At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to create delicious, nutritious meals for residents while managing the catering service.
- Company: Parkside Residential Home, a caring community-focused environment.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive team, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Opportunity to shape menus and lead a friendly hospitality team.
- Why this job: Combine your passion for cooking with meaningful work that enhances residents' lives.
- Qualifications: Experience in catering management and cooking for large groups required.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 35000 £ per year.
Parkside Residential Home is looking for a caring, organised and hands-on Catering Manager to lead its Hospitality team. You will ensure residents receive high-quality, varied meals that meet their individual dietary needs, preferences and cultural requirements. This is a varied management and cooking role. You will work as the main cook twice each week, provide holiday cover for the other cooks and oversee the smooth running of the catering service.
About Parkside
Parkside is a Christian care home where faith, compassion and community are at the heart of everything we do.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Leading, supporting and developing the Hospitality team.
- Preparing and cooking fresh, homemade meals twice per week.
- Providing cooking cover during other team members' holidays.
- Managing the staff rota to maintain a reliable seven-day catering service.
- Creating seasonal and varied menus based on residents' needs and feedback.
- Preparing adapted meals for allergies, intolerances and other dietary requirements.
- Managing food orders, stock levels, suppliers and the catering budget.
- Maintaining Parkside's five-star Food Hygiene rating.
- Ensuring compliance with food hygiene, HACCP and health and safety requirements.
- Maintaining accurate temperature logs, cleaning schedules, food labelling and kitchen records.
- Organising catering for birthdays, holidays and special events.
- Monitoring kitchen equipment and arranging maintenance or repairs.
- Training team members in safe working practices and the correct use of equipment.
- Completing catering audits and preparing for CQC and Environmental Health inspections.
- Working closely with care colleagues, residents and families to understand individual dietary needs and preferences.
- Monitoring food waste and supporting environmentally responsible kitchen practices.
What we are looking for
- Previous catering or food-service management experience.
- At least two years' experience cooking for 30 or more people in a professional kitchen.
- Experience managing or supervising a kitchen team.
- A Catering Diploma, City & Guilds, BTEC or equivalent qualification.
- NVQ Level 3 in Practical Cookery.
- A Food Hygiene Certificate at Level 2 or above.
- Knowledge of HACCP, food safety and health and safety procedures.
- Experience managing kitchen stock, suppliers and budgets.
- Strong organisational, leadership and communication skills.
- Confidence using Microsoft Office and shared digital systems.
- Experience within a care home, healthcare or similar setting would be beneficial, although it is not essential.
Why join Parkside?
- Make a genuine difference to residents' health, happiness and wellbeing.
- Lead a friendly and supportive Hospitality team.
- Work in a caring, values-led residential home.
- Take ownership of menus and help shape residents' dining experiences.
- Enjoy a varied role combining catering management with hands-on cooking.
If you are a skilled and compassionate Catering Manager who takes pride in producing fresh, nutritious food, we would be delighted to hear from you. Apply today by submitting your CV.
Catering Manager in Romford employer: Parkside Residential Home
At Parkside Residential Home, we pride ourselves on fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment where our employees are valued and encouraged to grow. As a Head Housekeeper, you will not only lead a dedicated team but also benefit from a flexible part-time schedule, allowing for a healthy work-life balance. Our commitment to employee development and well-being makes us an exceptional employer in the heart of Romford.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Catering Manager in Romford
✨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 Parkside Residential Home. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Parkside Residential Home
Don't be shy about reaching out to Parkside Residential Home 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 in Romford
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 Parkside Residential Home 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 Parkside Residential Home
✨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!
