Catering Operations Manager

Company: Chessington Garden Centre
Apply for the Catering Operations Manager
Location: Greater London
Job Description:

The ideal candidate will have an ability to create and maintain an efficient system of operation to support the business needs. The candidate should be comfortable multitasking and working cross-functionally with different business units. The ideal candidate will have previous experience in related fields.

The ideal candidate needs;

  • Previous management experience in food and retail
  • Pride in making high quality fresh food
  • Planning and organising skills
  • Commercial and business acumen
  • P&L experience along with budget management
  • To be flexible to work weekends as required by the business
  • To be an active hands-on team player with excellent communication skills

You will be responsible for:

Food Operations

  • Developing new, modern and seasonal recipes
  • Develop and evolve all services, ensuring regular improvements are made and implemented
  • Ensure all food is cooked and prepared to highest of standards and in line with food safety policy
  • Taking full ownership of internal audits and external EHO audits
  • Ensuring all COSHH assessments have been completed and control measures are followed
  • Supporting the Head Chef and Buying team with Procurement
  • Monitoring ongoing operations and resolving issues promptly
  • Ensuring financial targets are met through accurate and efficient ordering, costings, storage and stock accountability
  • Identifying opportunities to improve sales with good value, high quality, consistent and unique produce
  • Keeping within budget by effective managing of purchasing, costings, portion control & wastage
  • Produce a development and marketing plan: offers, displays and front of house set up in line with menus and concepts that align with the Garden Centre’s visions
  • Schedule labour to ensure customer expectations are met, but not exceeding labour budget
  • Reviewing pricing and offers

Team Management

  • Lead by example, motivating, empowering and supporting the team
  • Maintaining adequate staff cover across all sections to cover all operational requirement; providing staff rotas and approving breaks and holiday accordingly
  • Recruiting appropriate staff for your requirements
  • Monitoring and appraising the performance of your team members
  • Ensuring safe and efficient working practices are followed at all times
  • Manage instances of misconduct, poor performance, complaints; effectively dealing with matters in line with company policy
  • Ensure staff are motivated and knowledgeable about their roles with a robust training plan
  • Ensure staff have completed relevant training within specific timeframe
  • Support the team as required in the day to day running of the restaurant, front & back of house
  • Be customer focussed at all times, by being visible during service periods, approachable and quick to respond to and exceed expectations

One Team

  • Working with the Directors to develop an aligned vision – including catering, farm shop and retail
  • Develop concepts to include purchasing and products for commercial opportunities
  • Keeping the Directors informed of all relevant issues
  • Supporting other areas of the business when required

In return you will receive the following;

  • Mainly daytime shifts – late nights only required at Christmas and on loyalty events
  • Staff discount throughout the store; including restaurant and Farmshop
  • Work life balance
  • Pension
  • Free parking on site
  • Employee Assistance Programme
  • One day off for your birthday after 2 years’ service
  • Working alongside like-minded individuals in a fun but professional environment of a family run business

#J-18808-Ljbffr…

Posted: April 17th, 2026