Unit Catering Manager (Full Time - 40 hours)

Jewish Care; East Finchley; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Jewish Care in East Finchley is seeking a Unit Catering Manager to lead a small team and deliver nutritionally tailored meals while upholding Jewish dietary practices. The role combines hands-on cooking (80%) with operational management (20%) and requires strong customer service and cost control.

The ideal candidate will have substantial kitchen leadership experience, relevant NVQ/City & Guilds qualifications, and proficiency with EPOS and menu systems.

Qualifications

• NVQ Level 2 or 3 in relevant fields (Essential)
• Proven experience as a Chef with catering operations leadership (Essential)
• At least five years' experience in a busy kitchen (Essential)
• COSHH awareness (Essential)
• Experience working to deadlines and budgets (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)
• 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)

Responsibilities

• Culinary management: prepare, cook, and present high-quality meals tailored to dietary needs.
• Develop and manage menus using Indicator Menu & Recipe Management System.
• Ensure strict compliance with food safety and hygiene standards.
• Client-Facing: engage with residents and families to cater to dietary preferences.
• Maintain high levels of customer service and resident satisfaction.
• Address concerns or complaints promptly and professionally.
• Operational management: manage EPOS system for billing and inventory tracking.
• Implement and manage Future Workforce Management System for staff scheduling.
• Manage stock control, orders, inventory, and waste reduction.
• Ensure efficient processing of invoices; lead and train the catering team.
• Develop staff rotas for adequate coverage; provide training and development.
• Monitor budgets and conduct regular financial reporting and analysis against budget.

Skills

Culinary management

Team leadership

Budget management

Customer service

Food safety

EPOS system

Menu development

Staff scheduling

Dietary compliance

Education

NVQ Level 2/3

City & Guilds 7061/2

Tools

EPOS systems

Future Workforce Management System

Indicator Menu/Recipe Management System

Recipe Management System

Job description

Unit Catering Manager (Full Time - 40 hours)

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:
• 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.
• 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.
• 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)
• 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.