Job Description

Are you passionate about food and making a difference in people's lives?


Due to retirement, we are seeking a compassionate and experienced Catering Manager to lead our dedicated catering teams over two locations within a warm and supportive children's hospice environment. This is a unique opportunity to combine professional expertise with heartfelt purpose, making a meaningful difference to children and families.

Family Quote

"The kitchen team are such a big part of our experience. They know our names and ask what we would like for lunch. Our child has special dietary needs - so that contact from the kitchen team makes a difference"

T

o be successful in this role you will need to demonstrate:

Strong Leadership & Team management:

Lead and motivate catering staff and volunteers to deliver high standards consistently, promoting a positive and inclusive team culture.

Operational and Compliance Excellence:

Ensure compliance with food safety, hygiene and health & safety regulations, manage budgets, stock, suppliers, and maintain accurate records.

Compassionate and Person-Centred Approach

: Provide meals that are comforting, nutritious, and tailored to individual preferences and medical requirements, creating a warm, respectful and dignified dining experience.

Collaboration and Communication:

Partner with clinical, nursing, and facilities teams to meet evolving needs, respond to feedback, and adapt services accordingly. Communicate clearly and professionally with children, families, and staff.

Menu Planning and Nutrition:

Design appealing and nutritious menus that cater to diverse dietary requirements including allergies, soft diets, and cultural preferences.

Adaptability and Problem-Solving:

Handle unexpected challenges calmly and with creativity, continuously seeking ways to improve service delivery and customer satisfaction.

Qualifications & Experience:

Catering related qualification to HND level or equivalent. Hold, or be willing to undertake study towards the Advanced Food Hygiene Diploma Hold or be willing to undertake study towards IOSH Managing Safely Certificate Hold a current clean driving licence and have access to a vehicle

Why CHAS?

Working with CHAS provides a unique opportunity to support children and families to make the most of their precious time together; as a team, we make extraordinary things happen every day.


We offer:

Pension

- the opportunity to pay into an existing NHS scheme or join local government pension scheme.

Meaningful work

- working within the hospice you can see where your work makes a difference to the children and families that CHAS support.

Professional development

- opportunity to enhance your skills, taking advantage of our comprehensive learning and development programme.

Supportive environment

, working within an experienced and supportive team. Access to a range of tools to support wellbeing, including Employee Assistance Programme.

Comprehensive Benefits:

Including generous annual leave and pension, incremental salary progression, life assurance, employee assistance programme, access to Blue Light discounts, and health and wellbeing support.

Free onsite parking

F

urther Information and How to Apply

If this sounds like you, we would love you to apply! Follow the link to answer a couple of questions and upload your CV or complete our full application form.



Further information about the role and benefits of working for CHAS can be found in the attached documents.



To arrange an informal chat about the position, please contact Kirsten Keegan, Operations Manager, at kirstenkeegan@chas.org.uk



For any queries regarding the recruitment process, please contact our HR Team on 0131 444 3293 or by emailing careers@chas.org.uk



This post is subject to a Disclosure Scotland Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) check.



Interviews planned for week commencing 6 October 2025