Job summary
We are seeking a dynamic Unit Catering Manager to lead and oversee the dining experience for residents within a care setting.
This is an exciting opportunity for a chef who combines culinary expertise with strong leadership and a passion for customer engagement.
The role is primarily hands-on, with approximately 80% focused on cooking and 20% on operational management.
You will be responsible for delivering high-quality, nutritious meals that meet residents dietary needs while aligning with Jewish cultural practices.
In addition, you will manage day-to-day catering operations, lead a small team, and ensure excellent standards in food safety, service delivery, and financial performance.
This role is worked over 5 days out of 7, including some weekends on a rota basis, with shifts between 6:00am to 2:30pm and 11:00am to 7:30pm.
Main duties of the job
An exciting opportunity for a Unit Catering Manager to combine hands-on cooking with leadership and operational management in a care environment.
You will prepare high-quality meals, develop seasonal menus, and ensure compliance with food safety standards while delivering excellent customer service to residents and families.
The role includes managing catering operations, stock control, budgets, and team performance. Ideal candidates will have strong culinary experience, leadership skills, and a background in managing catering services, preferably within a care or similar setting.
This is a rewarding role where you can make a meaningful difference through food, service, and team leadership.
About us
Jewish Care is the largest provider of health and social care services for the Jewish community in the UK. Every week, we touch the lives of 10,000 people. We provide services to a range of people including older people, people with mental health needs and people living with dementia.
Our five values are at the heart of the way we work. They drive how we act as individuals and as an organisation and shape our culture. We value Excellence, Integrity, Innovation, Compassion, and Inclusivity.
Job description
Job responsibilities
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. Apply now to be our next Unit Catering Manager!
Job description
Job responsibilities
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. Apply now to be our next Unit Catering Manager!
Person Specification
General Requirements
Essential
- Please refer to job description above
Desirable
- Please refer to job description above
Person Specification
General Requirements
Essential
- Please refer to job description above
Desirable
- Please refer to job description above
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.
