Bedford Citizens Housing Association, BCHA, is housing and care provider in Bedford. We are committed to providing high quality care, support and housing in Bedford. BCHA has vacancy for a Catering Manager. This is a varied role which involves the management of the Catering Department to include the overall responsibility to provide high quality nutritious freshly prepared food for the residents of Bedford Charter House & tenants of Oak Way House. We offer a great working environment in new purpose built building, a friendly team and the ability to make a significant positive contribution to the lives of our residents. In addition, we offer a wide range of benefits to employees: Generous annual leave starting at 28 days Travel expenses Free onsite car parking Contributory salary sacrifice pension scheme Free life assurance cover Ongoing training and development programmes Main duties and responsibilities: Specific Duties and Responsibilities • To participate and supervise in food production to ensure that quality and presentation are of the highest standards. • To prepare meals which are freshly made on site eliminating, as far as practically possible, the use of convenience products. • To plan a menu cycle twice yearly in advance to ensure variety is maintained and where appropriate seasonal produce is utilised. • To oversee the meal time services to ensure residents receive their desired meals in a timely, professional and courteous manner. • To work closely with the Care Home Management Team to ensure that the food and service meet, as far is practically possible, all individual resident needs. • To plan the catering rotas, and manage holidays, absences and vacancies in order to ensure there is adequate staffing levels on duty at all times to deliver the desired standard of service. • To participate in the recruitment and selection of catering staff. • To participate in catering staff appraisals and any staff performance issues as needed. • To purchase foodstuffs from the relevant nominated suppliers and ensure the goods delivered are of an acceptable quality and price. • To ensure that budgeted targets are achieved and maintained. • To be responsible for the security of all food storage areas. Including stock rotation, managing stock levels and regular stocktaking so that actual performance can be measured against budget. • To maintain a high standard of cleanliness at all times within the Kitchen and Dining Room. • To coordinate and assist with the training and development of staff in order that they achieve the standards set. • To be flexible in ones approach to the changing needs of the residents and in order that individual requirements are met as well as changing trends. Health & Safety • To ensure all tasks carried out meet all internal and legislative health, hygiene, quality and safety standards. • Communicate details of any accidents to the Home Manager so that the correct action may be taken. • Maintain a high standard of personal hygiene and professional appearance at all times. • Keep a safe working environment rectifying any potentially dangerous and informing all parties of temporary hazards to minimize accidents in the workplace. • To comply with BHCA policies and procedures and ensure that all catering staff are aware and comply with these procedures at all times. Building Relationships • To undergo training courses and attend company meetings when necessary. • To be prepared to change work methods, patterns or departments to help ensure the smooth running of the unit. • To work reasonable amounts of overtime provided notice is given. • Any other duties or variations to the above duties that may at any time be required. Essential Competencies 1. Experience of managing staff 2 Relevant qualification in Catering 3 Basic Health & Safety experience 4 Basic Food Hygiene 5 Expenditure control 6 Ability to prioritise workloads and time management 7 Two year's experience in a similar role 8. Experience of planning nutritional meals to promote healthy lifestyles for different dietary needs. 9. Team Player 10. Ability to maintain absolute integrity, loyalty, vision and commitment to work for and within, the values of the Association Desirable Competencies 1. Basic IT skills: Word-processing, E-mail 2. Experience, or an awareness of the needs of elderly people 3. Advanced Food Hygiene qualification