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- Tasks: Manage food operations, develop recipes, and ensure high standards in a vibrant restaurant environment.
- Company: Join a family-run business with a fun yet professional atmosphere.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working days, staff discounts, and a day off for your birthday after two years.
- Other info: Work mainly daytime shifts with opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Lead a passionate team and make a real impact on customer experiences.
- Qualifications: Previous management experience in food and retail is essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
We are looking for an experienced Catering Operations Manager to manage our Sedum Restaurant and Farmshop. The ideal candidate needs:
- Previous management experience in food and retail
- Pride in making high quality fresh food
- Excellent communication skills
- Planning and organising skills
- Commercial and business acumen
- P&L experience along with budget management
- To be flexible to work weekends as required by the business
- To be an active hands-on team player with excellent communication skills
You will be responsible for:
- Food Operations
- Developing new, modern and seasonal recipes
- Develop and evolve all services, ensuring regular improvements are made and implemented
- Ensure all food is cooked and prepared to the highest of standards and in line with food safety policy
- Taking full ownership of internal audits and external EHO audits
- Ensuring all COSHH assessments have been completed and control measures are followed
- Supporting the Head Chef and Buying team with Procurement
- Monitoring ongoing operations and resolving issues promptly
- Sales & Profit
- Ensuring financial targets are met through accurate and efficient ordering, costings, storage and stock accountability
- Identifying opportunities to improve sales with good value, high quality, consistent and unique produce
- Keeping within budget by effective managing of purchasing, costings, portion control & wastage
- Produce a development and marketing plan: offers, displays and front of house set up in line with menus and concepts that align with the Garden Centre’s visions
- Schedule labour to ensure customer expectations are met, but not exceeding labour budget
- Reviewing pricing and offers
- Team Management
- Lead by example, motivating, empowering and supporting the team
- Maintaining adequate staff cover across all sections to cover all operational requirements; providing staff rotas and approving breaks and holiday accordingly
- Recruiting appropriate staff for your requirements
- Monitoring and appraising the performance of your team members
- Ensuring safe and efficient working practices are followed at all times
- Manage instances of misconduct, poor performance, complaints; effectively dealing with matters in line with company policy
- Ensure staff are motivated and knowledgeable about their roles with a robust training plan
- Ensure staff have completed relevant training within specific timeframe
- Support the team as required in the day to day running of the restaurant, front & back of house
- Be customer focussed at all times, by being visible during service periods, approachable and quick to respond to and exceed expectations
- One Team
- Working with the Directors to develop an aligned vision – including catering, farm shop and retail
- Develop concepts to include purchasing and products for commercial opportunities
- Keeping the Directors informed of all relevant issues
- Supporting other areas of the business when required
In return you will receive the following:
- 1 free meal on duty
- Flexible working days
- Mainly daytime shifts - late nights only required at Christmas and on loyalty events
- Staff discount throughout the store; including restaurant and Farmshop
- Work life balance
- Pension
- Free parking on site
- Employee Assistance Programme
- One day off for your birthday after 2 years’ service
- Working alongside like-minded individuals in a fun but professional environment of a family run business
Catering Operations Manager in Chessington employer: Chessington Garden Centre
Contact Detail:
Chessington Garden Centre Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Catering Operations Manager in Chessington
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the catering and food industry. Attend local events or workshops where you can meet potential employers or colleagues. Remember, sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you have the chance, create a portfolio showcasing your best recipes or successful projects. This is a great way to demonstrate your culinary creativity and management experience without relying solely on your CV.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t wait for job openings to be posted. Reach out directly to companies you admire, like us at StudySmarter, and express your interest in working with them. A little initiative can go a long way!
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to catering operations. Think about how you can highlight your experience in managing teams, budgets, and food safety. And don’t forget to check out our website for any openings that might suit you!
We think you need these skills to ace Catering Operations Manager in Chessington
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your previous management experience in food and retail. We want to see how you've led teams and improved operations, so don’t hold back on those achievements!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use bullet points if you need to, and make sure your communication skills shine through. We love a well-structured application!
Demonstrate Your Passion for Food: Let us know about your pride in making high-quality fresh food. Share any unique recipes or concepts you've developed that align with our vision for Sedum Restaurant and Farmshop.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting role!
How to prepare for a job interview at Chessington Garden Centre
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Make sure you’re familiar with the current menu and any seasonal offerings. Be ready to discuss your ideas for new recipes or improvements, as this shows your passion for high-quality food and innovation.
✨Showcase Your Management Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past. Highlight your experience with staff training, performance appraisals, and how you’ve motivated your team to meet targets. This will demonstrate your leadership capabilities.
✨Understand Financials
Brush up on your P&L knowledge and be prepared to discuss how you’ve managed budgets in previous roles. Bring specific examples of how you’ve improved sales or reduced costs while maintaining quality.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Think about potential challenges that could arise in a catering environment, such as staffing issues or customer complaints. Prepare to discuss how you would handle these situations effectively, showcasing your problem-solving skills.