We are seeking a dynamic Unit Catering Manager to lead the dining experience for our residents. This role suits a chef who is passionate about cooking and enjoys engaging with people. You will manage a small team, creating nutritious, seasonal menus that respect Jewish cultural practices while delivering excellent service and efficient operations. The role is 80% hands‑on cooking and 20% management. You will work 5 days out of 7, including some weekends on a rota. Shifts are 6:00am–2:30pm or 11:00am–7:30pm. The selection process includes a 30‑minute introductory meeting, followed by an interview and a 2.5‑hour culinary assessment centre for shortlisted candidates.
Main duties of the job
What you’ll be doing:
* Culinary Management: Prepare and present high‑quality meals tailored to residents’ needs; plan and manage menus using the Indicator Menu & Recipe Management System, ensuring full compliance with food safety and hygiene standards.
* Customer Service: Engage with residents and families to understand dietary needs and preferences; deliver excellent service, ensuring satisfaction and handling any concerns professionally.
* Operational Management: Oversee day‑to‑day catering operations, ensuring smooth service delivery; manage EPOS system for accurate billing and inventory tracking; implement and manage the Future Workforce Management System for optimal staff scheduling; manage stock control, including ordering supplies, maintaining inventory, and reducing wastage; ensure efficient processing and management of invoices.
* Team Leadership: Lead and motivate the team, manage rotas, support ongoing training and development, and provide mentoring for career growth.
* Financial Management: Manage budgets, monitor costs, and report on financial performance.
What you’ll need:
* NVQ Level 2/3 (essential); City & Guilds 706 1/2 (desirable).
* At least 5 years experience in a busy kitchen and in managing catering operations, ideally in a care setting.
* Strong knowledge of food safety, COSHH, health & safety, and infection control.
* Excellent culinary, communication, and customer‑service skills, with the ability to lead a team and manage budgets effectively.
* IT literate, organised, and able to work to deadlines.
About us
Jewish Care is the largest provider of health and social care services for the Jewish community in the UK. Every week, we touch the lives of 10,000 people. We provide services to a range of people including older people, people with mental health needs and people living with dementia. Our five values are at the heart of the way we work – Excellence, Integrity, Innovation, Compassion, and Inclusivity.
Person specification
* Please refer to the job description above for general and specific requirements.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and therefore a submission for Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly CRB) checks will be required.
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