Job Description

Assistant Catering Manager - Exciting Opportunity at The Tropical Butterfly House, Wildlife Conservation Park

The Tropical Butterfly House, Wildlife Conservation Park has an exciting job opportunity available. The successful applicant will be working within the

Catering Department

at the park, working approximately

24 hours per week low season

,

24-32 hours per week, peak season

usually between

8am - 6pm

, working

3-4 days out of 7

on a rota basis. This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced catering professional to lead a dynamic team in a unique setting.

2-Year Fixed-Term Contract

Job Specification:

Duties will include:

Staff Management & Development:

Managing staff across our busy catering establishments:

Butterfly Cafe, Lottie's Coffee Lounge, and Big Red Bus Snack Stop

. Organising and delivering

staff training and development programs

, ensuring continuous professional growth and compliance with industry standards. Ensuring all staff are trained in

food safety, allergen awareness, customer service, and workplace safety

. Motivating staff and fostering a positive and efficient working environment. Preparing and managing staff rotas and staffing reports.

Food Preparation & Operations:

Preparing a variety of food items, dishes for daily service. Planning menus in consultation with the

Director

, estimating food costs and profits, and adjusting menus accordingly. Controlling costs by reviewing portion control, overseeing stock levels, and minimising waste.

Ordering food and dealing with deliveries

, ensuring stock levels are maintained and items are received in a timely and accurate manner. Keeping up to date with

food allergen awareness and food labelling guidelines

. Ensuring full compliance with

Safer Food, Better Business

and

Food Standards Agency

guidelines.

Financial & Business Management:

Meeting financial objectives by

forecasting requirements, preparing budgets, and analysing variances

. Setting financial and performance targets, implementing corrective actions as needed. Organising

marketing activities

in collaboration with the Park's Director and Marketing Manager, including

promotional events and discount schemes

.

Health & Safety Compliance:

Ensuring a

safe, secure, and healthy environment

for staff and visitors by adhering to health and safety policies. Complying with

Health and Safety at Work Act, Food Hygiene Regulations, COSHH, and fire safety protocols

. Conducting regular risk assessments and safety inspections to maintain a high standard of workplace safety. Ensuring all catering facilities meet and exceed

food hygiene and health & safety regulations

. Promoting

best practices

in sanitation, hygiene, and allergen control.

Customer Service & Compliance:

Greeting and assisting customers, handling reservations, and professionally managing complaints. Ensuring

exceptional customer service standards

are met at all times. Updating job knowledge by

participating in educational opportunities

and attending industry-related training.

Other Duties:

Any other tasks as reasonably required to ensure smooth operation of the catering department.

Required Skills and Qualifications:

?

Excellent customer service skills

?

Commercial awareness and budgeting skills

?

Strong interpersonal and communication skills

?

Effective problem-solving and organisational skills

?

Leadership and management experience

?

Ability to manage records and budgets efficiently

?

IT proficiency

?

Chef/Cook experience (essential)

?

Knowledge of Rational Ovens (desirable)

?

Certificate in Food Hygiene & Safety Level 2+ (essential)

?

Certificate in First Aid (desirable)

?

Food Allergen training and awareness/certificate (desirable)

This role offers an exciting opportunity for an experienced catering professional to lead a dedicated team in a fun, fast-paced, and unique environment. If you have a passion for food, customer service, staff development, and health & safety, we'd love to hear from you!

Job Types: Full-time, Fixed term contract

Pay: 16,000.00-22,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Company pension Discounted or free food Employee discount Free parking On-site parking
Work Location: In person