Job summary
Are you a motivated hospitality professional with a passion
for great food, exceptional service, and operational excellence? Were seeking
an experienced Catering Manager (Retail) to lead our restaurants and coffee
shops within a busy hospital environment.
In this key role, youll be responsible for delivering a
high-quality and welcoming retail catering experience for patients, visitors,
and staff alike. From managing daily operations and driving sales to ensuring
compliance with food safety and NHS standards, youll play a vital part in
creating a positive and supportive atmosphere across our catering outlets.
Youll lead and inspire a dedicated team,
oversee menu development, maintain financial performance, and champion
sustainability and customer care in everything you do. If youre an energetic
leader who thrives in a people-focused, fast-paced setting, this is an exciting
opportunity 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 responsibility
for the day-to-day running and commercial success of our hospital restaurants,
cafes, and coffee shops. You will ensure every outlet delivers high-quality food
and exceptional service while meeting financial and operational goals.
In this role, you will
Lead, motivate, and develop a diverse catering team to
deliver outstanding customer service.
Oversee all aspects of daily operations, including
staffing, stock management, and cash handling.
Manage budgets and financial performance, driving sales and
controlling costs to achieve targets.
Ensure full compliance with food hygiene, health &
safety, and NHS catering standards.
Work closely with suppliers and internal teams to maintain
product quality, menu variety, and value for money.
Monitor customer feedback and implement improvements to
enhance the overall dining experience.
Lead sustainability initiatives, reducing waste and
supporting 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:
- A Competitive salary
- 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 description
Job responsibilities
As the Catering Manager (Retail), you will be responsible for
the smooth and efficient running of all retail catering operations within the
hospital, including restaurants, cafes, and coffee shops. You will ensure that
every outlet provides a welcoming environment, excellent food, and friendly
service to patients, visitors, and staff.
Your role will involve:
Operational Management: Overseeing day-to-day operations
across multiple catering outlets, ensuring consistent quality, cleanliness, and
compliance with all food safety and hygiene regulations.
People Leadership: Managing, training, and motivating
catering and front-of-house teams to deliver excellent customer service and
maintain high morale.
Financial Oversight: Controlling budgets, managing stock,
analysing sales performance, and implementing strategies to increase
profitability while maintaining value for money.
Customer Experience: Ensuring menus are attractive,
balanced, and meet diverse dietary needs while creating a positive and
inclusive dining experience for everyone.
Compliance & Standards: Maintaining full adherence to
NHS and Trust policies, food safety legislation, and health and safety
requirements.
Innovation & Improvement: Introducing new food
concepts, promotions, and sustainable initiatives to enhance the catering offer
and support hospital-wide objectives.
Collaboration: Working closely with suppliers,
hospital departments, and support services to ensure efficient operations and
high standards across all retail catering areas.
Job description
Job responsibilities
As the Catering Manager (Retail), you will be responsible for
the smooth and efficient running of all retail catering operations within the
hospital, including restaurants, cafes, and coffee shops. You will ensure that
every outlet provides a welcoming environment, excellent food, and friendly
service to patients, visitors, and staff.
Your role will involve:
Operational Management: Overseeing day-to-day operations
across multiple catering outlets, ensuring consistent quality, cleanliness, and
compliance with all food safety and hygiene regulations.
People Leadership: Managing, training, and motivating
catering and front-of-house teams to deliver excellent customer service and
maintain high morale.
Financial Oversight: Controlling budgets, managing stock,
analysing sales performance, and implementing strategies to increase
profitability while maintaining value for money.
Customer Experience: Ensuring menus are attractive,
balanced, and meet diverse dietary needs while creating a positive and
inclusive dining experience for everyone.
Compliance & Standards: Maintaining full adherence to
NHS and Trust policies, food safety legislation, and health and safety
requirements.
Innovation & Improvement: Introducing new food
concepts, promotions, and sustainable initiatives to enhance the catering offer
and support hospital-wide objectives.
Collaboration: Working closely with suppliers,
hospital departments, and support services to ensure efficient operations and
high standards across all retail catering areas.
Person Specification
Special Skills and Knowledge
Essential
- 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
Desirable
- 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
Essential
- Level 3 qualification (or above) in Catering, Hospitality Management, or equivalent experience
- Level 3 Food Safety and Hygiene Certificate
Desirable
- Health & Safety qualification (e.g. IOSH Managing Safely)
- Management or Leadership qualification (e.g. ILM or equivalent)
- Allergen Awareness or HACCP certification
Special Requirements
Essential
- Ability to work multisite and have flexibility to needs of the service
- Ability to work flexibly, including weekends and evenings as required
Desirable
- Knowledge of catering sector
Experience
Essential
- 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
Desirable
- Experience working within a healthcare, hospital, or public sector setting
- Experience in supplier and contract management
Person Specification
Special Skills and Knowledge
Essential
- 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
Desirable
- 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
Essential
- Level 3 qualification (or above) in Catering, Hospitality Management, or equivalent experience
- Level 3 Food Safety and Hygiene Certificate
Desirable
- Health & Safety qualification (e.g. IOSH Managing Safely)
- Management or Leadership qualification (e.g. ILM or equivalent)
- Allergen Awareness or HACCP certification
Special Requirements
Essential
- Ability to work multisite and have flexibility to needs of the service
- Ability to work flexibly, including weekends and evenings as required
Desirable
- Knowledge of catering sector
Experience
Essential
- 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
Desirable
- 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.
