We’re looking for a dedicated and hands-on Food Service Manager to join our team on a temporary basis (9-month maternity cover). This is a fantastic opportunity for someone with proven experience in food management and a passion for supporting people in the community.
- Job Role Food Service Manager (Temporary 9-month contract; Maternity Cover)
- Job hours: 16 hours per week
- Responsible to: COO
- Salary: £14.50 per hour
About Happy Days
Happy Days is a community charity supporting people experiencing homelessness, addiction, poverty, and complex needs. We provide safe accommodation, practical help, and emotional support to help people rebuild their lives.
Role Purpose
We’re looking for a dedicated and hands-on Food Service Manager to join our team on a temporary basis (9-month maternity cover). This is a fantastic opportunity for someone with proven experience in food management and a passion for supporting people in the community.
You’ll oversee our Community Supermarket and Free Café, leading staff and volunteers to deliver safe, welcoming, and effective food services for adults and families at risk. Alongside day-to-day operations, you’ll play a key role in developing the service, managing resources, and building relationships across the community.
PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES AND TRAINING
Our ideal candidate will have:
- Proven experience in food management or similar leadership roles.
- Strong understanding of food safety, health, and hygiene standards (minimum Level 3 Food Hygiene).
- Level 3 safeguarding training.
- Ability to lead, supervise, and motivate both staff and volunteers.
- Strong organisational and administrative skills, including budgeting and stock management.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and commitment to creating an inclusive, supportive environment for adults and families at risk.
- Experience planning menus and working hands-on in a kitchen environment.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES
- Lead, supervise, and support Food Services employees and volunteers, including retention, training, and monthly supervision.
- Schedule staff and volunteer shifts, assign duties, and provide inspirational, relationship-focused leadership.
- Oversee the Community Supermarket and Free Café, ensuring efficient delivery with a focus on service members.
- Drive the development and growth of the food services area, promoting its services within the community.
- Manage stock control and rotation, ensuring efficient use of resources and minimising waste.
- Oversee all food safety within the charity.
- Responsibility for budget tracking and department spending.
- Prepare reports, complete month-end processes, and monitor service outcomes.
- Attend external meetings and build relationships with stakeholders to better support people in food poverty.
- Take accountability for safeguarding within the department, escalating any concerns to the Designated Safeguarding Lead.
- Coordinate administrative tasks, including social media content planning, managing stock through donations and purchasing, supermarket and café processes, and community events.
If you’re interested in this role please submit a CV to gavin@happydaysuk.org by 15/09/2025