Hours: 37.5 hours per week, worked on a rota basis, Monday to Sunday, including evenings, weekends and regular events.
About the Role
We are looking for an enthusiastic, innovative and experienced Catering & Events Manager to lead our busy members' café and events operation within our thriving health club.
This is a hands-on leadership role combining kitchen management, food service, team leadership and event planning, ensuring our members and guests enjoy outstanding food, exceptional service and memorable experiences that reflect our commitment to health and wellbeing.
As Catering & Events Manager, you will oversee the day-to-day operation of the café while leading the development of exciting seasonal menus, café promotions and successful events. Working closely with the wider management team, you will drive commercial performance, maintain exceptional operational standards and create an environment where both members and colleagues thrive.
At Lanes Health Clubs, teamwork is at the heart of everything we do. Alongside your core responsibilities, you may be asked to undertake other reasonable duties, including supporting wider club operations, attending management meetings and participating in training that contributes to the continued success of the business.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the day-to-day operation of the café, ensuring smooth, efficient and profitable service.
- Prepare, cook and present high-quality hot and cold food in line with company standards.
- Develop innovative, healthy menus, seasonal specials and café promotions that support the club's wellness ethos.
- Plan, organise and deliver both member and commercial events, ensuring every event is professionally managed and delivers an exceptional guest experience.
- Recruit, train, develop and motivate the café team, creating a positive and high-performing working environment.
- Lead by example, maintaining outstanding customer service and encouraging a culture of excellence throughout the team.
- Manage stock control, ordering and supplier relationships to maintain availability while minimising waste and controlling costs.
- Monitor café performance, including revenue, profitability, member satisfaction and operational efficiency.
- Ensure full compliance with food safety, hygiene, allergen management and health & safety legislation.
- Maintain exceptional standards of cleanliness, organisation and presentation throughout both the kitchen and café.
- Carry out regular brand standards audits, ensuring the café consistently reflects the quality and professionalism of Lanes Health Clubs.
- Oversee opening and closing procedures, ensuring equipment is operated safely and maintained appropriately.
- Manage staff rotas, holiday planning and payroll administration to ensure effective staffing levels.
- Conduct regular one-to-one meetings and team briefings to support performance, communication and development.
- Work collaboratively with the wider management team to support club initiatives, sustainability objectives and member engagement.
- Undertake any other reasonable duties required to support the successful operation of the catering department and wider club.
Person SpecificationEssential
- Previous management or supervisory experience within a commercial kitchen, café, restaurant or hospitality environment.
- Strong experience preparing and cooking food to consistently high standards.
- Level 2 Food Safety & Hygiene Certificate (or equivalent).
- Excellent understanding of food safety, HACCP principles and kitchen hygiene.
- Experience managing teams, training staff and maintaining high operational standards.
- Strong organisational, planning and time management skills.
- Excellent communication and customer service skills.
- Commercial awareness with experience managing budgets, stock control and cost management.
- Ability to lead effectively in a fast-paced environment while maintaining attention to detail.
- Flexible approach to working shifts, including weekends and events.
Desirable
- Experience leading catering operations within a health club, leisure or hospitality environment.
- Experience planning and delivering successful events.
- Knowledge of nutrition, healthy menu development and current food trends.
- Experience managing payroll, rotas and recruitment.
- Level 3 Food Safety qualification.
- Knowledge of sustainability initiatives within hospitality.
What We're Looking For
The successful candidate will be a passionate, motivated and proactive leader who enjoys taking ownership of both kitchen operations and the overall café experience. They will have a genuine enthusiasm for producing quality food, developing people and creating an environment where exceptional customer service comes naturally.
You will be someone who leads by example, embraces innovation and takes pride in maintaining the highest standards while continually looking for opportunities to improve performance, member satisfaction and commercial success.
What We Offer
- Full-time permanent contract.
- Competitive salary, dependent on experience.
- Generous holiday allowance, plus an additional day off for your birthday.
- Complimentary health club membership for yourself and a buddy.
- Discounted or complimentary food.
- Employee discounts.
- On-site parking.
- A supportive, welcoming team environment.
- Opportunities to develop menus, lead events and contribute to the continued growth of one of West Sussex's leading health clubs.
Pay: £30,000.00-£35,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Discounted or free food
- Employee discount
- Gym membership
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
