Head Chef/Catering Manager

The Catering Manager is responsible for delivering exceptional catering services to residents,staffand visitors in alignment with the Care Centres values of quality, health and safety, respect, caring, and compassion. This role supports a positive resident experience by ensuring the provision of safe, nutritious, and well-presented meals tailored to individual dietary needs. The Catering Manager is also accountable for the efficient management of the on-site café, ensuring it operates to a high standard in terms of food quality , food safety, customer service, cleanliness, and profitability. The role involves the leadership and development of the overall catering function within the Care Centre, including kitchen operations, meal service, and café management. The successful candidate will drive continuous improvement, ensure compliance with all food safety regulations, monitor cost controls / value for money and maintain high service standards within available resources. 1.. Key Responsibilities Catering Operations & Compliance Oversee daily catering services for residents, ensuring high standards in food safety, hygiene, quality, and presentation. Ensure full compliance with food safety legislation (HACCP, allergen management, food handling procedures). Supervise food storage, preparation, production, and distribution to ensure efficiency and safety. Collaborate with dietitians, nursing, and care staff to meet clinical and individual dietary needs. On-Site Café Management Manage the day-to-day operations of the on-site café, ensuring high levels of cleanliness, customer service, and operational efficiency. Overseemanage café staff, menus, and service flow to provide a welcoming and high-quality experience for residents, visitors, and staff. Monitor café stock levels, manage purchasing, and ensure effective cost control and minimal waste. Promote the café within the care centre community and encourage resident engagement and social interaction. Resident Dining Experience Ensure a positive and respectful mealtime experience for all residents, including proper setting of dining rooms and trays, courteous service, and timely meal delivery. Gather feedback from residents and families and implement improvements based on satisfaction surveys and audits. Staff Management & Development Lead, train, and supervise catering and café staff, ensuring ongoing development and performance standards are met. Organise rotas and manage staffing needs efficiently. Ensure all staff follow hygiene protocols and food safety procedures. Resource & Cost Management Monitor and manage catering and café budgets to ensure cost-effective operations. Oversee purchasing and stock control systems (including FIFO) to minimize waste and maintain freshness. Participate in menu planning and procurement decisions. Quality Assurance & Audit Preparation Maintain records and documentation to support environmental heath inspections and audit readiness. Assist in internal and external audits, including internal and external food safety inspections. Identify and implement service improvements based on audit findings and internal reviews. 2. Essential Criteria for the position A degree in Culinary Arts, or a similar discipline, management qualification preferred but not essential. A minimum of three years experience in a catering or café restaurant management role in a high-volume setting (serving at least 200 meals daily), with relevant supervisory responsibilities. Certified HACCP Management training, e.g. QQI Level 6 Designing Food Safety Management Systems or equivalent. Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Word, and Excel. 3.Desirable Attributes Strong leadership, organisational, and interpersonal skills. A proactive, hands-on approach to service delivery and problem-solving. Passion for enhancing quality of life through food service in a care environment. Excellent time management and attention to detail. Customer service mindset, especially for the café environment. This role offers an opportunity to lead catering operations in a warm, caring setting, where food service makes a direct and meaningful impact on the wellbeing and quality of life for residents and the wider care centre community You can edit below appropriate to the position Additional benefits Excellent staff facilities. Opportunity to work as partof an on-site Multidisciplinary Team Competitive Rates of Pay. Induction Program Career Progression/Internal Promotion On-site Training room for in house training. Free training specific to your needs, your job, and your skills gap Education support to gain qualifications for your current or future role Committed toproviding and maintainingthe highest standardof care. Paid break in the morning On-site café with staff discount of 40% and deduction from salary plan. Cycle to work scheme with a re-payment plan Free Car Parking Pension Scheme Staff Social Events and Free Christmas Party Credit Union Savings Plan for staff with other added benefit. Employee Well-Being benefits Discounted Physio sessions DiscountedPilates classes Skills: job desired skills