CATERING and RETAIL MANAGER

Berry Recruitment are looking for an experienced Catering Manager who can oversee the operation of a cafe, small shop and function space at a picturesque nature reserve and countryside attraction on the outskirts of Wellingborough.

This is full-time, permanent position requiring a commitment of 37.5 hours per week over five days, with annual leave of 25 days, plus bank holidays and an additional day for the birthday.

• Centre Operations: Oversee the smooth running of the visitor centre, including the Front of House (FOH) team and kitchen operations, to maintain high standards of quality and service.
• Hands-On Involvement: Provide operational service in the café and shop, and ensure the retail offerings are promoted and stocked efficiently.
• Staff Management: Manage and support the FOH reception team, including training, briefing, and providing holiday cover. Line manage the Head Chef, Catering Supervisor, and FOH team. Recruit and train new staff, including seasonal and zero-hours employees.
• Team Coordination: Coordinate the café, kitchen, and FOH teams, ensuring appropriate rotas and holiday cover. Collaborate with the Head Chef to develop menus, promotions, and catering opportunities, including private hires.
• Operational Efficiency: Ensure stock levels are maintained, items are stored correctly, and the kitchen, café, and retail areas meet cleanliness and food hygiene standards.
• Event Support: Work with the events and administration teams to ensure event set-ups, staffing, and menus are in place, and handle relevant paperwork like function sheets, risk assessments, and invoices.
• Health and Safety: Ensure all areas comply with health and safety standards, including regular inventory updates, risk assessments, and emergency procedures.
• Promotion & Marketing: Collaborate with the marketing manager to develop promotional strategies for both the café and retail offerings to increase sales and foot traffic.

• Hold keyholder, first aider, and fire warden responsibilities.
• Ensure all operations comply with site policies on health and safety, security, child protection, equality, and diversity.

This role reports to the Trust Director and requires a proactive, hands-on individual with strong management skills, excellent customer service, and the ability to ensure high operational standards.

• A minimum of 3 years experience in a similar role.
• An intrinsic understanding of legislation & compliance related to catering and food standards.
• Knowledge of catering and event equipment and its upkeep.
• Experience in delivering high-quality visitor experiences.
• Great interpersonal skills with a flair for effective and well-managed delegation.
• Excellent organisational and time management skills.
• Ability to work weekends and some evenings.
• Ability to multi-task and remain calm under pressure.
• Computer literate, with good word processing, email, and desktop skills.

Desirable criteria:

Fire Warden.

Qualified First Aider.

Level 2/3 Food Hygiene.

Previous buying experience within retail operation.

Full job decription and company information available on request.

Please note that no terminology in this advert is intended to discriminate on the grounds of a person's gender, marital status, race, religion, colour, age, disability or sexual orientation. Every candidate will be assessed only in accordance with their merits, qualifications and ability to perform the duties of the job.