Catering Line Manager

Job Description: Catering Line Manager Royal Berkshire Hospital, Reading, RG1 5AN Band 5 - £19.97/hr (Weekdays), £25.96/hr Saturdays & £31.95/hr Sundays & Bank Holidays Up to 37.5 hours per week Working flexibly: usually Monday to Friday between (Apply online only) core hours, but with flexibility to cover if required. The Role We are seeking an experienced and motivated Catering Line Manager to support the day-to-day delivery of catering services at Royal Berkshire Hospital in Reading. This is an excellent opportunity for someone with a background in catering, hospitality or food service who enjoys leading a team, maintaining high standards and ensuring customers receive an excellent service in a busy healthcare environment. Working as part of the wider catering management team, you will oversee daily catering operations, support catering staff and help ensure that food is prepared and served safely, efficiently and to the required standard. You will play an important role in supporting the delivery of patient meals and catering services for hospital staff and visitors. Key Responsibilities Oversee the day-to-day running of allocated catering areas, ensuring services operate efficiently and meet required standards. Supervise, support and motivate catering staff, providing clear direction and guidance throughout each shift. Assist with staff rotas, work allocation and ensuring appropriate staffing levels to meet service requirements. Monitor food preparation, presentation and service to ensure meals are delivered to the required quality and standard. Ensure compliance with food hygiene, health and safety, infection prevention and control, and other relevant hospital procedures. Carry out routine checks on food temperatures, cleanliness, equipment and storage areas, addressing any issues promptly. Support stock control, deliveries and the appropriate storage and handling of food and catering supplies. Help maintain efficient working practices and minimise food waste. Respond professionally to customer queries and complaints, escalating more complex issues to the appropriate manager. Support the induction and training of catering staff, including food hygiene and safe working practices. Assist with monitoring service standards and identifying opportunities to improve the customer experience. Work collaboratively with colleagues across the catering and wider hospital teams to ensure a reliable and responsive service. Provide operational cover across catering areas when required and support the wider management team during busy periods or staff absences. About You You will be a practical, organised and approachable individual with experience in a catering, hospitality or food service environment. You will be confident supporting a team, maintaining high standards and ensuring daily tasks are completed efficiently. You should be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment where priorities can change, with a strong focus on customer service, food safety and teamwork. Essential Requirements Previous experience in a catering, hospitality or food service environment. C&G Level 2 in Catering as a minimum. Advanced level food hygiene certification. Experience supervising, coordinating or supporting a team. Good knowledge of food hygiene, safe food handling and workplace health and safety. Knowledge of stock control, food temperature monitoring and catering equipment safety. Experience supporting staff training and maintaining service standards. Strong communication and interpersonal skills. A customer-focused approach and the ability to deal with queries professionally. Good organisational skills and the ability to prioritise tasks in a busy environment. A flexible and proactive approach to work, with the ability to adapt to changing service demands. A willingness to work across different catering areas and on any day of the