Catering Manager Jobs in Woking
Catering Manager Jobs in Woking
Job Title: Catering Manager
Location: Woking, Surrey, UK
Main Responsibilities:
1. Manage and oversee all catering operations, ensuring high-quality food and service
2. Plan menus, manage inventory, and maintain food safety and hygiene standards
3. Recruit, train, and supervise catering staff, including chefs, servers, and kitchen assistants
4. Manage budgets, control costs, and maximize profitability
5. Liaise with clients to plan and execute events, meetings, and conferences
6. Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations and food safety laws
7. Manage supplier relationships and negotiate contracts
8. Implement and maintain quality control procedures
9. Handle customer inquiries and resolve complaints promptly and professionally
Required Skills & Qualifications:
1. Proven experience as a Catering Manager or similar role
2. Strong leadership and management skills
3. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
4. Proficient in budgeting, cost control, and financial management
5. Knowledge of food safety regulations and health and safety procedures
6. Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple tasks simultaneously
7. Creativity and innovation in menu planning and event design
8. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and catering management software
9. Level 3 Food Hygiene Certification
Experience:
1. Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in a catering management role
2. Experience in managing a team of catering staff
3. Experience in planning and executing large-scale events and conferences
4. Experience in managing budgets and controlling costs
5. Experience in supplier management and contract negotiation
Pay Rates for Catering Manager Jobs in Woking:
– The average salary for a Catering Manager in Woking is around £30,000 to £40,000 per year, depending on experience and qualifications.
– Some positions may offer additional benefits such as bonuses, pension schemes, and health insurance.
– Hourly rates for temporary or part-time positions can range from £12 to £20 per hour, depending on the employer and specific job requirements.
What Does a Catering Manager Do
A catering manager is responsible for overseeing all aspects of food service operations for events and in venues such as restaurants, hotels, cafes, schools, hospitals and more. The role involves planning menus, managing budgets, hiring and training staff, ensuring food safety standards are met, and delivering high-quality food service to customers and clients.
Catering managers need to have strong leadership and communication skills to effectively manage their team. They must be organized and detail-oriented to handle the logistics of food ordering, preparation and service. Creativity is important for designing appealing menus and food presentations. A solid understanding of proper food handling and sanitation practices is also critical.
Some specific responsibilities of a catering manager include creating menus that meet the needs and preferences of the client or customer base, calculating food and labor costs to ensure profitability, scheduling staff, monitoring the quality of food preparation and presentation, handling customer inquiries and complaints, and ensuring the kitchen and dining areas meet health and safety standards. Depending on the size of the establishment, a catering manager may be very hands-on with food preparation or focus more on administrative duties.
Catering Manager Jobs in Woking
Woking, a town in northwest Surrey, England has a variety of establishments that employ catering managers. Jobs can be found in restaurants, pubs, hotels, school and hospital cafeterias, and catering companies that service events.
Some current catering manager job openings in Woking include a position for a catering manager at a busy restaurant and bar, seeking someone to manage a team of chefs, oversee menu planning and costing, and deliver a high-quality food offering. Another opening is for a contract catering manager role to run multiple sites for a catering company, with duties like developing menus, managing budgets and ensuring consistent standards across the sites.
A nearby hotel is recruiting an experienced banqueting operations manager to oversee the planning and execution of events like weddings and conferences. Responsibilities include communicating with clients, creating menus, running events, and maximizing profitability.
With a number of schools in the area, there are often openings for catering managers to run school cafeterias and lunch programs. These roles involve designing healthy, appealing menus for students, managing food supply orders and inventory, and overseeing kitchen staff and food preparation.
The National Health Service operates several hospitals in the Woking area, including St. Peter’s Hospital, which provide opportunities for catering managers in healthcare dining services. In addition to managing the preparation and service of patient meals, catering managers in hospitals often oversee cafes and dining options for hospital staff and visitors.
