At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a compassionate catering operation, ensuring high-quality food and service.
- Company: Join Compass Group, a leader in healthcare catering with a supportive culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy free meals, onsite parking, discounts, and wellness classes.
- Other info: Opportunities for career growth and a diverse, inclusive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives through exceptional dining experiences.
- Qualifications: Experience in catering management, strong leadership, and financial awareness.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 40000 £ per year.
Salary: 40,000 per annum
Shift hours: Full Time
Catering Manager at St Christopher Hospice, Sydenham - White Oaks (Extra Care) | 40 hours per week | 40,000 per annum
We are looking for an inspirational Catering Manager to lead a multi-service catering operation at St Christopher Hospice, White Oaks. This is a unique opportunity to make a real difference, delivering high-quality food and service across patient dining, a small café, and retail, within a compassionate care environment.
You will take full ownership of both front and back of house teams, ensuring exceptional standards, strong team engagement, and a consistently positive experience for residents, visitors, and staff.
What you will do:
- Lead and manage patient dining, café, and retail services to the highest standards
- Deliver a high-quality, compassionate dining experience tailored to resident needs
- Lead, coach and develop both FOH and BOH teams to perform at their best
- Build strong relationships with hospice teams and stakeholders
- Drive consistency, quality, and continuous improvement across all services
- Manage budgets, stock, labour, and KPIs to ensure efficient operations
- Maintain full compliance with food safety, hygiene, and health & safety standards
- Oversee menu delivery, food production, and waste control
Who you are:
- An experienced Catering Manager or similar, ideally within healthcare or care settings
- A hands-on leader who can manage both kitchen and front-of-house operations
- Passionate about delivering a high-quality, person-centred service
- Confident managing teams in a fast-paced but sensitive environment
- Commercially aware, organised, and solutions-focused
- A strong communicator who builds trusted relationships with clients and teams
What you will bring:
- Experience managing multi-service catering operations (FOH & BOH)
- Strong leadership, coaching, and people development skills
- Good financial awareness and experience managing budgets and performance
- A positive, proactive approach with a genuine passion for care environments
At Compass, you will be supported to lead with purpose, develop your team, and make a meaningful impact every day through food and service that truly matters. We ensure you're rewarded for all your hard work, which is why we offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes but is not limited to:
- Free meals
- Onsite free car parking
- Contributory pension scheme
- Grow your career with our Career Pathways and MyLearning programmes
- Quick access for you and your immediate family to a Digital GP, and wider healthcare benefits
- Exclusive travel discounts with TUI, Expedia, Booking.com and many more
- Save money on your food shop with discounts on Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrisons and many more
- Up to 44% off cinema tickets to enjoy your favourite blockbuster
- Receive cash rewards every time you spend and use them on a wide range of brands
- Unwind with us with free wellness, mindfulness and exercise classes
- You can share all discounts and offers with your friends and families
About Us:
Part of Compass Group UK&I, Medirest is the specialist healthcare operating company of Compass Group UK & Ireland, providing a full range of hotel services, including staff, patient and visitor catering, domestics, portering, security and reception, at over 130 NHS Trusts and private hospitals.
Compass Group UK&I is committed to fostering an environment where every individual can truly be themselves at work and has equal opportunities to advance in their careers. We strive to build a culture that respects and celebrates the unique talents, beliefs, backgrounds, and abilities of all our team members. We want our colleagues to feel valued, empowered to reach their full potential, and to thrive - because diversity is our strength!
Catering Manager - Full Time - Sydenham employer: Compass Group
At Compass Group, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, particularly for our Catering Manager role at St Christopher Hospice in Sydenham. Our supportive work culture fosters personal and professional growth, offering comprehensive benefits such as free meals, onsite parking, and access to wellness programmes. Join us to make a meaningful impact in a compassionate care environment while enjoying exclusive discounts and career development opportunities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Catering Manager - Full Time - Sydenham
✨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 Compass Group. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Compass Group
Don't be shy about reaching out to Compass Group 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 - Full Time - Sydenham
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 Compass Group 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 Compass Group
✨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!
