Assistant Catering Manager

Job Title: Catering Assistant Manager - Sodexo Birds Eye
Location: Lowestoft
Hours: 30 hours per week
Shift Pattern: Monday-Thursday 08:30-16:30
Salary: £24,960 + Sodexo rewards and benefits

Position Summary

We are seeking a highly organised and proactive Catering Assistant Manager to support the daily operation of a busy factory catering department. The successful candidate will assist in managing kitchen operations, food safety compliance, financial administration, stock control, staff supervision, and health & safety procedures while helping deliver high-quality food service to staff.

This role requires strong organisational skills, leadership ability, attention to detail, and confidence using administrative systems and presenting operational data.

Key Responsibilities Operational Management

• Support the Catering Manager with daily kitchen and catering operations.
• Support team members throughout daily operations.
• Ensure all HACCP paperwork is completed and signed off daily.
• Manage and maintain the staff clock-in system.
• Approve holiday requests and maintain staffing schedules.
• Order staff uniforms and supplies as required.

Food Safety & Health and Safety

• Conduct monthly Food Safety and Health & Safety audits.
• Report safety walks, near misses, and safety observations.
• Maintain and update risk assessments and ensure team sign-off completion.
• Manage the Sodexo Health & Safety Tracker.
• Create and deliver monthly safety moments and team safety communications.
• Ensure compliance with food hygiene, allergen, and health & safety regulations.

Financial & Administrative Duties

• Manage financial data and support budget monitoring.
• Manage accounts and weekly money counting/banking.
• Input stock counts into systems accurately.
• Order stock and approve supplier orders.
• Collect vendor numbers and input supplier data.
• Create till maps and update buttons/prices as required.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation.

Staff Management & Training

• Train and support all catering staff.
• Conduct and document monthly team meetings.
• Create meeting minutes and operational updates.
• Promote a positive team culture and high performance standards.

Reporting & Presentations

• Create PowerPoint presentations for monthly Birds Eye meetings.
• Prepare and present Quarterly Business Reviews with clients.
• Produce operational reports and performance updates.

Skills & Experience Required Essential

• Previous experience in catering, hospitality, or food service supervision.
• Strong understanding of food safety and HACCP procedures.
• Knowledge of Health & Safety regulations.
• Experience managing stock control and ordering systems.
• Administrative and financial record-keeping experience.
• Strong communication and organisational skills.
• Ability to lead and train staff effectively.
• Competent using Microsoft Office, including Excel and PowerPoint.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities.

Desirable

• Level 3 Food Hygiene qualification.
• IOSH or Health & Safety certification.
• Contract catering experience.
• Experience preparing business review presentations.

Personal Attributes

• Reliable and professional.
• Detail-oriented and organised.
• Positive and supportive leadership style.
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Confident communicator with staff, suppliers, and clients.

Working Conditions

• Fast-paced catering environment.
• Combination of kitchen-based and administrative duties.
• Standing for extended periods and occasional lifting may be required.
• Adherence to strict hygiene and safety procedures.