Job Description:

Catering Manager

Contract: Healthcare
Location: Ilford, London, IG3 8XJ
Hours of Work: 37.5 hours per week (Monday to Friday)
Contract Type: Permanent

Our client, a leading provider of facilities services in the UK, is seeking a Catering Manager to lead the safe, compliant, patient-centred and commercially controlled delivery of catering services across the estate.

This role is accountable for translating the contract catering solution into reliable daily operations, ensuring high standards of meal quality, dietary compliance, food safety, workforce effectiveness and stakeholder satisfaction.

Job Overview

We are looking for a proactive and organised leader to oversee the day-to-day operation of a central catering hub currently undergoing refurbishment.

The role is responsible for managing ordering processes, menu management, dietary compliance, stock control and the effective delivery of patient meal services across multiple Trust locations. Working within a Mental Health Trust environment, you will build strong relationships with ward teams, clinical stakeholders and catering colleagues to ensure a safe, efficient and patient-focused service.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the day-to-day delivery of patient catering services across Trust locations.
• Manage ordering, menu administration, stock control and meal distribution processes.
• Ensure dietary requirements, allergen controls and special diets are delivered safely and accurately.
• Maintain compliance with food safety, HACCP and quality assurance standards.
• Lead, coach and support catering colleagues, including rota and absence management.
• Monitor service performance, waste, stock levels and operational KPIs through EMOS and reporting systems.
• Manage catering budgets, labour resources and consumable costs in line with contract requirements.
• Build strong relationships with ward teams, clinical stakeholders and Trust representatives to drive service improvement.

Person Specification

• Experience managing catering operations within healthcare, patient-feeding, contract catering or similar environments.
• Proven experience leading teams and managing busy operational services.
• Strong knowledge of HACCP, food safety, allergen management and compliance requirements.
• Experience managing special dietary requirements and patient-focused meal services.
• Ability to manage rotas, staffing levels, performance and workforce development.
• Experience controlling food, labour, stock and waste costs.
• Competent in Microsoft Office and digital catering, workforce or reporting systems.
• Strong communication, organisation and stakeholder management skills with a patient-centred approach.