At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic catering team and deliver top-notch service at our vibrant leisure centre.
- Company: Join Freedom Leisure, a leading charitable trust focused on community well-being.
- Benefits: Enjoy discounts, incremental holidays, and fully funded training opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team that values diversity and growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in your community while developing your career in a fun environment.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in catering, strong leadership skills, and a passion for customer service.
The predicted salary is between 27023 - 27023 £ per year.
Join the Energy at Freedom Leisure – Do Good Feel Good! At Freedom Leisure, we’re all about positive vibes, great people and making a real impact. Yes, we run leisure and cultural facilities, gyms, and swimming pools - but at the heart of it all, it’s our people who make the difference. As one of the UK’s leading charitable leisure trusts, we’re proud of our mission of Improving Lives Through Leisure. We’re here to help communities live healthier, happier lives by making our centres welcoming, inclusive and accessible to everyone - because everyone deserves to feel good. We’re all about delivering amazing customer service with a smile - every single day. We create spaces where people feel at home, supported and inspired.
With over 130 centres across England and Wales, there’s loads of room to grow. Many of our team have built amazing careers doing what they love, helping customers day‑to‑day and making people feel good. We’re proud to be a workplace where everyone is welcome, valued and supported to thrive - because when our team reflects the communities we serve, we all grow stronger together.
The Marina Centre provides an exciting range of activities for residents and visitors alike, including a leisure pool with two slides, fun splash zone, clip and climb, impressive fitness suite and exercise studios, and sports hall providing a wide range of activities. The centre also boasts an amazing café overlooking the beach, providing a focal point for the community.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Catering Manager to join our dynamic team. You will be responsible for overseeing the catering function within the centre, leading your team to deliver a consistently high-quality and professional service to all customers. This includes providing a varied menu and maintaining the high standards expected of Costa Coffee.
A key aspect of the role will be ensuring all staff are well‑trained, confident in their roles and working to clear operational guidelines. You will play an active role in developing the catering offer, adapting services to meet the evolving needs of the local community and responding to seasonal trends.
Hours: 37 hours a week, Monday to Sunday (rota basis)
- At least three years’ experience in a catering role
- Level 2 Food Hygiene qualification (or equivalent)
- Strong people management and leadership skills
- Experience of rota management
- Experience in customer service and problem solving
- Experience of managing or contributing to income targets
- Experience of stock management including ordering and rotation
- Ability to build, lead and motivate a team
- Ability to manage multiple priorities
- Good IT skills including producing and interpreting reports and data
- Team‑orientated approach with the ability to work across teams
Desirable:
- Experience of building relationships with key suppliers
- Experience of identifying staff training needs and implementing development opportunities
- Interest in leisure, cultural services and community‑focused events
We want you to love coming to work, feeling healthy, happy and valued. That's why we've developed a benefits package with you in mind, so what can we offer you?
- My Staff Shop, our very own staff benefit scheme, gives employees access to a great range of benefits. Get discounts on cinema tickets, travel bookings, high street e‑vouchers, gift cards, days out, leisure activities and your day to day spending.
- Discounted Staff membership (including family members)
- Incremental holidays
- Employee Assistance Programme - 24/7 confidential, independent and professional counselling.
- Company pension
- Various insurance and saving schemes
- Financial advice
- Cycle‑to‑work and Car Leasing tax‑efficient schemes (salaried staff only, depending on earnings)
- All this as well as fully funded training and career progression opportunities in a team working environment
Closing Date: 12th June 2026
Salary: Up to £27,023 per annum
Freedom Leisure is proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults, and we expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
Catering Manager - Full Time - Marina Leisure Centre employer: Freedom Leisure
At Freedom Leisure, we pride ourselves on being a leading charitable leisure trust that prioritises the well-being of our employees and the communities we serve. As a Catering Manager at the Marina Leisure Centre, you will enjoy a supportive work culture that values inclusivity and personal growth, alongside a comprehensive benefits package including discounts, training opportunities, and a focus on employee wellness. Join us in making a positive impact while developing your career in a vibrant environment that celebrates teamwork and community engagement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Catering Manager - Full Time - Marina Leisure Centre
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture! Before your interview, check out Freedom Leisure's social media and website. Understanding their vibe will help you connect with the team and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their mission.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions with a friend or in front of the mirror. This will help you feel more confident and articulate when discussing your experience in catering and customer service.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your leadership skills! Be ready to share examples of how you've motivated teams in the past. Freedom Leisure values strong people management, so highlight your ability to train and inspire others.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a nice touch that shows you’re keen on the role and helps keep you top of mind.
We think you need these skills to ace Catering Manager - Full Time - Marina Leisure Centre
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the role shine through! We want to see how much you care about catering and making a positive impact in the community. Share your experiences that align with our mission of Improving Lives Through Leisure.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Catering Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience, especially in people management and customer service. We love seeing how you've led teams and met income targets, so don’t hold back!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read. Remember, we’re looking for someone who can manage multiple priorities, so show us you can communicate effectively!
Apply Early!:Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application. If we receive a high volume of applications, the post may close early. Head over to our website and get your application in as soon as you can – we can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Freedom Leisure
✨Know Your Menu
Familiarise yourself with the types of food and drink offered at the Marina Leisure Centre. Be ready to discuss how you would adapt the menu to meet community needs and seasonal trends. This shows your understanding of customer preferences and your ability to innovate.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a team in previous roles. Highlight your experience in training staff and managing rotas, as well as how you motivate your team to deliver excellent customer service. This is crucial for a Catering Manager role.
✨Emphasise Customer Service
Be ready to share specific instances where you've resolved customer issues or improved service quality. Freedom Leisure values amazing customer service, so demonstrating your problem-solving skills will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Connect with the Community
Research local community events or initiatives that align with Freedom Leisure's mission. Discuss how you can contribute to these efforts through catering services. Showing your commitment to community engagement will resonate well with the interviewers.
