Catering Operations Manager - Dartford in Kent

Catering Operations Manager

Location: Darent Valley Hospital, Dartford, Kent
Salary: 50,000 + Benefits
Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent

We are hiring. Medirest, the healthcare division of Compass Group UK Ireland, is seeking an experienced and driven Catering Operations Manager to lead our catering services at Darent Valley Hospital. This is a fantastic opportunity for a passionate hospitality professional to make a real impact within a healthcare environment, ensuring patients, visitors and staff receive outstanding food and service every day.

As Catering Operations Manager, you will oversee all aspects of the catering operation, leading large teams, driving service excellence, maintaining the highest food safety standards and ensuring contractual and financial performance targets are achieved.

About the Role

Reporting to the Contract Director, you will be responsible for the day-to-day management of catering operations across the hospital, ensuring the delivery of safe, efficient and customer-focused services.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate and develop a multi-skilled catering team to deliver exceptional service standards.
• Manage all catering operations, including patient dining, retail outlets, staff restaurants and hospitality services.
• Ensure full compliance with food safety, health safety, infection prevention and company policies.
• Drive customer satisfaction through continuous improvement initiatives and service excellence.
• Manage budgets, labour costs, food costs and operational KPIs to achieve financial targets.
• Build strong relationships with NHS Trust stakeholders and key client contacts.
• Monitor performance through audits, reporting and action planning.
• Support recruitment, training, succession planning and employee engagement activities.
• Ensure all services operate in line with Compass Group and Medirest standards.
• Identify opportunities for innovation, efficiency and commercial growth.

About You

We are looking for a confident and proactive leader with a strong operational background and a passion for delivering high-quality catering services.

Essential Requirements

• Proven experience managing large-scale catering, hospitality or food service operations.
• Strong leadership skills with experience managing and developing teams.
• Excellent financial acumen, including budget management and cost control.
• Good understanding of food safety legislation and health safety compliance.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced and complex operational environment.
• Customer-focused with a continuous improvement mindset.

Desirable

• Experience within healthcare, NHS or contract catering environments.
• Relevant hospitality, catering or management qualification.
• Food Safety qualification (Level 3 or above).
• IOSH or equivalent health safety qualification.

What We Offer

As part of Compass Group UK Ireland, you'll benefit from:

• Competitive salary
• Performance-related bonus opportunities
• Company pension scheme
• Career development and training programmes
• Access to Compass rewards and discounts platform
• Employee assistance programme
• Recognition and reward schemes
• Opportunities for progression within one of the UK's leading food and support services organisations

About Medirest

Medirest is the specialist healthcare division of Compass Group UK Ireland, delivering exceptional catering, portering, domestic and support services across NHS and private healthcare settings. Our teams play a vital role in enhancing patient experiences and supporting healthcare professionals to deliver outstanding care.

We ensure you're rewarded for all your hard work, which is why we offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes but is not limited to:

• Contributory pension scheme
• Grow your career with our Career Pathways and MyLearning programmes
• Quick access for you and your immediate family to a Digital GP, and wider healthcare benefits
• Exclusive travel discounts with TUI, Expedia, Booking.com and many more
• Save money on your food shop with discounts on Tesco, Sainsburys, Morrisons and many more
• Up to 44% off cinema tickets to enjoy your favourite blockbuster
• Receive cash rewards every time you spend and use them on a wide range of brands
• Unwind with us with free wellness, mindfulness and exercise classes
• You can share all discounts and offers with your friends and families

Please note: This role is contracted to weeks per year.

About Us

Part of Compass Group UK I, Medirest is the specialist healthcare operating company of Compass Group UK Ireland, providing a full range of hotel services, including staff, patient and visitor catering, domestics, portering, security and reception, at over 130 NHS Trusts and private hospitals.

Job Reference: com/2906/99320001/52815111/R/STC #Medirest

Compass Group UK I is committed to fostering an environment where every individual can truly be themselves at work and has equal opportunities to advance in their careers. We strive to build a culture that respects and celebrates the unique talents, beliefs, backgrounds, and abilities of all our team members. We want our colleagues to feel valued, empowered to reach their full potential, and to thrive - because diversity is our strength!