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Catering Manager

Cygnet Victoria House, DL1 2LN
14.24 GBP Hourly
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About the role

Overview

Cygnet Victoria House, DL1 2LN
Part Time
14.24 GBP Hourly
25 March 2026

Helping others improve and turn their lives around – there’s no better feeling. It’s what we do for thousands of people at more than 150 sites across the UK. Be a part of it.

We are looking for an outstanding Catering Managewho’s passionate about food and wants to make a difference. 

You’ll be working 38.5 hours a week at Victoria House, creating an excellent experience for the people in our care. 

Cygnet Victoria House is a 26 bed mental health inpatient service for men. The service, split across two wards, provides a safe and stabilising environment for men who are experiencing an acute episode of mental illness and require an emergency admission.

At Cygnet, our perks go way beyond pension schemes and excellent professional development.

You’ll also enjoy shopping, travel and leisure discounts – as well as a range of healthcare and financial benefits – to support you to be happy both in and out of work.

With us, you’ll have the chance to progress your career in a vibrant, supportive culture tailored to help you thrive.

Apply now to enjoy excellent career prospects while being part of an organisation that cares about helping people.

Your day-to-day… 

Essential criteria for this role include….

  • NVQ Level 2 in Food Production or equivalent qualification
  • At least 5 years' experience within catering management
  • Detailed knowledge of food safety and related legislation
  • Solid operational management and line management experience
  • Experience of menu planning and gaining and acting on customer feedback
  • A flexible, organised, proactive and hands-on approach to tasks
  • Solid IT skills (including a good working knowledge of Microsoft Office software)

Role and Responsibilities…

  • To directly manage all personnel assigned to work in the catering department, in accordance with company standards and training policies. This includes permanent, bank and agency members of staff.
  • To lead on the purchase of materials, consumables, non-consumables and light equipment within budget and in accordance with the hospital’s purchasing policy and procedures.
  • To oversee the catering department's premises and equipment in accordance with company health & safety and hygiene policies.
  • To lead on the induction of new team members and ongoing personal development and training to ensure all team members are trained to the required skill level.
  • To lead and motivate the team to achieve the highest possible standards when carrying out their duties.
  • To develop and maintain good working relationships with service users, staff and visitors.
  • To be on hand to meet and support service users and staff with issues raised, e.g. dietary requirements.
  • To assist the Assistant General Manager in preparing the annual budget and achieving and maintaining food costs in accordance with the budget.
  • To produce cost and sales analysis as required by the Assistant General Manager.
  • To recommend to the Assistant General Manager areas where cost reductions can be achieved, e.g. service improvements and change of suppliers or commodities.
  • To ensure that accurate daily records are kept regarding the number of patient and staff meals provided each day.
  • To plan, organise and control the catering operation to ensure food quality, presentation and service are provided to the standards set out by the Assistant General Manager and the Hospital SMT.
  • To ensure the facility is operated to standards required by the statutory local authorities and company health, safety, fire and hygiene regulations and policies.
  • To carry out all clerical activities in relation to controls, records and wages and compile and return information to the respective departments on the due day.
  • To plan and execute specific events as agreed with the Assistant General Manager and Registered Managers for the three hospitals on site.
  • To maintain Health & Safety and Hygiene standards as required.
  • To ensure unit hygiene is implemented with due regard to the statutory laws including the Food Safety Act 1990.
  • To attend meetings and training courses as required, e.g. Daily Service Meetings, People’s Council and Ward Community Meetings and relevant training webinars & courses.  To also ensure that Chefs and other nominated staff members attend meetings to represent the team and gain patient and staff feedback.
  • To assist the Assistant General Manager with any specific tasks or projects considered necessary to further support the objectives of the department
  • To understand and follow the fire drills in the event of a fire or an emergency.
  • To undergo appropriate training to meet the required standards of the job and any changes in processes or procedures.
  • To carry out other duties within the scope of your job title as directed by the Assistant General Manager.
  • To regularly review catering output for staff meals and hospitality to ensure quality and service standards are met.
  • To pro-actively seek feedback on catering service delivery from service users, staff and visitors.

Why Cygnet? We’ll offer you…

  • Strong career progression opportunities 
  • Expert supervision & support
  • Pension scheme
  • Cycle to work scheme & employee discount saving
  • Initial hourly pay rate – £14.24 per/hour starting

You are… 

  • A skilled Catering Manager who can work under pressure 
  • Preferably experienced in the care sector 
  • Able to plan nourishing & attractive menus within available budgets
  • The holder of a food hygiene certificate, with good personal hygiene standards
  • Polite & professional, with a positive attitude to internal & external quests at all times
  • An excellent communicator able to liaise with people at all levels
  • Able to work under your own initiative, as part of a team & under supervision
  • Qualified in catering to City & Guilds 706: 1 & 2 level or NVQ Level 2/3

Successful candidates will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check.

Cygnet has been providing a national network of high-quality specialist mental health services for more than 30 years. In this role you’ll have the chance to make a real impact on patients, service users & their families.

What next?

If you care about making a difference – we want to talk to you.

