At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a kitchen team to create delicious meals that brighten people's days.
- Company: Strode Park House, a caring and inclusive residential home.
- Benefits: Full-time role with competitive salary, training, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Join a supportive team dedicated to wellbeing and community.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in residents' lives through quality food and care.
- Qualifications: Experience in catering, team leadership, and a passion for nutritious meals.
The predicted salary is between 30348 - 37092 £ per year.
Lead with flavour, purpose and care — and make every mealtime something to look forward to. Are you an experienced catering professional who loves creating good food, leading a team and making a real difference to people’s daily lives? We are looking for a confident, organised and enthusiastic Catering Manager to take the lead in the kitchen at Strode Park House.
This is a rewarding opportunity to shape a high-quality catering service where excellent standards, thoughtful menus and smooth kitchen operations all come together. You will lead our cooks and catering assistants, plan appealing meals, manage rotas, oversee stock and supplier value, and ensure the kitchen runs safely, efficiently and within budget. Working closely with the Registered and Deputy Managers, you will play a key role in delivering a catering service that supports wellbeing, dignity and enjoyment for the people who use our services.
What you’ll bring:
- Experience in catering, ideally within a care home or similar setting.
- The confidence to lead, motivate and support a busy kitchen team.
- Strong organisational skills, attention to detail and the ability to stay calm under pressure.
- Good knowledge of food safety, hygiene, health and safety regulations and COSHH.
- Experience managing kitchen budgets, controlling costs and delivering best value.
- A passion for preparing good-quality meals that are nutritious, appealing and created with care.
Why this role matters:
Great food can brighten a day, bring comfort and support health and wellbeing. In this role, your leadership will help ensure residents and service users receive meals prepared to high standards by a team that feels supported, clear and motivated. You will help create a positive kitchen culture, champion safe working practices and make sure every plate reflects the care, quality and attention our charity is committed to providing.
As a Strode Park Foundation colleague, you will get comprehensive support from day one and will receive training and development opportunities to develop your skills. Strode Park House is a residential home with nursing care for 55 adults with physical disabilities and complex needs in Herne, Kent. We’ve been delivering care since 1946, and this residential home is where it all started. The team at Strode Park House ensures our residents live in a safe and secure environment; each person’s individual wellbeing, dignity and choice is vitally important within the community of residents who live at or come for a short break.
Strode Park House provides care on a 24-hour basis, 7 days a week including weekends and bank holidays. This means we value reliable and flexible staff. We will consider all requests for flexible working and are proud to be a ‘Flex from First’ employer. Please talk to us at interview about the flexibility you need.
About you:
You will hold a Level 2 catering qualification and a basic Food Hygiene certificate, with experience of kitchen management, team supervision, menu planning and budget control. Just as importantly, you will be practical, approachable and passionate about delivering a catering service that people can trust and enjoy.
Ready to make a difference?
If you are ready to bring energy, skill and pride to a role where your work has a meaningful impact every single day, we would love to hear from you and help us deliver food, care and quality that truly matters.
Creating an Inclusive Environment: Strode Park Foundation (“Strode Park”) is fully committed to encouraging equality, diversity and inclusion among our workforce and the elimination of unlawful and unfair discrimination. Strode Park truly values the differences that a diverse workforce brings to our organisation. Our aim is for our workforce to be truly representative of all sections of society and for our service users and each employee to feel respected and able to give their best. Strode Park will not discriminate because of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race (which includes colour, nationality and ethnic or national origins), religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation. It will not discriminate because of any other irrelevant factor, and will build a culture that values meritocracy, openness, fairness and transparency.
Catering Manager - Strode Park House employer: Strodepark
Strodepark in Herne Bay is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment for its Care & Support Workers. With a strong emphasis on employee growth and development, staff are encouraged to enhance their skills while making a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals they support. The unique location offers a vibrant community atmosphere, making it an ideal place for those passionate about helping others thrive.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Catering Manager - Strode Park House
✨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 Strodepark. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Strodepark
Don't be shy about reaching out to Strodepark 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 - Strode Park House
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 Strodepark 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 Strodepark
✨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!
