Retail Catering Manager Kerry

Retail Catering Manager - Kerry

Blue Forge Recruitment proudly partners with some of the most progressive and respected retail and FMCG companies across Ireland. We are delighted to assist a large Irish owned retail business, which has been a major Irish success story and is still going with more in store in the coming years. Now operating over 35 top retail fresh food stores nationwide and with more to follow, our client is looking to strengthen their teams in a number of key areas of management.

At present they are seeking a senior Catering Manager to run their flagship Food Service department located in Kerry. This is a superior fresh food retail convenience shop, with multiple services, a fast paced convenience shop, off licence, forecourt, but the site is particularly known for their award winning deli and catering fresh food department. You will lead a best in class, dynamic fresh food offering, leading an extensive team of 20 under you. Hygiene, food quality and effective leadership are some of the main importance in this role.

Must have an extensive senior management background specifically in fresh food management, a large kitchen, café, deli or catering background where you've led big teams, within a high paced environment and have good commercial understanding of how to drive profit and control your costs.

Package

Rate Ph - €18-20 DOE or salary from €40,000 -42,000 + €12,000 yearly bonus, full time contract, including generous benefits like Fuel and Store Discounts, Company pension scheme, and supported further education and training. Early starts typically 6am to midday or afternoon latest, you must be available.

Key Requirements

• Proven supervisor or manager experience in a hands on, fast paced, ideally fresh food customer facing environment 4-5 years will suffice
• Expertise in fresh food stock control, with the ability to effectively manage large volume fresh food orders across a wide range of fresh food products
• A strong eye for detail and a commitment to excellence in customer service, hygiene, and the presentation of fresh food displays
• Exceptional organisational skills, with the ability to manage time and priorities effectively in a dynamic environment
• Confident in leading, motivating, and delegating to a team, able to give clear direction while fostering a positive and collaborative workplace culture
• A proactive self starter who thrives both independently and as part of a team
• Fully competent in food safety procedures and HACCP compliance, with a strong understanding of best practices in a food handling environment

Responsibilities

• Take ownership of the day to day operations across multiple deli functions, including some readymade meals production, hot and cold food counters, and the salad bar
• Lead, manage, and support a team of 15-20 staff members effectively organising workloads to ensure timely completion of all tasks
• Monitor and maintain optimal stock levels for weekly trade, using digital tools and sales data to drive smart ordering decisions and minimise waste and shrinkage
• Ensure strict compliance with all food safety and hygiene protocols, including accurate upkeep of HACCP and hygiene records
• Uphold and enforce the highest standards across all fresh food areas, clearly communicating expectations and holding the team accountable for consistent performance
• Train, coach, and develop staff members, fostering a culture of excellence, boosting productivity, and enhancing the overall customer experience
• Must have several HACCP or other food safety qualifications for this role