At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to create delicious, nutritious meals while ensuring top-notch customer service.
- Company: Join a vibrant café dedicated to exceptional dining experiences.
- Benefits: Full-time role with competitive pay and opportunities for growth.
- Other info: Flexible working hours with a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Combine your passion for cooking with meaningful interactions and management skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in catering and strong culinary skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Job summary
As a Unit Catering Manager, you will lead the day-to-day delivery of a high-quality catering service, ensuring residents receive nutritious, appetising meals that meet their dietary, cultural and individual needs. Combining hands-on culinary expertise with operational management, you will oversee menu planning, food preparation, stock control, budgeting, compliance with food safety standards, and the leadership of a dedicated catering team. You will work closely with residents, families and colleagues to provide an excellent dining experience while maintaining efficient and cost-effective operations. This role has a direct impact on residents' health, wellbeing and quality of life, making it ideal for an experienced chef and people manager who is passionate about delivering outstanding food and exceptional customer service within a care environment.
Main duties of the job
If you are an experienced chef who enjoys leading a team and making a positive difference through great food, we'd love to hear from you. As our Unit Catering Manager, you will play a key role in creating nutritious, seasonal meals while managing the daily operation of a busy catering service. This rewarding role offers the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with residents, ensuring their dining experience is enjoyable, personalised and reflects their individual preferences and cultural requirements. We're looking for someone with excellent culinary skills, strong leadership abilities, sound organisational and financial management experience, and a commitment to maintaining the highest standards of food safety and customer service. Join Jewish Care and help create welcoming dining experiences that enhance the lives of the people we support.
About us
Jewish Care is the largest health and social care charity serving the Jewish community in London and the South East. Every week, we support thousands of older people, families, and individuals through residential care, nursing care, retirement living, community services, mental health support, and social work. Our services are built around dignity, compassion, and inclusion, creating environments where people can live meaningful lives. Guided by our values of Excellence, Integrity, Innovation, Compassion, and Inclusiveness, we are committed to delivering outstanding care while investing in our colleagues through training, development, and a supportive working environment. By joining Jewish Care, you will become part of a collaborative organisation where your contribution is valued and where high-quality hospitality plays an important role in enhancing residents' health, wellbeing and daily experience. Whether supporting people living in our care homes or attending our community services, every meal served helps create a warm, welcoming and person-centred environment.
Job description
Job responsibilities
We are seeking a dynamic Unit Catering Manager to oversee the dining experience for our Residents. This role is perfect for a chef who is not only passionate about cooking but also loves engaging with people. You will lead a small team to develop and prepare nutritional, seasonal menus that align with Jewish cultural practices while ensuring exceptional customer service and operational efficiency.
The role will involve 80% Cooking and 20% operational management.
This post is working 5 days out of 7 and some weekends on a rota basis.
Shifts are: 6.00am to 2.30pm or 11.00am to 7.30pm
What you will be doing:
Culinary Management:
Preparing, cooking, and present high-quality meals tailored to residents' dietary needs. Developing and managing menus using the Indicator Menu & Recipe Management System. Ensuring strict compliance with food safety and hygiene standards.
Client-Facing and Customer Service:
Engaging with residents and families to understand and cater to dietary preferences and requirements. Maintaining high levels of customer service, ensuring resident satisfaction. Addressing any concerns or complaints promptly and professionally.
Operational Management:
Overseeing day-to-day catering operations, ensuring smooth service delivery. Managing the EPOS system for accurate billing and inventory tracking. Implement and manage the Future Workforce Management System for optimal staff scheduling. Managing stock control, including ordering supplies, maintaining inventory, and reducing wastage. Ensuring efficient processing and management of invoices.
Team Leadership:
Leading, mentoring, and motivating the catering team, fostering a positive working environment. Developing staff rotas to ensure adequate coverage and efficient operation. Providing ongoing training and development opportunities for team members.
Financial Management:
Monitoring and managing the catering budget, ensuring cost-effectiveness and financial efficiency. Conducting regular financial reporting and analysis to track performance against budget.
What you will need:
City of Guilds 706 1 / 2 or equivalent (Desirable) NVQ Level 2 or 3 in relevant fields (Essential) Proven experience as a Chef and in managing catering operations, preferably in a care home or similar environment (Essential) At least five years experience in a busy kitchen (Essential) Awareness of COSHH (Essential) Experience working to deadlines and adhering to budgetary requirements (Essential) Takes responsibility for own work and making improvements where possible (Essential) Awareness of waste disposal techniques and infection control (Essential) Working knowledge of Health and Safety legislation (Essential) Exceptional culinary skills with a strong understanding of dietary needs and restrictions (Essential) Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal (Essential) IT Literacy with an ability to pick up new systems with ease (Essential) Ability to communicate and manage interpersonal relationships, including influencing skills (Essential) Strong client-facing skills with a commitment to excellent customer service (Essential) Proficient in using EPOS systems and other relevant software (Desirable) Excellent organizational and time-management skills (Essential) Ability to lead and manage a team effectively (Essential) Strong financial acumen with experience in budget management (Essential)
Join our team and make a meaningful impact in a role that blends culinary expertise with exceptional management and customer service skills. Apply now to be our next Unit Catering Manager!
Person Specification
General Requirements
Essential
- Please refer to job description above
Desirable
- Please refer to job description above
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Employer details
Employer name
Jewish Care
Address
Golders Green
NW11 8PT
United Kingdom
Employer's website
https://careers.jewishcare.org/ (Opens in a new tab)
Unit Catering Manager employer: Jewish Care
Jewish Care is an exceptional employer that prioritises compassion and creativity in its work culture, making it a fulfilling place for those passionate about supporting individuals with dementia. Located in London, the Dementia Day Centre offers employees opportunities for professional growth through collaboration with therapists and community partners, while fostering a supportive environment that values meaningful connections with families. Join us to make a real difference in the lives of others while enjoying a rewarding career in a vibrant community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Unit Catering Manager
✨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 Jewish Care. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Jewish Care
Don't be shy about reaching out to Jewish Care 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 Unit Catering Manager
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 Jewish Care 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 Jewish Care
✨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!
