At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a vibrant catering operation and create delicious seasonal menus.
- Company: Join the team at the historic Priory House Heritage Centre.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, and local government pension.
- Other info: Be part of a collaborative team dedicated to exceptional customer service.
- Why this job: Shape memorable dining experiences in a beautiful setting while inspiring your team.
- Qualifications: Experience in catering management and a passion for fresh, high-quality food.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
- Catering Manager - Full time (37hrs)
- Your Rewards
- Competitive salary
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- Generous annual leave entitlement
- Enhanced Staff Benefits
Are you passionate about fresh food, inspiring teams and creating memorable customer experiences?
Your Role
We're looking for an enthusiastic and experienced Catering Manager to lead the tea rooms and catering operation at the beautifully restored Priory House Heritage Centre.
This is an exciting opportunity to shape a unique destination where visitors can enjoy delicious homemade food, locally sourced ingredients and exceptional customer service, all within one of Dunstable's most treasured historic buildings.
About the Role
As Catering Manager, you'll take ownership of every aspect of our catering operation, ensuring our tea rooms continue to provide a welcoming atmosphere, outstanding food and an exceptional visitor experience.
You'll lead and motivate a dedicated kitchen team, develop exciting seasonal menus, manage suppliers and budgets, and play a key role in the continued success and growth of Priory House.
Working closely with the Cultural Services Manager, you'll help create a destination that celebrates fresh, local produce while delivering excellent value and maintaining high commercial standards.
- What You'll Be Doing
- Leading the day-to-day operation of the Priory House Tea Rooms and catering service.
- Preparing and cooking fresh, high-quality food for the daily menu, seasonal specials and private functions.
- Managing, supporting and developing the kitchen team through supervision, 1:1 meetings, appraisals and staff development.
- Creating staff rotas and managing holiday and sickness cover.
- Ordering stock, sourcing suppliers and managing catering budgets to maximise income while maintaining quality.
- Working with local suppliers to champion fresh, seasonal produce wherever possible.
- Collaborating on innovative menus that reflect the unique character and heritage of Priory House.
- Playing an active role within the Priory House Management Team, including acting as Duty Manager when required.
- Ensuring the highest standards of food hygiene, health and safety and legal compliance are consistently maintained.
- We're Looking for Someone Who
- Has experience managing a busy kitchen or catering operation.
- Is passionate about producing fresh, high-quality food.
- Is an inspiring leader who enjoys developing and supporting others.
- Has excellent organisational and financial management skills.
- Takes pride in delivering outstanding customer experiences.
- Has a strong understanding of food hygiene, health and safety legislation.
- Enjoys working as part of a collaborative management team and contributing new ideas.
About You
We're looking for someone who is passionate about great food, enjoys leading a team and takes pride in delivering exceptional customer experiences.
You'll bring creativity, commercial awareness and a positive attitude, helping make Priory House Tea Rooms a destination people want to return to time and time again.
- You’ll ideally have
- A Level 2 NVQ (or equivalent) in Professional Cookery or a related catering qualification, or at least three years' experience working in a professional kitchen.
If you don't already hold a relevant qualification, you'll be willing to work towards one.
- Experience working in a fast-paced catering environment, with the ability to remain calm, organised and adaptable under pressure.
- Excellent attention to detail and a commitment to producing consistently high-quality food while maintaining exceptional standards of cleanliness and presentation.
- A current Food Hygiene Certificate (Level 2 or equivalent), or the willingness to obtain one immediately.
- Good commercial awareness, with the ability to help develop a successful and profitable catering operation.
- Experience costing menus, managing food margins and minimising waste without compromising on quality.
- Confidence in managing budgets and working within financial procedures.
- A genuine passion for fresh, locally sourced food and creating exciting seasonal menus.
- Strong leadership skills, with the ability to motivate, support and develop a positive, high-performing team.
- A creative mindset, always looking for new ideas to enhance the customer experience while maintaining attention to detail and consistently high standards.
- A commitment to maintaining high standards of health and safety, and a willingness to wear the required uniform and personal protective equipment (PPE), ensuring your team does the same.
- Most importantly…
You’ll be someone who genuinely cares about creating memorable experiences for our visitors.
You’ll take pride in your work, enjoy being part of a collaborative management team, and be excited by the opportunity to help establish Priory House Tea Rooms as one of the area's favourite places to eat, meet and relax.
- CLOSING DATE FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS – 1 September 2026
- Please note interviews will take place 14 September 2026
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Catering Manager in Dunstable employer: Dunstable Town Council
As a Catering Manager at the Priory House Heritage Centre, you will be part of a vibrant team dedicated to delivering exceptional customer experiences in a beautifully restored historic setting. The company offers competitive salaries, generous annual leave, and a supportive work culture that values fresh, locally sourced food and employee development. With opportunities for professional growth and a commitment to maintaining high standards, this role is perfect for those passionate about food and leadership.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Catering Manager in Dunstable
✨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 Dunstable Town Council. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Dunstable Town Council
Don't be shy about reaching out to Dunstable Town Council 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 Dunstable
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 Dunstable Town Council 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 Dunstable Town Council
✨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!