Requirements and Qualifications
Most catering manager jobs require at least a few years of experience in a food service supervisory role. A degree or diploma in hospitality management, culinary arts or a related field can be advantageous, but is not always necessary with sufficient work experience.
Catering managers typically need a food safety certification, demonstrating knowledge of proper food storage, handling and sanitation practices. In the UK, this is often a Level 3 Food Safety for Catering qualification.
Leadership and management skills are very important, as catering managers are responsible for overseeing staff and ensuring smooth operations. The ability to multitask, think on your feet and calmly handle issues in a fast-paced environment is crucial.
Excellent communication and customer service skills are also required to interact with customers, clients and staff. Catering managers need to be comfortable relaying instructions to their team and professionally handling customer feedback and complaints.
Some roles may prefer candidates with knowledge of catering software for tasks like inventory management, costing and event planning. Proficiency with Microsoft Office programs like Excel for managing budgets and data is often required.
Salary and Career Advancement
Salaries for catering managers can vary depending on the size and type of employer, as well as the candidate’s experience level. In Woking, catering manager positions tend to pay between £25,000 to £40,000 per year. Those managing larger teams or multiple sites can earn on the higher end of that range or more.
Entry level catering supervisors and assistants can expect to make around £20,000 to £25,000 annually, with the potential to move up to a manager role with more experience. Catering managers can advance to higher level roles like food and beverage director, overseeing multiple food service outlets, or executive chef roles focusing more on menu development.
Some catering managers may move into event planning or sales roles, utilizing their food service knowledge and customer relationship skills. Others go on to manage larger catering teams or open their own catering businesses.
For those interested in moving up to executive chef or food and beverage director roles, pursuing additional culinary training or a degree in hospitality management can be beneficial. Staying on top of culinary trends and maintaining a strong professional network can also lead to career advancement opportunities.
Conclusion
Catering manager jobs encompass the oversight of kitchen operations and staff, as well as business management responsibilities like financial planning and customer service. Woking offers diverse opportunities for catering managers, from restaurants and hotels to school and hospital cafeterias.
A successful catering manager needs to be an effective leader and communicator, with strong organizational skills and attention to detail. A solid foundation in proper food handling and safety practices is a must. Relevant work experience is the most important qualification, though degrees and certifications can boost a candidate’s resume.
The salary range for catering managers in Woking is in line with national averages, with room for earning growth through career advancement. With the right combination of skills, experience and training, a catering manager can build a rewarding career in the food service industry.
FAQs – Catering Manager Jobs in Woking
1. What are the main responsibilities of a Catering Manager in Woking?
A Catering Manager in Woking is responsible for overseeing all aspects of food service operations, including menu planning, food preparation, staff management, and ensuring customer satisfaction. They also handle budgeting, inventory management, and maintaining health and safety standards.
2. What qualifications are required to become a Catering Manager in Woking?
Typically, a Catering Manager in Woking should have a degree or diploma in hospitality management, culinary arts, or a related field. Relevant work experience in the food service industry is also essential. Certifications in food safety and hygiene are often required.
3. What skills are important for a Catering Manager in Woking?
A Catering Manager in Woking should possess strong leadership and organizational skills, as well as excellent communication and customer service abilities. They should be able to work well under pressure, manage multiple tasks simultaneously, and have a keen eye for detail. Knowledge of various cuisines and dietary requirements is also beneficial.
4. What is the average salary for a Catering Manager in Woking?
The average salary for a Catering Manager in Woking can vary depending on factors such as experience, qualifications, and the size of the establishment. Generally, salaries range from £25,000 to £40,000 per year.
5. What are the career prospects for a Catering Manager in Woking?
Catering Managers in Woking can progress to higher positions within the food service industry, such as Food and Beverage Director or General Manager. They may also choose to specialize in a particular area, such as event catering or corporate dining. With sufficient experience and expertise, some Catering Managers may opt to start their own catering business.