At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage catering operations at Darent Valley Hospital, ensuring exceptional service.
- Company: Join Medirest, part of Compass Group UK Ireland, a leader in healthcare catering.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, bonuses, pension scheme, and exclusive discounts.
- Other info: Opportunities for progression and professional development in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on patient experiences while developing your career in hospitality.
- Qualifications: Experience in large-scale catering management and strong leadership skills required.
Medirest, the healthcare division of Compass Group UK Ireland, is seeking an experienced and driven Catering Operations Manager to lead our catering services at Darent Valley Hospital. This is a fantastic opportunity for a passionate hospitality professional to make a real impact within a healthcare environment, ensuring patients, visitors and staff receive outstanding food and service every day.
As Catering Operations Manager, you will oversee all aspects of the catering operation, leading large teams, driving service excellence, maintaining the highest food safety standards and ensuring contractual and financial performance targets are achieved.
Reporting to the Contract Director, you will be responsible for the day-to-day management of catering operations across the hospital, ensuring the delivery of safe, efficient and customer-focused services.
Key Responsibilities- Lead, motivate and develop a multi-skilled catering team to deliver exceptional service standards.
- Manage all catering operations, including patient dining, retail outlets, staff restaurants and hospitality services.
- Ensure full compliance with food safety, health safety, infection prevention and company policies.
- Drive customer satisfaction through continuous improvement initiatives and service excellence.
- Manage budgets, labour costs, food costs and operational KPIs to achieve financial targets.
- Build strong relationships with NHS Trust stakeholders and key client contacts.
- Monitor performance through audits, reporting and action planning.
- Support recruitment, training, succession planning and employee engagement activities.
- Ensure all services operate in line with Compass Group and Medirest standards.
- Identify opportunities for innovation, efficiency and commercial growth.
We’re looking for a confident and proactive leader with a strong operational background and a passion for delivering high-quality catering services.
Essential Requirements- Proven experience managing large-scale catering, hospitality or food service operations.
- Strong leadership skills with experience managing and developing teams.
- Excellent financial acumen, including budget management and cost control.
- Good understanding of food safety legislation and health safety compliance.
- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced and complex operational environment.
- Customer-focused with a continuous improvement mindset.
- Experience within healthcare, NHS or contract catering environments.
- Relevant hospitality, catering or management qualification.
- Food Safety qualification (Level 3 or above).
- IOSH or equivalent health safety qualification.
As part of Compass Group UK Ireland, you’ll benefit from:
- Competitive salary
- Performance-related bonus opportunities
- Company pension scheme
- Career development and training programmes
- Access to Compass rewards and discounts platform
- Employee assistance programme
- Recognition and reward schemes
- Opportunities for progression within one of the UK’s leading food and support services organisations
Medirest is the specialist healthcare division of Compass Group UK Ireland, delivering exceptional catering, portering, domestic and support services across NHS and private healthcare settings. Our teams play a vital role in enhancing patient experiences and supporting healthcare professionals to deliver outstanding care.
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:
- 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, Sainsburys, 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
- Un-wind with us with free wellness, mindfulness and exercise classes
- You can share all discounts and offers with your friends and families
Please note: This role is contracted to weeks per year.
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 Operations Manager - Dartford in Kent employer: ESS
Chartwells Education is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises growth and excellence in the education catering sector. With a commitment to employee development and a focus on delivering outstanding food and hospitality experiences, you will find ample opportunities for professional advancement while making a meaningful impact across educational institutions. Join us in a role that not only values your expertise but also fosters a supportive environment for innovation and collaboration.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Catering Operations Manager - Dartford in Kent
✨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 ESS. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to ESS
Don't be shy about reaching out to ESS 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 Operations Manager - Dartford in Kent
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 ESS 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 ESS
✨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!
