Catering Manager
Hirst Welfare Community Café, Ashington
Salary: £23,519 per annum (£29,007 FTE)
Hours: 30 hours per week, flexible
Contract: Fixed Term, initial 12 Months
An Exciting Opportunity to Lead Change
Hirst Welfare Community Café is entering a new phase of development, and we are looking for an ambitious, commercially aware Catering Manager to help shape its future.
Based within Hirst Welfare Centre, one of Ashington's largest community facilities, this role offers a unique opportunity to lead the development of a community café with significant potential. We are seeking someone who can bring fresh ideas, strong leadership and sound business judgement to help create a café that is financially sustainable, operationally efficient and valued by the local community.
This is not simply a catering role. It is an opportunity to take ownership of a service, identify opportunities for growth, improve performance, increase income, control costs and develop a café that delivers both community benefit and commercial success.
About the Role
Reporting to the Centre Manager, you will be responsible for the overall management and development of the Community Café.
You will lead daily operations, manage staff and volunteers, ensure legal and food safety compliance, oversee nursery meal provision and catering for events, and play a key role in developing the café's long-term sustainability.
You will be expected to introduce effective systems, improve standards, monitor performance and identify opportunities to strengthen the café's financial position whilst maintaining its community focus.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage the day-to-day operation of the Community Café, including café service, nursery meals and catering for events.
- Develop appealing, nutritious and affordable menus.
- Monitor and control food costs, stock levels, ordering and waste.
- Ensure full compliance with food safety legislation, HACCP requirements, allergen management and environmental health standards.
- Recruit, support and develop staff and volunteers.
- Deliver high standards of customer service and create a welcoming café environment.
- Work with FareShare and other partners to maximise the use of surplus food and reduce waste.
- Develop new opportunities to increase income and improve sustainability.
- Maintain accurate records and provide performance information to management.
- Contribute to the wider objectives of Hirst Welfare Centre and support community engagement.
About You
We are looking for a motivated individual who can combine catering expertise with strong leadership and business awareness.
Essential
- Experience in a catering, hospitality or food service management role.
- Strong understanding of food safety legislation and compliance requirements.
- Experience of menu planning, stock control, food costing and budget management.
- Experience of leading and motivating staff.
- Strong organisational, communication and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work both strategically and operationally.
- A proactive approach to improving services and delivering results.
- Commitment to excellent customer service.
Desirable
- Experience within a community café, charity, social enterprise or community venue.
- Experience working with volunteers or trainees.
- Knowledge of FareShare or food redistribution programmes.
- Understanding of community development and social impact.
- Experience delivering service improvement or organisational change.
Why Join Us?
This is an opportunity to make a real impact.
You will have the freedom to influence the direction of the café, introduce new ideas, develop the offer, build community engagement and help create a sustainable service for the future.
The successful candidate will join a committed team working to improve opportunities, wellbeing and community life across Ashington.
How to Apply
Submit Cover Letter and CV to:
[email protected]
or apply via Indeed
Closing Date: 17 July 2026
Interview Date: Week Commencing 27 July 2026
Hirst Welfare is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. The successful candidate may be required to undertake an enhanced DBS check.
We welcome applications from all sections of the community.
Pay: £23,519.00 per year
Benefits:
- Discounted or free food
- Employee discount
- Gym membership
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
