Catering Manager Jobs

If you’re passionate about food, organisation, and customer service, a Catering Manager job could be the perfect opportunity to combine your leadership skills with a rewarding career in hospitality.

Catering Managers play a vital role in ensuring high-quality catering services across a variety of sectors, from care homes and schools to large-scale events, conferences, and corporate functions.

At Stafffinders, we partner with leading hospitality organisations to recruit talented Catering Managers. Whether you’re experienced in contract catering, education catering, or event management, we’ll help you find a role that matches your expertise and ambitions.

What Does a Catering Manager Do?

A Catering Manager oversees all aspects of catering operations, from menu planning to event delivery. You’ll be responsible for maintaining top-quality service standards, managing teams, and ensuring every event runs smoothly and efficiently. Typical duties include:

• Liaising with clients to understand their catering needs and expectations.

• Planning and organising catering events, from small private functions to large-scale conferences.

• Designing, costing, and approving menus in collaboration with chefs and kitchen staff.

• Managing supplier relationships and ensuring timely delivery of ingredients and equipment.

• Overseeing food preparation, presentation, and service to maintain quality standards.

• Monitoring budgets, handling invoices, and managing financial performance.

• Ensuring compliance with food hygiene, health, and safety regulations.

• Recruiting, training, and supervising catering and hospitality staff.

• Managing schedules and delegating tasks to ensure efficient operations.

• Promoting catering services to attract new business and retain existing clients.

This role is ideal for individuals who enjoy a fast-paced environment and thrive on creating memorable dining experiences for guests.

Skills and Qualities for Catering Manager Jobs

To succeed as a Catering Manager, you’ll need excellent organisational, communication, and leadership skills, as well as a keen eye for detail. The ability to multitask and manage multiple events simultaneously is essential.

Key skills include:

• Strong leadership and team management abilities.

• Excellent communication and client relationship skills.

• Financial management and budgeting experience.

• Creativity in menu planning and event presentation.

• Knowledge of food hygiene and safety regulations.

• Problem-solving and decision-making under pressure.

• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, or event-specific hours.

How to Become a Catering Manager

Most Catering Managers begin their careers in entry-level hospitality roles such as Server, Event Coordinator, or Assistant Manager, before progressing into management positions.

A degree or qualification in Hospitality Management, Catering, or Culinary Arts is highly beneficial, as is hands-on experience in food service or event management. Certifications such as Food Safety Level 3 or ServSafe are often preferred, particularly for roles within healthcare, education, or large-scale catering contracts.

Networking, continuous professional development, and staying informed about catering trends will help you progress to senior management roles, such as Operations Manager or Head of Catering Services.

Explore our latest Catering Manager jobs and take the next step in your hospitality career today.