At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the catering service, ensuring residents enjoy nutritious meals and excellent dining experiences.
- Company: Join MHA, a caring organisation dedicated to enhancing the lives of older people.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days holiday, a strong pension scheme, and ongoing training opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team culture at Oak Manor, where your contributions are valued.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in residents' lives through quality catering and support their wellbeing.
- Qualifications: Relevant catering qualifications and experience managing a kitchen team are essential.
The predicted salary is between 34100 - 35400 € per year.
Hours: 40 hours per week
Salary: £16.46 per hour (£17.11 per hour from 1st April)
For this role, we are currently considering candidates who live within approximately 15 miles of the Scheme. This ensures commutes are manageable and support your wellbeing and work-life balance. If you live outside this area but would still find the commute manageable, please get in touch - we are happy to review individual circumstances.
About the role
We are looking for an experienced and motivated Catering Manager to lead the catering service within our home. This is a key role, ensuring residents receive nutritious, high-quality meals that respect individual choice and support health and wellbeing.
As Catering Manager, you will oversee all aspects of the kitchen operation, including menu planning, food safety, budgeting and staff management. You will be part of the home's senior team, working closely with colleagues and the MHA Hospitality team to continually develop and improve the catering service.
What you will do:
- Prepare, cook and serve nutritious meals for residents, visitors and staff, including catering for special events.
- Plan balanced and attractive menus that meet residents' nutritional, cultural and dietary needs, including those living with dementia.
- Manage and supervise kitchen staff, including rotas, training, inductions, supervision and appraisals.
- Ensure full compliance with food hygiene, health & safety and HACCP requirements, maintaining accurate records and audits.
- Manage food ordering and stock control, working within agreed budgets and financial plans.
- Maintain high standards of cleanliness, hygiene and safety within all kitchen and food storage areas.
- Work closely with health professionals such as dietitians and speech and language therapists to support resident safety and nutrition.
- Promote residents' dignity, choice and wellbeing, in line with MHA's values.
- Contribute to the home's catering business plan and raise the profile of catering within the home and MHA.
About you
We are looking for someone who is organised, passionate about food and committed to delivering a high-quality catering service for older people. You will bring:
- Relevant catering qualifications (e.g. City & Guilds Level 1 or 2, NVQ Level 2 in Catering or equivalent).
- Strong knowledge of food hygiene, HACCP and health & safety requirements.
- Experience of managing or leading a kitchen team, ideally in a care, hospitality or similar setting.
- Experience of menu planning, stock control and budget management.
- Knowledge of the nutritional needs of older people and special diets.
- Good communication skills and the ability to work effectively as part of a wider team.
Why join MHA?
You will be joining an organisation with strong values, a supportive culture and a genuine commitment to helping people live later life well. At MHA, catering plays a vital role in residents' wellbeing, and your work will be valued and appreciated.
Rewards and benefits
In addition to a competitive salary, you will enjoy:
- 28 days holiday (including bank holidays) and an option to buy annual leave (pro-rota for part time).
- A strong pension scheme and life assurance.
- Free DBS checks and uniforms (where applicable).
- Confidential counselling, chaplaincy support and access to our hardship fund.
- Flexible options to buy or sell annual leave, plus family-friendly policies.
- Discounts through the Blue Light Card, Health Service Discounts and the Vivup app.
- A full induction, ongoing training and development opportunities.
- Long service awards to recognise your contribution.
About the home
Oak Manor care home in Shefford is an inviting home where colleagues work collaboratively to deliver high-quality, person-centred care. With its modern design and peaceful surroundings, the home offers a positive backdrop for colleagues who want to make a meaningful impact.
The team culture is supportive and friendly, helping new colleagues settle quickly and feel valued. Guided by MHA's charitable ethos, colleagues work together with empathy, respect and a shared commitment to helping residents live well.
For job seekers looking to join a team that encourages growth and celebrates contribution, Oak Manor provides a rewarding and purpose-led place to work.
Please note that interviews may take place prior to the closing date and if a suitable candidate is appointed the role may close early.
Recruitment agencies: please note, MHA do not accept unsolicited CVs from recruitment agencies, regardless of whether they are on our Preferred Supplier List (PSL). We only accept CVs from agencies that have been appointed and briefed by MHA's Recruitment Team.
Catering Manager based at Oak Manor, Shefford employer: Joveo
MHA is an exceptional employer that prioritises the wellbeing and professional growth of its staff, offering a supportive culture and a commitment to delivering high-quality care. As a Catering Manager at Oak Manor in Shefford, you will enjoy a competitive salary, generous holiday allowance, and access to ongoing training, all while working in a collaborative environment that values your contributions and promotes a meaningful impact on residents' lives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Catering Manager based at Oak Manor, Shefford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the catering and hospitality industry. Let them know you're on the lookout for a Catering Manager role at Oak Manor. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research Oak Manor and MHA's values, and think about how your experience aligns with their mission. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've managed kitchen operations and improved catering services in the past.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your passion for food! During interviews, talk about your love for creating nutritious meals and how you cater to individual dietary needs. This will demonstrate that you’re not just looking for any job, but that you genuinely care about the residents' wellbeing.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Oak Manor. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Catering Manager based at Oak Manor, Shefford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience that match the Catering Manager role. Highlight your relevant qualifications, like City & Guilds or NVQ, and any experience in managing kitchen teams or menu planning.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're passionate about catering for older people. Share specific examples of how you've improved food services in previous roles and how you align with MHA's values.
Showcase Your Knowledge:Demonstrate your understanding of food hygiene, HACCP, and the nutritional needs of older adults. This will show us that you’re not just qualified, but also genuinely care about the wellbeing of our residents.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates regarding your application status.
How to prepare for a job interview at Joveo
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
As a Catering Manager, you'll be expected to plan balanced and attractive menus. Familiarise yourself with the nutritional needs of older people and any special diets they may require. Be ready to discuss how you would cater for these needs during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
You'll be managing a kitchen team, so it's crucial to demonstrate your experience in leading and training staff. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past, including any challenges you've overcome and how you fostered a positive work environment.
✨Understand Food Safety Regulations
Knowledge of food hygiene, HACCP, and health & safety is essential for this role. Brush up on these regulations and be prepared to discuss how you ensure compliance in your kitchen operations. This will show that you take food safety seriously.
✨Emphasise Your Passion for Quality Catering
This role is all about delivering high-quality meals that respect individual choice. Share your passion for food and how it relates to enhancing residents' wellbeing. Discuss any innovative ideas you have for improving the catering service at Oak Manor.
