At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead catering operations and create meaningful dining experiences for residents.
- Company: Join BallyCara, a values-led community focused on relationships and purpose.
- Benefits: Enjoy wellness days, fitness allowances, study leave, and financial discounts.
- Other info: Flexible hours with opportunities for professional growth in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of older Australians through exceptional hospitality.
- Qualifications: Experience in hospitality, leadership, and understanding aged care nutrition.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced and passionate Catering Manager to lead our catering operations and deliver exceptional dining experiences across our Residential Aged Care and Retirement Village community. This is an exciting opportunity for a hands-on hospitality leader who is equally comfortable leading a team, managing operations, driving continuous improvement, and ensuring residents receive nutritious, high-quality meals every day.
When you join BallyCara, you’re joining more than a workplace—you’re becoming part of a values-led community built on relationships, respect, and purpose. We support you to do meaningful work while growing in a way that suits you. BallyCara is an established charitable organisation that offers a wellness-focused lifestyle for our Residents to facilitate independent living, health, and happiness. At BallyCara, you will belong to a welcoming and inclusive community where your individual strengths and interests are embraced and are the key driver to everything that we create together.
We inspire healthy and happy living through our SONA® (Happiness) values and enhance our employee's wellness through the following employee benefits:
- Emotional Wellness: Enjoy a wellness day off each year to take on your birthday, for your family, or just for you.
- Physical Wellness: Improve your health and wellbeing with a fitness allowance for remedial massage, outdoor wellness gear, yoga, pilates, swimming, or gym plus access to an online fitness portal LIFT Fitness!
- Professional Wellness: Enhance your career with two days of paid study leave combined with yearly study assistance!
- Financial Wellness: Access not-for-profit salary packaging up to $18,550, receive 17.5% annual leave loading, and up to $1,892 per annum in financial discounts from our TELUS Health EAP and wellbeing portal!
About the Role
Reporting to the Residential Services Manager, you will oversee all aspects of catering operations across our Residential and Village communities. As a member of the Senior Staff team, you will be responsible for:
- Leading, mentoring and developing the catering team
- Rostering for the catering team
- Planning and developing nutritious and meaningful meals and menu by working alongside Residents and Dietician
- Managing kitchen operations and food service delivery
- Ensuring compliance with food safety, nutrition and quality standards
- Managing budgets, procurement and supplier relationships
- Driving resident satisfaction and service excellence
- Coordinating catering services for special events and functions
- Identifying and implementing continuous improvement opportunities
This position is primarily Monday to Friday during business hours. Flexibility is required to support occasional evening village functions (typically once per month).
About You
You are an experienced hospitality professional who understands the important role food plays in health, wellbeing, and community. To be successful in this role, you will bring:
- Relevant qualifications in Hospitality, Commercial Cookery, or a related discipline
- Demonstrated leadership experience, including coaching and developing teams
- Experience managing catering, hospitality, or food service operations
- Previous experience within aged care, retirement living, healthcare, or a similar environment
- Strong understanding of aged care nutrition requirements and dietary needs
- Experience managing budgets, stock control, procurement and supplier relationships
- Sound knowledge of food safety, hygiene, and compliance requirements
- Passion and enthusiasm in providing an exceptional catering service to older Australians
- Energy and excitement to motivate and drive the team
- Excellent organisational and time management skills
- A resident-focused approach with a commitment to exceptional service
- Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to adapt in a dynamic environment
What Success Looks Like
You will create a catering service that residents genuinely enjoy, while building an engaged and high-performing team. You will ensure every meal is nutritious, appetising, compliant, and delivered with care. Most importantly, you will contribute to BallyCara's purpose of inspiring healthy and happy living through meaningful dining experiences and exceptional hospitality.
If you are a passionate hospitality leader looking for an opportunity to make a meaningful difference while leading a dedicated team, we would love to hear from you. Apply now and join an organisation where relationships matter, people come first, and every day presents an opportunity to positively impact the lives of older Australians.
BallyCara is an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences. Please note: Applications must be submitted via our recruitment portal. Applications received through external agencies or alternative channels will not be accepted. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. We sincerely thank you for your interest in working with BallyCara and for taking the time to apply.
Catering Manager – Creating Meaningful Dining Experiences in Scarborough employer: MyBallyCara
At BallyCara, we pride ourselves on being more than just an employer; we are a values-driven community dedicated to enhancing the lives of our residents and employees alike. Our supportive work culture fosters personal and professional growth, offering unique benefits such as wellness days, fitness allowances, and study assistance, all aimed at promoting a healthy work-life balance. Join us in creating meaningful dining experiences while being part of a compassionate team that values respect, purpose, and the well-being of everyone involved.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Catering Manager – Creating Meaningful Dining Experiences in Scarborough
✨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 MyBallyCara. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to MyBallyCara
Don't be shy about reaching out to MyBallyCara 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 Manager – Creating Meaningful Dining Experiences in Scarborough
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 MyBallyCara 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 MyBallyCara
✨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!
