At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a compassionate catering service, ensuring nutritious meals for patients and visitors.
- Company: Join the dedicated team at ellenor Hospice, making a real difference in people's lives.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, supportive environment, and the chance to develop your skills.
- Other info: Opportunity for personal growth and to support a vital community service.
- Why this job: Combine your passion for food with a meaningful role in healthcare.
- Qualifications: Experience in catering and supervisory roles, with strong customer service skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Contract & Hours: 37.5 hours per week, typically Monday to Friday. (The role requires flexibility to work occasional evenings, weekends, and bank holidays to meet service needs).
We are looking for a passionate and experienced Catering Supervisor to join our dedicated team at ellenor Hospice. This is an exciting opportunity to lead a compassionate and high-quality catering service that supports patients, visitors, staff, and volunteers across the Hospice and Café environment.
As Catering Supervisor, you will oversee the day-to-day catering operation, ensuring nutritious, freshly prepared meals are delivered with dignity, care, and professionalism. You will lead and support a team of Catering Assistants and volunteers while helping to grow our café offering and income-generating initiatives. This role is ideal for someone who combines excellent catering and supervisory skills with a warm, people-focused approach and a passion for delivering exceptional customer experiences.
Key Responsibilities- Supervise the daily catering operation across the Hospice and Café
- Develop cost-effective, nutritionally balanced seasonal menus that meet the needs of patients, staff and visitors while achieving agreed food cost targets
- Ensure all food is prepared and served in line with dietary, allergen, and food safety requirements
- Lead, motivate, and support Catering Assistants and volunteers
- Assess team skills, identify training needs and support the ongoing development and competency of Catering Assistants and volunteers
- Workforce planning to ensure appropriate staffing levels and reviewing FTE requirements to meet service needs
- Maintain high standards of cleanliness, hygiene, and compliance with HACCP and Food Safety regulations
- Support the growth of the “Fresh” café service, monitoring performance and identifying opportunities to increase revenue
- Monitor food production, portion control and kitchen wastage, using stock management and waste reduction initiatives to maximise value
- Review supplier performance, negotiate best value where appropriate, and monitor food and consumable costs against budget
- Deliver excellent customer service and respond positively to feedback
- Support the Catering Events Coordinators with external catering, the hospice dining pods, afternoon teas, festive dinners or buffets when required.
We are looking for someone who has:
- Previous experience in a catering, hospitality, or kitchen environment
- Supervisory or management experience within catering or hospitality
- Food Safety Level 3, HACCP, allergen awareness or supervisory food safety training is desirable for candidates with responsibility for supervising food handlers and supporting food safety systems.
- Experience of developing nutritionally balanced menus within agreed food cost budgets
- Experience managing catering budgets and supplier relationships
- Knowledge of stock control, waste management and procurement
- Experience of workforce planning and staff resource management
- Excellent organisational and communication skills
- A positive, flexible, and proactive approach to work
- Strong customer service skills and the ability to work compassionately with patients and families
- Experience working within a care, residential, healthcare, or hospice environment would be advantageous
The post is subject to a DBS clearance.
UK Immigration: ellenor is not currently offering sponsorship to candidates under the Skilled Worker visa route in the UK. This decision is a consequence of the changes made to the Skilled Worker route by the UK Government in April 2024. We continue to welcome applications from candidates who are eligible for alternative immigration routes in the UK, that do not require sponsorship as a Skilled Worker now or in future.
How to apply: By application form either online, downloadable from our website or by submitting a CV and cover letter. CVs without a cover letter will not be considered. All applications, internal and external, must go through Peridot Partners.
For those who may require a reasonable adjustment at interview or during employment, you may download and complete the disability adjustment form and submit it alongside your application. We only ask applicants to disclose convictions which are not yet spent under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. If you need to check if you need to declare a conviction to us you may check this online.
If you require any assistance during this process please email HR or call.
Full time Catering Supervisor in Gravesend employer: Ellenor Lions
Ellenor is an exceptional employer that fosters a supportive and collaborative work culture, where every team member plays a vital role in making a difference in the community. With a commitment to employee growth, we offer training opportunities and a flexible part-time schedule, allowing you to balance your professional and personal life while contributing to a meaningful cause. Located in Gravesend, our hospice shop provides a unique environment where you can lead a passionate team and drive sales, all while enjoying competitive benefits including a pension.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Full time Catering Supervisor in Gravesend
✨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 Ellenor Lions. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Ellenor Lions
Don't be shy about reaching out to Ellenor Lions 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 Full time Catering Supervisor in Gravesend
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 Ellenor Lions 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 Ellenor Lions
✨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!
