At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and innovate catering services in a busy hospital environment.
- Company: Join a dynamic subsidiary of the NHS focused on quality patient care.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, pension contributions, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a supportive and collaborative environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in patient experiences while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in catering management and strong leadership abilities required.
The predicted salary is between 46300 - 52800 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Catering Manager to lead and develop Catering Services at University Hospital of North Durham. This is an exciting opportunity for a dynamic leader to shape the future of catering across a busy hospital environment, ensuring the delivery of safe, high-quality, and patient‑centred services while maintaining strong financial performance.
As Catering Manager, you will provide strategic and operational leadership across multiple sites, balancing service excellence, food safety, and commercial efficiency. You will oversee the planning, development, and continuous improvement of catering operations, working collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams to deliver outstanding outcomes for patients, staff, and visitors.
The successful candidate will bring proven multi‑site operational management experience, ideally within catering or hospitality, together with a sound understanding of finance, people management, operations, and Health & Safety compliance. You will be highly organised, resourceful, and able to think strategically without losing sight of the detail. Above all, you will be a collaborative leader with a genuine passion for the role.
Main duties of the jobAs Catering Manager, you will provide strategic and operational leadership for all catering services across University Hospital of North Durham. You will lead the development and continuous improvement of patient, staff, and visitor catering services, ensuring the highest standards of food quality, safety, and customer experience. You will be responsible for managing multi‑site catering operations, overseeing budgets and financial performance, leading and developing catering teams, and ensuring compliance with all relevant food safety, health and safety, and NHS standards.
Working closely with clinical teams, suppliers, and key stakeholders, you will drive service innovation, sustainability, and operational efficiency while maintaining a strong focus on patient care and organisational objectives. The role also involves monitoring performance, implementing quality improvements, supporting business continuity, and contributing to the Trust's and SCL wider strategic and sustainability goals.
About usOur organization is a subsidiary of an NHS organisation and is currently awaiting UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) approval to be added under our parent organization’s Sponsor Licence. Until that approval has been granted, we are not authorised to issue Certificates of Sponsorship or sponsor applicants. This is a legal and regulatory requirement, and we cannot proceed with sponsorship until UKVI has completed the approval process. 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:
- 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.
As Catering Manager, you will provide strategic direction and operational leadership for all catering services across University Hospital of North Durham, ensuring the delivery of safe, high‑quality, patient‑centred catering services that support patient recovery and enhance the experience of staff and visitors. You will be responsible for shaping the future of the service by driving continuous improvement, implementing best practice, and ensuring catering operations align with the Trust's strategic priorities, NHS standards, and sustainability objectives.
Leading a diverse, multi‑site operation, you will oversee the day‑to‑day management of patient catering, retail outlets, receipt and distribution services, and ward food service delivery. You will ensure services are delivered efficiently, safely, and within budget while maintaining the highest standards of food quality, nutrition, hygiene, and customer care.
You will have overall responsibility for financial management, workforce planning, procurement, contract management, and the effective use of resources to deliver value for money without compromising service quality. The role requires a visible and inspiring leader who can motivate and develop teams, build strong relationships with clinical colleagues, dietitians, suppliers, and senior stakeholders, and foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
You will ensure full compliance with food safety legislation, Health and Safety requirements, infection prevention standards, and NHS policies, while leading audits, managing risk, and maintaining robust governance arrangements. You will also play a key role in driving innovation and environmental sustainability across catering services, identifying opportunities to improve operational efficiency, reduce waste, introduce new technologies, and support the Trust's wider carbon reduction and sustainability ambitions.
Using performance data, customer feedback, and service benchmarking, you will continually review and enhance service delivery, ensuring the catering function remains responsive to the evolving needs of patients, staff, and the organisation.
Person SpecificationQualifications
- A good standard of literacy and numeracy
- Management or Leadership qualification or equivalent catering experience.
- Level 4 Food Safety Qualification
- Health and Safety
- Project management and change management experience.
Experience
- Considerable experience in managing large‑scale catering operations, preferably within the NHS or healthcare sector
- Strong leadership, communication, and fiscal management skills.
- Proven ability to lead teams and deliver service improvements.
- Experience of retail catering and commercial contract management.
- Initiative‑taking, collaborative, and customer‑focused approach.
- Commitment to quality, safety, and equality.
Special Skills & Knowledge
- In‑depth knowledge of NHS food standards, HACCP, and food safety legislation.
- Strong leadership, communication, and fiscal management skills.
- Proven ability to lead teams and deliver service improvements.
- Knowledge of sustainability frameworks and digital catering systems.
- Project management and change management experience.
Special Requirements
- Ability to work shifts and weekends and have flexibility to the needs of the service (E)
- Health and safety (D)
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.
Catering Manager in North East employer: CDDFT Charity
At SCL, a subsidiary of County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values collaboration, innovation, and employee development. As a Catering Manager at University Hospital of North Durham, you will enjoy a supportive work culture that prioritises patient care while offering competitive benefits such as a pension scheme and allowances for night and bank holiday shifts. With a strong focus on continuous improvement and sustainability, this role provides a unique opportunity to lead a diverse team in a dynamic healthcare environment, ensuring both personal and professional growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Catering Manager in North East
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like CDDFT Charity. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to CDDFT Charity
Don't be shy about reaching out to CDDFT Charity directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Catering Manager in North East
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about CDDFT Charity and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at CDDFT Charity
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
