Catering Manager (Kitchen Operations & Retreat Catering)
Location: Hafan Ogwen / Snowdonia Mountain Lodge
Contract: Part-time 2 days per week plus weekends during retreats, £ competitve
Retreat programme: Retreats throughout the season (in-house retreats + external groups)
Season: March – November
Start date: Immediate
Weekend availability: Required (rota-dependent)
Role Purpose
This is an exciting opportunity to work with a retreat centre offering yoga, meditation and other retreats and events in Eryri, and we seek employees who conduct themselves and interact with others in a way that is consistent with our organisational values. We are committed to creating a supportive and positive working environment and would welcome your application if you meet the criteria below
We are looking for an experienced, organised, and proactive Catering Manager to oversee the smooth running of our retreat kitchen operations at Hafan Ogwen / Snowdonia Mountain Lodge.
This is a key operational role supporting our busy programme of retreats (a mix of in-house retreats and external group bookings) between March and November. Alongside retreat catering, we also serve the resident community. You will be helping to ensure smooth catering operations for both the community and retreat guests, typically 30–60 people.
The Catering Manager is responsible for ensuring rotas are fully covered, the kitchen runs efficiently, hygiene and safety standards are consistently maintained, and that both the kitchen and dining spaces remain clean, orderly, and welcoming for guests. There may be a requirement to work extra days in the weeks before our first retreat on 3-5 April to ensure all requirements are in place after our winter closure to retreats. The catering manager would work with the other members of the catering team to implement this.
This is a new role and will evolve over time so the job description should also be regarded as flexible within the overall scope of the role.
Due to the urgent need to fill and coordinate rotas, the successful candidate will be required to start immediately
Key Responsibilities
1) Staffing & Rotas
* Create and manage rotas for:
* Head Cook (if applicable)
* Cooks
* Veg prep team
* Kitchen support staff
* Ensure rotas are fully staffed for all retreats and key venue periods
* Respond quickly to staff absence and manage cover:
* if someone cannot make a shift, you will contact available staff and reorganise rotas to ensure full coverage
* Communicate rotas clearly so staff know:
* shifts and timings
* responsibilities
* service expectations and standards
Note: On some retreats, volunteers may be present supporting the wider retreat team. You will not be required to organise volunteers, but you will need to be aware of volunteer presence and coordinate smoothly with retreat leads where relevant
2) Kitchen Oversight, Organisation & Standards during retreats
* Oversee the day-to-day organisation of the kitchen to ensure it is:
* tidy
* clean
* safe
* efficient and calm during service
* maintain orderly systems for:
* storage and stock areas
* clear labelling and signage
* smooth kitchen workflow and safe working areas
* ensure a consistent standard is maintained throughout the retreat season
You will help with veg preparation and washing up during retreat weekends if all the other aspects of the role are completed
3) Food Hygiene, Compliance & Record Keeping
* Ensure the kitchen consistently meets food hygiene standards and follows UK food safety regulations
* Maintain required records and checks, including (but not limited to):
* fridge/freezer temperature logs
* cleaning schedules and checklists
* food safety and hygiene records required for inspections
* Ensure correct procedures are followed around:
* food storage
* allergen awareness
* cross-contamination prevention
* safe prep practices and sanitising routines
* Promote a culture of cleanliness, responsibility, and high standards across the kitchen team
4) Equipment, Servery & Maintenance Liaison
* Ensure the kitchen and servery are prepared, clean, and functioning smoothly for each meal service
* Check that equipment is functioning properly and report any issues promptly
* Liaise with the maintenance team for any repairs which are required.
5) Dining Room Standards & Guest Experience
* Ensure the dining room is kept:
* clear
* clean
* tidy
* welcoming and well-presented for retreat guests
* Help ensure smooth meal service by keeping shared spaces prepared and cared for
* Support an atmosphere of warmth and professionalism within the retreat setting
Person Specification
Essential
* Excellent organisational skills (particularly rota planning and staffing coordination)
* Strong understanding of kitchen hygiene, food safety standards and health and safety at work requirements
* Confidence with compliance and record keeping
* High attention to detail and pride in maintaining standards
* Clear, calm communication with kitchen staff and retreat leads
* Practical problem-solving when staffing or operational issues arise
* Flexibility and weekend availability during the retreat season. A small number of retreats take place during the week and the successful applicant will need to be available during those times also
* Able to take initiative and follow through independently on improvements that keep the kitchen running smoothly
* Food Hygiene Certificate (Level 2 minimum; Level 3 preferred)
Desirable:
Experience in retreat centres, hospitality venues, or high-volume catering
Experience coordinating kitchen operations across a seasonal events calendar
Your own transport
Pay: £16.00 per hour
Expected hours: 15 – 40 per week
Benefits:
* On-site parking
Work Location: In person