At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead our catering hubs, inspire your team, and create delicious, sustainable menus.
- Company: Join the UK's largest employee-owned childcare group with a focus on valuing people.
- Benefits: Enjoy up to 60% childcare discount, health support, and generous holiday allowance.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive workplace where your voice matters and career growth is encouraged.
- Why this job: Make a real difference with your culinary skills while enjoying a healthy work-life balance.
- Qualifications: Experience in catering management, strong leadership, and a passion for sustainable food.
The predicted salary is between 33000 - 33000 £ per year.
Why Join Tops Day Nurseries? At Tops Day Nurseries, we’ve been shaping futures since 1990. As the UK’s largest employee‑owned childcare group, we know that valuing people is the key to success. When you join us, you become more than an employee; you become a co‑owner with a voice, opportunities to grow, and a share in our success.
Location: Wimborne, Dorset
Job type: Full Time, Permanent
Salary: £33,000 an annual
Contracted Hours: 24 hours per week
About The Role
This is a hands‑on leadership role where you will oversee our catering hubs, inspire your team, and bring creativity to menu planning and food presentation. You will work closely with suppliers, manage budgets, and lead innovative catering projects, all while ensuring the highest standards of quality, compliance, and sustainability.
Why You’ll Love Working with Us
At Tops Day Nurseries, we believe in rewarding our team for their hard work and dedication. Here are some of the fantastic benefits you’ll enjoy as part of our family:
- Up to 60 % childcare discount at Tops Day Nurseries
- Exclusive discounts & rewards via Blue Light Card and eachperson platform (gyms, cinema, shopping, travel & many more)
- Health & wellbeing support – NHS prescriptions, optical care & dental treatment
- A generous holiday allowance – including your birthday off and a wellbeing day
What does the role involve?
- Develop menus that meet early‑years nutritional standards, reflect seasonal produce, and align with our sustainability values
- Build strong relationships with suppliers, agencies, and nutrition partnerships
- Lead, coach, and mentor catering staff across multiple sites
- Manage and monitor budgets to deliver quality meals within cost targets
- Oversee compliance with all food hygiene, allergen, and health & safety regulations
- Use and maintain catering software for menu planning, allergen tracking, and supplier management
What are we looking for?
- Proven experience as a Catering Manager or Executive Chef in a high‑volume or multi‑site environment
- Strong leadership and team development skills
- A passion for healthy, sustainable food and the creativity to deliver it
- Track record in budget management and supplier relationship building
- Project management experience for innovative catering initiatives
- willingness to undertake CPD
- Desirable: Level 4 Food Hygiene (or willingness to complete)
If you are looking for a role where your culinary expertise can make a real difference – and where you can enjoy a healthy work‑life balance – we would love to hear from you.
Important Safeguarding Information
Because this role involves regulated activity with children, all candidates must:
- Hold (or be willing to obtain) an enhanced DBS check registered on the Update Service – if you don’t yet have one, you’ll need to cover the cost
- Be eligible to work in regulated roles – not on the Children’s Barred List
- Successfully complete background and reference checks
At Tops Day Nurseries, we are an equal‑opportunity employer, committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected.
Apply Now
Excited to make a difference? Take the next step in your career and join Tops Day Nurseries.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Catering Manager in Wimborne Minster
✨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 Tops Day Nurseries. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Tops Day Nurseries
Don't be shy about reaching out to Tops Day Nurseries 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 Wimborne Minster
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 Tops Day Nurseries 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 Tops Day Nurseries
✨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!
