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- Tasks: Lead and manage catering operations across our heritage railway, ensuring top-notch service.
- Company: Join The Watercress Line, a beloved steam railway with 50 years of history and community spirit.
- Benefits: Enjoy travel perks, discounts, and access to an Employee Assistance Programme for support.
- Why this job: Be part of a vibrant team, make a real impact, and enjoy a unique work environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in hospitality, Level 3 Food Hygiene, and strong management skills are essential.
- Other info: Full-time, permanent role with a competitive salary of £28,000 - £32,000 per annum.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 32000 £ per year.
Here at The Watercress Line, we are looking for a Food and Beverage Manager to join our team based in Alresford. You will join us on a full-time, permanent basis and in return, you will receive a competitive salary of £28,000 - £32,000 per annum. The Watercress Line is a heritage steam railway operated by award-winning volunteers and supported by paid staff, bringing smiles to faces through the beautiful Hampshire countryside for 50 years.
Benefits you will receive:
- Travel benefits on the railway after 1 year’s service.
- Discounts for railway events, catering and retail.
- Employee Assistance Programme for free personal, legal, emotional and financial support.
About the Food and Beverage Manager role:
We are looking to recruit an enthusiastic, experienced Food and Beverage Manager. This is a service-led role responsible for the co-ordination, planning, management, and delivery of catering operations across the Watercress Line Heritage Steam Railway, so a background in hospitality would be a great advantage.
In this role, you will coordinate the catering delivered primarily by volunteers, across a large number of sites and products including:
- The West Country Buffet café at Alresford
- The Tea Junction at Ropley
- The Beer Junction at Ropley
- A snack and ticket kiosk at Alton
- On-train snack services on standard running days
- Group lunch and tea services on standard running days
- Evening dining train services
- Lunchtime dining train services
- Real ale train evening services
- Pop up catering for large events
Key responsibilities as a Food and Beverage Manager:
- Manage the forward planning of resources to co-ordinate the different activities.
- Co-ordinate the catering activities across the operational and event timetable.
- Co-ordinate the requirements for group visit catering.
- Assess, propose and agree the catering requirements for special, corporate, private and fundraising events.
- Agree with the Business Operations Manager the profile of open units according to staff and volunteer availability and business need.
- Ensure that the website is kept up to date with the catering offer.
- Build, lead and manage a team of catering support volunteers.
- Plan food and beverage menus appropriate to each product including the requirements in ingredients and set portions.
- Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.
- Create and maintain the HACCP documentation and train to plan.
- Managing, ordering, and distributing catering stock.
- Manage costs in accordance with the budget and agreed margins.
Skills and experience required as our Food and Beverage Manager:
- An enthusiastic self-starter looking to make a difference in an exciting and varied role.
- A champion of change to transform our operation, inspiring and influencing others.
- You are organised and confident, comfortable working with a very wide range of people.
- You have an eye for detail and a flair for training and being trained.
- A background in a restaurant/catering chain would be an advantage.
- Minimum Level 3 Food Hygiene qualification.
- Proven track record of management in a catering role and successful people management.
- MS Office including Excel Intermediate.
- Experience of managing volunteers is desirable.
- Effective communication skills.
- Full Driving Licence.
If you feel you have the skills and experience to become our Food and Beverage Manager, then please click “apply” now – We’d love to hear from you.
Food and Beverage Manager employer: Watercress Line
Contact Detail:
Watercress Line Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Food and Beverage Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with The Watercress Line and its unique offerings. Understanding the heritage and the specific catering services they provide will help you tailor your approach during interviews and discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of The Watercress Line. They can provide valuable insights into the company culture and expectations, which can give you an edge in your application process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in managing volunteers and catering operations. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully led teams or improved service delivery, as this aligns closely with the role's requirements.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your passion for food and beverage management by staying updated on industry trends. Being able to discuss recent developments or innovative ideas in catering can demonstrate your enthusiasm and commitment to the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Food and Beverage Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in food and beverage management, particularly in hospitality settings. Emphasise any roles where you managed teams or coordinated events, as these are key aspects of the job.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your enthusiasm for the role and the Watercress Line. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to manage catering operations and lead volunteers effectively.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Include your Level 3 Food Hygiene qualification prominently in your application. If you have any additional certifications or training related to food safety or management, be sure to mention those as well.
Showcase Communication Skills: Since effective communication is crucial for this role, provide examples in your application of how you've successfully communicated with diverse groups, whether in a team setting or while managing volunteers.
How to prepare for a job interview at Watercress Line
✨Show Your Passion for Hospitality
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for the food and beverage industry. Share experiences that highlight your love for service and how you’ve positively impacted customer experiences in previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a Food and Beverage Manager, you'll be leading a team of volunteers. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past, focusing on your ability to inspire and motivate others.
✨Know the Menu Inside Out
Familiarise yourself with the types of food and beverages offered at The Watercress Line. Be ready to discuss menu ideas and how you would cater to different events, showcasing your creativity and understanding of customer preferences.
✨Highlight Your Organisational Skills
This role requires excellent planning and coordination. Be prepared to discuss how you manage multiple tasks and ensure smooth operations, especially during busy periods or events.
