Assistant Catering Manager

Are you ready to take on an exciting challenge in a unique-setting, surrounded by wildlife? We’re looking for a highly organised and motivated Assistant Catering Manager to join our team at Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm.

This is a fast-paced role where no two-days are the same, you’ll help deliver exceptional food and beverage experiences for all our visitors every day (and special events).

Key responsibilities:

v Support the Catering Manager in daily operations and deputise in their absence.

v Lead, motivate and inspire catering staff of all levels in a dynamic environment.

v Work closely with the Catering Manager to organise staffing rotas, and staffing levels to provide excellent customer service and to manage expenditure.

v Manage inventory, budgets and cost control effectively.

v Ensure outstanding service and strict food safety standards are carried out daily.

v To work with the Catering Manager to carry out staff’s appraisals and personal development plans as and when necessary.

v To hold regular staff meetings.

v Maintain excellent visitor and client relationships and handle enquiries professionally.

v Assist with Catering for special events, group bookings and seasonal activities.

v Monitor service standards and implement improvements.

v To work with the Senior Supervisors in monitoring customer demand and flow and to make decisions (if not made already) about staffing, catering outlets opening and queuing / waiting times with regular communication across the 100-acre site.

v To always manage customer expectations including peak and quiet days.

v To ensure all catering areas for customers and food preparation are always kept clean and hygienic and ready for the next day.

v To make sure processes are followed to meet food specifications and allergen compliance and that Company policies and current legislation are always met.

v To work closely with the Catering Manger to ensure the yearly insurance inspection reports are complete.

v To provide cover and work in the different catering outlets as and when required to do so.

v This role will be reporting ‘overall’ to the Commercial Manager; to do any other tasks that may be required.

Person Specification

Essential::

v Must have 2 years’ experience working within catering or hospitality management.

v Strong leadership and organisational skills.

v Excellent communication and customer service abilities.

v Ability to thrive under pressure and manage multiple priorities.

v Knowledge of food safety and hygiene standards.

v Sound knowledge of MS Computer programmes, Word / Excel.

Desirable:

v Experience in a visitor attraction or high-volume catering environment.

v Budget management and cost control experience.

v Knowledge of current hospitality trends and customer service excellence.

v A proactive approach with excellent communication skills and a professional demeanour.

Work Pattern: Full-time position. Hours of work to be discussed at Interview stage.

Based on a 2-week pattern, which will be:

Week 1: Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday

Week 2: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday.

Salary: £15.25 per hour.

How to apply: Please send your CV and a cover letter to careers@noahsarkzoofarm.co.uk please make the subject heading of your emails ‘Assistant Catering Manager Application’

Your cover letter should address your suitability for the role and how you best match our Person Specification list.

Closing date for applications: 11th January 2026