their dietary, cultural and individual needs. Combining hands-on culinary expertise with operational management, you will oversee menu planning, food preparation, stock control, budgeting, compliance with food safety standards, and the leadership of a dedicated catering team. You will work closely with residents, families and colleagues to provide an excellent dining experience while maintaining efficient and cost-effective operations. This role has a direct impact on residents' health, wellbeing and quality of life, making it ideal for an experienced chef and people manager who is passionate about delivering outstanding food and exceptional customer service within a care environment.

If you are an experienced chef who enjoys leading a team and making a positive difference through great food, we'd love to hear from you. As our Unit Catering Manager, you will play a key role in creating nutritious, seasonal meals while managing the daily operation of a busy catering service. This rewarding role offers the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with residents, ensuring their dining experience is enjoyable, personalised and reflects their individual preferences and cultural requirements. We're looking for someone with excellent culinary skills, strong leadership abilities, sound organisational and financial management experience, and a commitment to maintaining the highest standards of food safety and customer service. Join Jewish Care and help create welcoming dining experiences that enhance the lives of the people we support.

We are seeking a dynamic Unit Catering Manager to oversee the dining experience for our Residents. This role is perfect for a chef who is not only passionate about cooking but also loves engaging with people. You will lead a small team to develop and prepare nutritional, seasonal menus that align with Jewish cultural practices while ensuring exceptional customer service and operational efficiency.

The role will involve 80% Cooking and 20% operational management. This post is working 5 days out of 7 and some weekends on a rota basis. Shifts are: 6.00am to 2.30pm or 11.00am to 7.30pm

What you will be doing:

• Culinary Management: Preparing, cooking, and present high-quality meals tailored to residents' dietary needs. Developing and managing menus using the Indicator Menu & Recipe Management System. Ensuring strict compliance with food safety and hygiene standards.
• Client-Facing and Customer Service: Engaging with residents and families to understand and cater to dietary preferences and requirements. Maintaining high levels of customer service, ensuring resident satisfaction. Addressing any concerns or complaints promptly and professionally.
• Operational Management: Overseeing day-to-day catering operations, ensuring smooth service delivery. Managing the EPOS system for accurate billing and inventory tracking. Implement and manage the Future Workforce Management System for optimal staff scheduling. Managing stock control, including ordering supplies, maintaining inventory, and reducing wastage. Ensuring efficient processing and management of invoices.
• Team Leadership: Leading, mentoring, and motivating the catering team, fostering a positive working environment. Developing staff rotas to ensure adequate coverage and efficient operation. Providing ongoing training and development opportunities for team members.
• Financial Management: Monitoring and managing the catering budget, ensuring cost-effectiveness and financial efficiency. Conducting regular financial reporting and analysis to track performance against budget.

What you will need

• City of Guilds 706 1 / 2 or equivalent (Desirable)
• NVQ Level 2 or 3 in relevant fields (Essential)
• Proven experience as a Chef and in managing catering operations, preferably in a care home or similar environment (Essential)
• At least five years experience in a busy kitchen (Essential)
• Awareness of COSHH (Essential)
• Experience working to deadlines and adhering to budgetary requirements (Essential)
• Takes responsibility for own work and making improvements where possible (Essential)
• Awareness of waste disposal techniques and infection control (Essential)
• Working knowledge of Health and Safety legislation (Essential)
• Exceptional culinary skills with a strong understanding of dietary needs and restrictions (Essential)
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal (Essential)
• IT Literacy with an ability to pick up new systems with ease (Essential)
• Ability to communicate and manage interpersonal relationships, including influencing skills (Essential)
• Strong client-facing skills with a commitment to excellent customer service (Essential)
• Proficient in using EPOS systems and other relevant software (Desirable)
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills (Essential)
• Ability to lead and manage a team effectively (Essential)
• Strong financial acumen with experience in budget management (Essential)

Join our team and make a meaningful impact in a role that blends culinary expertise with exceptional management and customer service skills.

Jewish Care is the largest health and social care charity serving the Jewish community in London and the South East. Every week, we support thousands of older people, families, and individuals through residential care, nursing care, retirement living, community services, mental health support, and social work. Our services are built around dignity, compassion, and inclusion, creating environments where people can live meaningful lives. Guided by our values of Excellence, Integrity, Innovation, Compassion, and Inclusiveness, we are committed to delivering outstanding care while investing in our colleagues through training, development, and a supportive working environment. By joining Jewish Care, you will become part of a collaborative organisation where your contribution is valued and where high-quality hospitality plays an important role in enhancing residents' health, wellbeing and daily experience. Whether supporting people living in our care homes or attending our community services, every meal served helps create a warm, welcoming and person-centred environment.