Catering Manager

Catering Manager – Corporate Canteen / Coffee Shop

Coffee Design is looking for an experienced, hands-on Catering Manager to manage the daily operations of a corporate canteen/coffee shop.

The successful candidate will take responsibility for the overall operation of the site, including daily service, staff management, administration, finances, ordering, stock control, food quality and customer service.

This is a hands-on management position. We are looking for someone who takes ownership of their site, maintains high standards and understands both the operational and financial side of running a successful food service operation.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

Daily Operations

• Manage the day-to-day operation of the canteen and coffee shop.
• Ensure the site is opened, prepared and ready for service on time every day.
• Oversee breakfast, lunch, coffee shop and grab-and-go service.
• Ensure smooth and efficient service during busy periods.
• Maintain excellent customer service and deal with customer queries or complaints professionally.
• Maintain a clean, organised and professional front-of-house and kitchen operation.
• Ensure company procedures and operating standards are followed at all times.

Staff Management

• Manage and supervise kitchen, barista, cashier and general staff.
• Allocate daily duties and ensure responsibilities are completed.
• Monitor staff attendance, punctuality, performance, uniform and general conduct.
• Manage staff rosters and ensure appropriate staffing levels.
• Train, guide and support staff where required.
• Address poor performance or operational issues promptly and report serious matters to senior management.
• Lead by example and maintain a professional working environment.

Stock Control & Ordering

• Manage daily and weekly stock requirements.
• Place supplier orders accurately and on time.
• Ensure sufficient stock is available without unnecessary over-ordering.
• Receive deliveries and ensure quantities and products received are correct.
• Manage stock levels and conduct regular stock counts.
• Monitor stock usage, variances and wastage.
• Ensure correct stock rotation and FIFO procedures are followed.
• Control food waste, portion sizes and unnecessary losses.
• Ensure stock is stored correctly and securely.

Financial & Administrative Responsibilities

• Complete all required daily and weekly administration accurately and on time.
• Monitor daily sales and site performance.
• Manage cash-ups and ensure cash and card transactions are correctly accounted for.
• Check invoices, delivery notes and supplier documentation.
• Maintain accurate records and filing.
• Monitor food costs, stock costs and operational expenses.
• Assist with maintaining required gross profit margins.
• Identify excessive wastage, stock losses or unusual variances and take corrective action.
• Ensure pricing and POS information are correct.
• Submit required reports and information to management within the required deadlines.

Food Quality & Standards

• Ensure food quality, portion sizes, taste and presentation remain consistent.
• Ensure recipes and portion specifications are followed.
• Monitor food displays and presentation throughout service.
• Ensure products are fresh, correctly labelled and stored.
• Work closely with the kitchen team to maintain quality and minimise waste.
• Ensure coffee and beverage standards are maintained.
• Monitor availability of menu items throughout the trading day.

Food Safety & Hygiene

• Ensure high standards of food hygiene and cleanliness throughout the site.
• Ensure staff follow food safety, cleaning and sanitising procedures.
• Monitor fridge/freezer temperatures and required food safety records.
• Ensure correct food storage, labelling and rotation.
• Ensure the kitchen, coffee shop, service areas and equipment are kept clean and maintained.
• Report maintenance, equipment and health & safety concerns promptly.

Corporate Catering & Functions

• Assist with catering orders and functions for clients within the office park.
• Liaise with clients regarding catering requirements where necessary.
• Ensure catering orders are correctly prepared, presented and delivered on time.
• Coordinate the kitchen and staff requirements for functions.
• Ensure function equipment, stock and food requirements are planned in advance.
• Assist with larger corporate functions and events when required.

Requirements

• Previous experience in a Catering Manager, Canteen Manager, Restaurant Manager or similar food service management role.
• Experience managing a corporate canteen or contract catering environment will be highly advantageous.
• Strong understanding of stock control, ordering, food cost and gross profit.
• Experience with cash-ups, basic financial controls and administration.
• Strong staff management and leadership skills.
• Good understanding of food safety and hygiene requirements.
• Excellent organisational and time-management skills.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Good computer and administrative skills.
• Professional communication and customer service skills.
• Ability to work independently and take ownership of a site.
• Able to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
• Reliable and punctual.
• Valid driver's licence and reliable transport would be advantageous.

The Person We Are Looking For

We need a manager who runs their site like their own business.

You should know what is happening in your operation — your sales, stock levels, orders, wastage, staff, food quality and customer service.

You must be comfortable working on the floor and assisting the team when needed, while still keeping control of the administration and financial side of the operation.

We are looking for someone who is proactive, accountable and organised, notices problems before they become bigger problems, and takes pride in maintaining a well-run, profitable operation.

Application Question(s):

• Do you have your own transport?

Education:

• Certificate (Preferred)

Work Location: In person