The Regional Catering Support Manager will support the continuous improvement and delivery of high standards in catering services across the CareChoice Group homes in Cork and Waterford. This role involves working collaboratively with Head Chefs, Directors of Nursing (DONs), Assistant Directors of Nursing (ADONs), and General Services Managers (GSMs) to enhance food quality, hygiene practices, regulatory compliance, and the overall resident dining experience.
Essential Criteria
* Excellent communication skills—both written and verbal—with the ability to build effective relationships with multidisciplinary teams.
* Strong organisational and multitasking skills—ability to manage priorities across multiple locations.
* Proficient in Microsoft Office—particularly Outlook, Word, and Excel.
* Full clean driver's license—essential for regional travel between sites.
* Previous experience in catering management, healthcare, or eldercare settings.
* Knowledge of HACCP, food hygiene, and allergen regulations.
* Ability to lead, train, and influence teams towards continuous improvement.
* A passion for enhancing the wellbeing and quality of life for older persons through food service excellence.
Operational Support & Compliance
* Work closely with Head Chefs, DONs, and GSMs to maintain high catering and housekeeping standards.
* Ensure hygiene and cleanliness standards in kitchens and proper maintenance of catering equipment.
* Monitor and enforce compliance with food safety and hygiene regulations (e.g., HACCP).
* Oversee food storage, labelling practices, allergen control, and cross-contamination prevention.
Quality of Catering Services
* Support chefs in delivering high-quality, freshly cooked meals and home baking.
* Ensure appealing food presentation across all dietary needs, including modified diets.
* Monitor food temperatures and ensure meals are served hot and safely.
Cost Control & Budget Adherence
* Guide on cost control within catering budgets.
* Support purchasing, stock control (including FIFO), and adherence to menu cycles.
* Promote initiatives to reduce food waste.
Reporting & Audit Readiness
* Submit regular reports to line managers detailing visits, actions, and support needs.
* Assist with addressing and closing out food safety and EHO audits.
* Perform internal audits related to catering and mealtime experiences as directed.
Mealtime Experience & Staff Development
* Evaluate and support improvements to resident mealtime experiences.
* Ensure cleanliness, proper table setting, service flow, and staff-resident interactions.
* Assist with onboarding and ongoing training of catering staff.
Resident Engagement & Hygiene Oversight
* Support action plans from resident satisfaction surveys and audits.
* Conduct inspections focusing on cleanliness, odours, hand wash stations, and housekeeping equipment.
Personal Attributes
* Demonstrate compassion, respect, honesty, and integrity.
* Maintain skills and attend training as required.
* Exhibit excellent decision-making and interpersonal skills.
Health and Safety
* Participate in promoting residents' and staff's health, well-being, and safety.
* Ensure PPE use, hygiene standards, incident reporting, and compliance with emergency procedures.
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