At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage catering services and lead a team to deliver exceptional customer experiences.
- Company: Join Freedom Leisure, a leading charitable leisure trust focused on community well-being.
- Benefits: Enjoy discounts, incremental holidays, and fully funded training opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible hours with opportunities for growth across 130 centres.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in your community while developing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in catering management and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 21742 - 21742 £ 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. If you’re passionate about helping others and love creating great experiences, you’ll feel right at home with us.
Your role will be to manage the catering function within the Centre, alongside an extension of the current soft play facilities. You will lead the team to ensure customers receive a professional and high-quality catering experience.
You will be responsible for delivering a varied menu and a range of refreshing beverages, ensuring staff are fully trained and operate in line with clear guidelines. Developing and evolving the service to meet the needs of the local community as well as adapting to seasonal changes will be key.
You will oversee stock control including ordering and rotation, maintain strong relationships with suppliers and support the delivery of income targets through effective performance and service development. You will also ensure high standards of food hygiene and safety are consistently met.
You should have experience in rota management and general catering operations, with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously. You will be confident in leading and motivating a team and supporting staff development through identifying and delivering training opportunities. Strong organisational and IT skills, including the ability to produce and interpret reports and data, are important. A team-orientated approach is essential, with the ability to work collaboratively across teams and support colleagues.
In the event that a high volume of suitable applications are received, the post may close prior to the specified closing date. Please apply as soon as possible if interested.
Hours: 30 hours a week, Monday - Sunday (Rota basis). This is a temporary position of up to 12 months.
Requirements- 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
- 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
Benefits: 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 £21,742 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 - Part Time - Ringwood Health & Leisure employer: Freedom Leisure
At Freedom Leisure, we pride ourselves on being a leading charitable leisure trust that values our people and their contributions to the community. As a Catering Manager in Ringwood, you'll enjoy a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and growth, with access to extensive training opportunities and a range of benefits including discounted memberships and a dedicated staff benefit scheme. Join us in making a positive impact while enjoying a fulfilling career in a vibrant and inclusive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Catering Manager - Part Time - Ringwood Health & Leisure
✨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 your people skills! As a Catering Manager, you'll be leading a team and interacting with customers daily. Role-play common scenarios with a friend to boost your confidence and showcase your customer service skills during the interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare some questions! Show your enthusiasm by asking about team dynamics, training opportunities, or how they adapt to community needs. This not only demonstrates your interest but also helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're proactive and keen on joining the Freedom Leisure family. Don’t wait too long; get your application in before the closing date!
We think you need these skills to ace Catering Manager - Part Time - Ringwood Health & Leisure
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for catering and community shine through. We want to see how much you care about creating great experiences for our customers!
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in catering and team management. We love seeing how your skills match what we're looking for, so don’t hold back on those achievements!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit for the role without wading through too much fluff.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role as soon as possible.
How to prepare for a job interview at Freedom Leisure
✨Know Your Menu
Familiarise yourself with the types of food and beverages that Freedom Leisure offers. Be ready to discuss how you would adapt the menu to meet community needs and seasonal changes. This shows your passion for creating great experiences and your understanding of customer service.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a team in previous roles. Highlight your experience in staff training and development, as well as how you motivate your team to deliver high-quality service. This is crucial for a role that involves managing a catering function.
✨Demonstrate Your Organisational Skills
Be ready to talk about your experience with rota management and stock control. Discuss how you handle multiple priorities and ensure that everything runs smoothly. This will reassure them that you can manage the catering operations effectively.
✨Connect with Their Mission
Understand and express your alignment with Freedom Leisure's mission of 'Improving Lives Through Leisure'. Share your passion for community-focused events and how you can contribute to making their centres welcoming and inclusive. This connection can set you apart from other candidates.
