Nursing Home Catering Support Manager

The Regional Catering Support Manager will support the continuous improvement and delivery of high standards in catering services across the CareChoice Group homes across Dublin, Meath and Kildare. 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 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 improve and maintain high catering standards and housekeeping standards.

Ensure hygiene and cleanliness standards in main and satellite kitchens and proper maintenance of catering equipment.

Monitor and enforce compliance with food safety and hygiene regulations (e.g., HACCP).

Oversee food storage and labelling practices, including allergen control and cross-contamination prevention.

Quality of Catering Services

Support chefs in delivering high-quality, freshly cooked meals and home baking.

Ensure appealing and appropriate food presentation across all dietary needs, including modified diets.

Monitor food temperatures and ensure meals are served hot and safely.

Cost Control & Budget Adherence

Provide guidance on cost control within catering budgets.

Support purchasing processes, stock control (including FIFO), and adherence to menu cycles.

Promote food waste reduction initiatives.

Reporting & Audit Readiness

Submit regular reports to line manager detailing home visits, actions taken, and supports required.

Assist homes in addressing and closing out food safety and Environmental Health Officer (EHO) audits.

Perform internal audits related to catering services and resident mealtime experiences as directed by Head Office

Mealtime Experience Enhancement

Evaluate and support improvements to the resident mealtime experience in both dining rooms and private rooms.

Ensure cleanliness, appropriate setting of tables and trays, proper service flow, and effective staff-resident interaction.

Monitor food service temperatures and serving practices.

Staff Training & Development

Assist with onboarding and training of staff on new catering systems, procedures, and initiatives.

Provide ongoing support and upskilling for catering and support staff.

Resident Engagement & Feedback

Support action plans based on findings from resident satisfaction surveys and mealtime audits.

Housekeeping and Hygiene Oversight

Conduct visual inspections during home visits, focusing on cleanliness standards in common and resident areas.

Identify issues like odours, cleanliness of hand wash stations, and condition of housekeeping equipment.

Spot-check housekeeping documentation for completeness and accuracy.

Personal Attributes

Demonstrate compassion and respect in dealing with residents and families

Conduct oneself with the highest degree of honesty and integrity in every interaction

Maintain own skills and knowledge and attend any training courses required to further knowledge & skills as deemed necessary by the Director of Nursing

Must possess excellent decision-making ability and have a capacity for problem solving.

Must possess excellent interpersonal skills

Health and safety

Participate in the surveillance and promotion of the health, well-being and safety of residents and employees

Help maintain a safe environment for staff, agency staff, residents and visitors, through awareness of health and safety policies and by attending training as required.

Ensure appropriate PPE is worn by staff.

Ensure a high standard of staffs personal hygiene and grooming is upheld.

Ensure all accident and incidents are reported to the relevant people and to assist in providing all relevant information.

Report defective materials and equipment to the Director of Nursing or Registered Provider.

Be fully aware of the fire and emergency procedures within the CareChoice Home and comply with standards.

Comply with all health, safety and welfare statutory requirements