Deputy Catering Manager

Deputy Catering Manager

Contract: Government
Location: London, SW1A 2AS
Hours of work: 40
Contract Type: Permanent

Our client, a leading provider of facilities services in the UK, is seeking a confident and experienced Deputy Catering Manager to support the day-to-day delivery of catering services and events across multiple food service outlets, including coffee shops, a restaurant, deli bar, hospitality operations and high-profile events.

Job Purpose

The successful candidate will be responsible for maintaining high operational standards, ensuring service excellence and supporting the Catering Manager in the effective running of the operation. This role requires a proactive leader who can manage teams effectively, oversee front-of-house operations and contribute to continuous improvement within a fast-paced catering environment.

As Deputy Catering Manager, you will play a key role in the delivery of catering and hospitality services across a varied operation. You will be responsible for ensuring excellent customer service, maintaining compliance with food safety and health and safety requirements, and supporting the management of multiple service areas.

Working closely with the Catering Manager, you will also contribute to team development, operational efficiency and service innovation while ensuring the highest standards are maintained across all catering outlets and events.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the day-to-day running of front-of-house catering operations, ensuring high standards of service at all times.
• Support operations across two coffee shops/catering outlets, maintaining quality, consistency and customer satisfaction.
• Assist in the delivery of restaurant and deli bar services serving approximately 200 covers.
• Lead, motivate and develop a team of approximately 15-16 employees, including Food Service Supervisors, Assistants and agency staff.
• Oversee ordering, stock control and stock taking activities.
• Support menu planning and ensure operational requirements are met.
• Support the delivery of hospitality services and high-profile events, ensuring a professional and seamless customer experience.
• Ensure compliance with Health & Safety, Food Hygiene, COSHH and company operating standards, while deputising for the Catering Manager when required.

Professional and Personal Competencies / Qualifications

• Experience within a contract catering environment is desirable.
• Experience delivering hospitality services.
• Experience within a retail coffee shop environment.
• Strong understanding of food safety, hygiene, compliance and operational standards.
• Working knowledge of espresso-based drinks, coffee quality, barista standards and coffee shop operations.
• Strong communication, customer service and negotiation skills.
• Ability to engage confidently with senior clients and stakeholders.
• Proven ability to motivate, develop and manage teams, with a calm and professional approach under pressure and a strong awareness of commercial objectives.