Catering manager - full time - marina leisure centre

Join the Energy at Freedom Leisure - Do Good Feel Good!

At Freedom Leisure, we're all about positive vibes, great people and making a real impact. Yes, we run leisure and cultural facilities, gyms, and swimming pools - but at the heart of it all, it's our people who make the difference.

As one of the UK's leading charitable leisure trusts, we're proud of our mission of Improving Lives Through Leisure. We're here to help communities live healthier, happier lives by making our centres welcoming, inclusive and accessible to everyone - because everyone deserves to feel good. We're all about delivering amazing customer service with a smile - every single day. We create spaces where people feel at home, supported and inspired.

With over 130 centres across England and Wales, there's loads of room to grow. Many of our team members have built amazing careers doing what they love, helping customers day to day and making people feel good.

We're proud to be a workplace where everyone is welcome, valued and supported to thrive - because when our team reflects the communities we serve, we all grow stronger together.

The Marina Centre provides an exciting range of activities for residents and visitors alike. It includes a leisure pool with two slides, a fun splash zone, clip and climb, an impressive fitness suite and exercise studios, and a sports hall that offers a wide range of activities. The centre also boasts an amazing café overlooking the beach, providing a focal point for the community.

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Catering Manager to join our dynamic team.

You will be responsible for overseeing the catering function within the centre, leading your team to deliver a consistently high‑quality and professional service to all customers. This includes providing a varied menu and maintaining the high standards expected of Costa Coffee.

A key aspect of the role will be ensuring all staff are well trained, confident in their roles and working to clear operational guidelines. You will play an active role in developing the catering offer, adapting services to meet the evolving needs of the local community and responding to seasonal trends.

In the event that a high volume of suitable applications are received, the post may close prior to the specified closing date. Please apply as soon as possible if interested.

Hours: 37 hours a week, Monday to Sunday (rota basis)

• At least three years' experience in a catering role
• Level 2 Food Hygiene qualification (or equivalent)
• Strong people management and leadership skills
• Experience of rota management
• Experience in customer service and problem solving
• Experience of managing or contributing to income targets
• Experience of stock management including ordering and rotation
• Ability to build, lead and motivate a team
• Ability to manage multiple priorities
• Good IT skills including producing and interpreting reports and data
• Team orientated approach with the ability to work across teams

Desirable

• Experience of building relationships with key suppliers
• Experience of identifying staff training needs and implementing development opportunities
• Interest in leisure, cultural services and community focused events

We want you to love coming to work, feeling healthy, happy and valued. That's why we've developed a benefits package with you in mind, so what can we offer you?

• My Staff Shop, our very own staff benefit scheme, gives employees access to a great range of benefits. Get discounts on cinema tickets, travel bookings, high street e vouchers, gift cards, days out, leisure activities and your day to day spending.
• Discounted Staff membership (including family members)
• Incremental holidays
• Employee Assistance Programme – 24/7 confidential, independent and professional counselling.
• Company pension
• Various insurance and saving schemes
• Financial advice
• Cycle to work and Car Leasing tax efficient schemes (salaried staff only, depending on earnings)
• All this as well as fully funded training and career progression opportunities in a team working environment

Closing Date: 12th June 2026

Salary: Up to £27,023 per annum

Freedom Leisure is proud to be an equal opportunities employer.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults, and we expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.