Summary
We are a heritage steam railway operated by volunteers and supported by paid staff, bringing smiles to faces through the beautiful Hampshire countryside for 50 years.
You are an experienced food and beverage professional looking to make a difference in an exciting and varied role that will draw on every part of the retail mix, from motivating teams to creating glorious customer experiences. You will need to be independent and collaborative, working as part of a small paid team and a larger, dedicated volunteer base. You will have an eye for detail and a flair for training. You will be willing to get 'stuck in' with the teams, supporting them at peak times throughout the year. A background in hobby, leisure or heritage retail would be an advantage.
Purpose of the Role
* Establish the current running and operating systems of the catering department for familiarisation.
* Meet with suppliers and establish relationships with a focus on cost and forward provision for the department.
* Host team meeting to introduce self to each person and spend some time discussing basic compliance.
* Revise the on train catering offering with a view to launch regular drinks trolley service,
* Considerable focus on menu options and revision of menus, both general running as well as event menus, with a key focus on audience type, demographic and event programme.
* Bring catering outlets in line with food safety standards and compliance.
* Review on train catering offering to enhance the revenue generated for self led catering options (
Reports
Line Manager: Food & Beverage Manager
Direct reports: Volunteers and Casual staff
Tasks for the Role
To assist the F & B Manager with the following
Volunteer coordination
To coordinate volunteer teams delivering regular catering support
To recruit, train and motivate new volunteers
Front of House
To ensure the highest levels of presentation across the catering outlets
Continually improve catering standards including menus, procedures and customer experience.
Product development
To develop and deliver food and beverages appropriate to the Watercress Line audiences.
To respond to changes in audience and deliver menus to match
Stock management
To order and receive goods into the catering dept.
To organise the distribution of stock across the railway outlets
To ensure a strict stock rotation of perishable goods
To minimise supplier costs and the number of suppliers
To regularly review stock levels and product movement for maximum revenue
To manage the compliance of Watercress Line catering ensuring food safety standards are upheld
Additional General Responsibilities
Relationships
Ensure effective communication with everyone, both internally and externally
Work closely with other departments to deliver Company-wide programmes and objectives.
Cultivate internal relationships that cross team boundaries and demonstrate positive collaboration and problem solving with all team members.
Cultivate external relationships to identify potential new partners.
Build and maintain partnerships with relevant external contacts.
Policies and Procedures
Adhere to Company policies, procedures and code of conduct, to protect people and the Watercress Line's reputation, including GDPR and Safeguarding policies and procedures.
Professionally challenge procedures that do not add value to the Company.
Personal Responsibilities
Lead by example
Work as part of a team and support colleagues across the Watercress Line
Protect the reputation of the Watercress Line.
Be a positive influence and role model, acting with integrity and professionalism and tackling challenges in a pragmatic and collaborative manner, to bring your team and the wider staff along with you.
Guide and enable those under you, being aware that some may not be as developed or as confident as yourself
General Consideration
The above job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of key responsibilities, duties or requirements, and you are expected to carry out any other duties commensurate with the scope and scale of your role. The job description should be reviewed regularly to ensure it remains an accurate reflection of your role. You will be expected to travel to other sites, as and when the role requires.
Terms and Conditions
Full time flexible hours equating to 40 hours a week. There will be an expectation of on site working during key events including holidays and evenings. Shift pattern is flexible working 5 days over 7 on site. Based at Alresford but requiring travel to Ropley, Medstead and Alton.
Holidays 28 days including all public holidays
Benefits Travel
Discounts in the Watercress Line catering and retail outlets
EAP
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £27,500.00 per year
Benefits:
* Employee discount
* Free parking
* On-site parking
Experience:
* Catering: 2 years (preferred)
Work authorisation:
* United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person