Job Description

Company Overview

Odds Farm Park Ltd is a renowned visitor attraction located in Wooburn Common, High Wycombe. Celebrated for its rare breed farm animals, engaging daily shows, play areas, seasonal events, and family-friendly activities, our company is dedicated to providing memorable experiences for visitors of all ages.

Role Purpose

The Catering Manager will lead the full catering operation across all Odds Farm Park food outlets. This role is responsible for delivering exceptional food, service quality, operational efficiency, commercial performance, and a first?class guest experience for families visiting the farm. The Catering Manager sets the tone for food standards, team culture, safety, creativity, and profitability across a multi?unit, high?volume environment.

Key Responsibilities1. Customer Experience & Food Quality

Deliver an outstanding, on?brand, high?quality food offer across all catering units every day. Keep menus fresh, seasonal, family?friendly, and aligned with current food trends and dietary requirements (vegan, GF, allergen-aware). Ensure allergen accuracy and food safety is always fully compliant and confidently communicated. Maintain exceptional customer service standards throughout all touchpoints--presentation, speed, friendliness, consistency. Create engaging food experiences including specials, tasting samples, eye?catching displays, and attractive visual merchandising. Manage guest queries promptly, professionally, and with a problem-solving attitude.

2. Commercial & Financial Management

Deliver agreed annual revenue, spend-per-head, GP%, labour targets, and full P&L accountability across all catering outlets. Report commercial performance accurately each month to the GM/CEO. Review all product ranges, margins, pricing, and supplier relationships regularly to maintain value and profitability. Develop and introduce new food concepts backed by ROI and commercial rationale. Increase secondary spend through value-focused menu engineering, smart upselling techniques, and compelling retail presentation.

3. Operational Management

Oversee daily food service execution across multiple outlets with fluctuating visitor volume. Use forecasting tools and visitor data to plan staffing, production levels, and service speed. Ensure consistent food presentation, display standards, stock levels, and cleanliness. Maintain 5?star hygiene performance and full compliance with EHO, allergens, HACCP, and health & safety. Implement stock controls, reduce wastage, manage cost-of-food strategy, and maintain accurate weekly and monthly reporting on costs. Oversee rota creation, holiday planning, and labour optimisation throughout the year.

4. Leadership & People Development

Lead, inspire, and develop the catering team, ensuring morale, teamwork, performance and communication remain strong. Recruit, induct, train, and mentor team members to deliver excellent food and service standards. Conduct return?to?work interviews, track absences, and manage performance proactively. Set a positive example with a hands?on approach -- supporting in kitchen, service, or cheffing when needed. Build a supportive culture that values consistency, pride, and guest care.

What We're Looking For

10+ years' experience managing catering or hospitality operations. NVQ Level 3 in Catering/Hospitality or equivalent. Strong leadership, organisation, and time?management skills. Proven ability to manage budgets, GP, P&L, stock and supplier negotiations. Confident understanding of food hygiene, allergens, EHO standards and compliance. A hands-on manager who thrives in a fast-paced family attraction environment. A full driving licence (required).

Why Join Us

Excellent Work - Life balance Work within a friendly, family-run business. Employee perks and discounts. Ability to create meaningful impact on the guest experience and food culture at Odds Farm Park.
Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From 40,000.00 per year

Benefits:

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