Click the button to apply

Benefits & Rewards

NHS Staff Discounts

Cygnet provides its staff with NHS discounts across a range of high street retailers. The discounts can be redeemed by showing your Cygnet ID badge. You can also get further discounts by registering your details with Health Service Discounts and Blue Light Card.

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On-site Benefits

Cygnet provides free meals and free on-site parking for employees at work.

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Cycle To Work Scheme

Cygnet will give you exclusive access to a range of benefits with our Cycle To Work scheme.

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Enhanced Maternity

In addition to statutory pay, Cygnet provides enhanced maternity pay.

Plan your commute

Cygnet Victoria House

Cygnet Victoria House
Durham
DL1 2LN
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Our application process

Application Submission
01
Step 1

Application Submission

Your application is received and reviewed by our recruitment team.
Automated Confirmation
02
Step 2

Automated Confirmation

You’ll receive an automated email confirming receipt of your application.
Application Review
03
Step 3

Application Review

We carefully review applications, considering factors like visa status, location, and experience.
Initial Screening
04
Step 4

Initial Screening

If your application is suitable, you’ll be contacted by the recruiter to arrange a telephone screening call.
Interview
05
Step 5

Interview

If you meet the screening criteria, you’ll be invited for an interview, which normally takes place in person at the site you’re applying to.
Feedback and Offer
06
Step 6

Feedback and Offer

Following the interview, you’ll receive feedback, and if successful, a verbal job offer that will be followed up with a written job offer and onboarding information.

Support for Your Job Application

From refining your CV to preparing for your interview, our free career resources give you the tools and advice you need to feel confident at every stage.
Stories from our staff
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Cygnet non clinical roles chef
Cygnet's Chef Development Days are truly incredible.
Tortoise
Cygnet have been amazing with the supervision and support from my manager. They helped me identify my skill set to work on my strengths and weaknesses.

88% of staff enjoy working for Cygnet

At Cygnet, you’ll work in incredible, inspiring teams and enjoy satisfying careers with plenty of opportunities to grow

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90% of staff said access to training has helped them in their role

No matter what your role is, we invest in your learning and development to help you achieve your career aspirations.

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Colleague to colleague endorsements

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Tara

Support Worker SC
Recognised for
Resilience

Tara has stepped up as Acting Team Leader, confidently running some of the most challenging shifts, managing incidents and her team with positivity and resilience, earning clear respect and trust through her excellent communication with staff, seniors, and managers.

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Sylvia

Support Worker HC
Recognised for
Hard Work

Sylvia came from Gotts Park to support us when we were three staff down on Friday, showing great initiative by proactively helping with cleaning, including locating the hoover and even cleaning the dishwasher filter.

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Taryn

Support Worker SC
Recognised for
Positivity

Taryn is health-conscious and excels at promoting residents’ weight, health, and wellbeing through nutritious eating ideas. She positively impacted at least one resident by suggesting healthier food swaps and mentors all staff on healthy options, exercise, and movement.

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Vicky

Complaints Manager
Recognised for
Empathy

Mike and Vicky showed exceptional empathy during my mother’s loss, cancelling leave to manage team duties and shield me from pressures. They created grieving space with selfless teamwork and ongoing support true leadership beyond duty

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Rebecca

Therapy/Activity Coordinator HC Salaried
Recognised for
Comfort

Rebecca (Becca) excels as Activity Coordinator with heartfelt care and positivity, treating Spencer ward ladies as humans and building their confidence. Called unsung hero” by a discharged patient. Goes above and beyond daily.

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Najinder

Support Worker HC
Recognised for
Positivity

Jay has shown outstanding dedication and positivity supporting a service user facing activity engagement challenges. They proactively took him out, arranging headphones for comfort, demonstrating patience and care, resulting in his first incident-free day in a long time—a huge achievement.

Hard Work endorsement icon

Paul

Maintenance Manager
Recognised for
Hard Work

The Sheffield maintenance team works tirelessly to keep the hospital and school running, no job too big or small. They respond promptly to needs, ensure safety, and always fit in school requests like marquees, lights, doors, and displays, all with smiles and positive interactions with young people. Their hard work is deeply appreciated.

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Michael

Complaints Assistant
Recognised for
Empathy

Mike and Vicky showed exceptional empathy during my mother’s loss, cancelling leave to manage team duties and shield me from pressures. They created grieving space with selfless teamwork and ongoing support— rue leadership beyond duty

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Mohamed

DS Service Desk Engineer
Recognised for
Hard Work

Mohamed went above and beyond late Friday afternoon to provide login details for a new starter, instantly pulling up the ticket, communicating well, and ensuring they were set up for Monday morning. This helped create a positive first impression at Cygnet.

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Olivia

Support Worker SC
Recognised for
Hard Work

I wanted to give a shout-out to Olivia for her incredible hard work lately. Seriously, it’s been so inspiring to see her dedication and effort on the team shes only limited to hand full of service users at present but She’s been crushing it, and I really appreciate all that she does to keep things running smoothly. thank you

Click here to apply for a life changing career

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Speculative candidates or CVs sent to Cygnet by recruitment agencies/headhunters will be treated as a “free of charge” gesture. For further clarification, email recruitment@cygnethealth.co.uk
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