Job Description

Come and join UHD at an exciting time as we complete our transformation journey and develop our new central production unit into a local supplier of prepared meals.



Our new Central Production Kitchen opened in 2024 produce cook freeze meals for our hospitals using local and organic products where possible. We are looking for a Catering Business Manager to lead our food production team and develop our products and to sell our locally produced food into external organisations.



We produce a full range of meals, including our own dysphagic meals suitable for IDDSI levels 4, 5 and 6. Our range is currently based on the requirements of the UHD menu, but we have a wider range of dishes developed and ready to be produced.



The Catering Business Manager will be required to achieve and maintain a SALSA accreditation for the Central Production Kitchen, and achieve approved supplier statues with the local Environmental Health department. We have a quality team within Facilities to support with the accreditations and providing assurance on food safety.

Interview date:

09th February 2026



The Catering Business Manager will lead the production department within catering, ensuring it is compliant with food safety requirements and meets the need of both UHD and our external customers. The CPK Manager, who is responsible for the day-to-day production in the kitchen, is line managed by the Catering Business Manager.



The main focus for the role will be development of our external business, finding and working with customers who want locally produced prepared meals. This will include ensuring that not only is our product range appropriate, but also on freezer capacity and transport logistics.



We take food safety seriously, and all of our sites, including the Central Production Kitchen, hold a 5-star rating. We are looking to improve on this and achieve approved supplier status to enable us to supplier external customers and to achieve SALSA accreditation. This role will be responsible for achieving both.



We use Datasym's MenuMark software for our procurement, production, labelling, patient meal ordering and retail requirements. The post holder will be expected to work with this software to ensure our labelling, including allergens, is correct and for costing and pricing of our products.



UHD are investing, developing and transforming Trust services in line with the New Hospital Programme. As part of this, some services may move site this year or next, either temporarily or permanently. Recruiting Managers will be happy to answer any service-specific questions at interview.



If a role or service relocates as part of a planned move, excess mileage will not be reimbursed. Travel from home to the new work base will be classed as a normal commute. Any other changes will be managed under Trust or national terms and conditions.



UHD has active networks including Women's, BAME, Pride, EU, Pro Ability, and Armed Forces. We support Disability Confident and Armed Forces Covenant interview schemes.



AI tools may be used, but applications must honestly reflect your own skills and experience. Integrity is key to our recruitment process.



The main responsibilities of the Catering Business Manager are:



Delivery of the strategic approach to performance improvement, engagement and income generation strategies

Formulate a commercial strategy including promotion, advertising and expansion of the CPK service

Promote the CPK products and conduct site visits to explore the possibility of external customers

Full responsibility for all Quality Systems

Manage the CPK function

Achieve and maintain SALSA accreditation

Work with the team to formulate new recipes and dishes

Work with specialist dietetics to formulate specialist meals including IDDSI

Carry out catering audits

Work with suppliers and external contractors to achieve best value

Hold the CPK budget

Work to reduce potential reputational and commercial risks to the Trust