Food & Beverage Manager

Established in 1994, Mead Open Farm is one of the region’s leading leisure destinations, welcoming thousands of visitors annually while hosting a variety of large-scale seasonal and corporate events.

The Food & Beverage Manager will take full ownership of the catering operation across the site, leading a team of Supervisors and Full-Time staff to deliver exceptional food, service, and guest experiences. The role oversees all food and beverage outlets, including the Grain Store Restaurant, outdoor satellite units, and event catering operations for key events such as The Howl, Adult Farm Nights, and other seasonal attractions.

A major focus of the role is the preparation and management of nutritious, balanced meals for the on-site nursery and holiday activity camps, supporting over 100 children daily. This includes menu planning, allergen management, food safety compliance, and continuous improvement of catering standards.

This opportunity is ideally suited to an enthusiastic, hands-on, and commercially minded leader who can develop a catering brand and service standard that both customers and the wider team can take pride in. The successful candidate will be approachable, professional, and confident in motivating, developing, and managing a young team within a fast-paced, customer-facing environment.

The role requires someone who can create a positive culture that is consistent, supportive, fair, and engaging, while maintaining high operational standards and driving profitability.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain and continuously improve 5-star food hygiene standards and food safety procedures.
• Ensure full allergen compliance in line with Natasha’s Law.
• Lead the planning and delivery of innovative day-to-day and event catering operations.
• Develop annual strategic plans for the department and its activities.
• Coach, mentor, and upskill team members to maximise performance and efficiency.
• Manage labour costs, payroll percentages, stock control, waste reduction, and cost of sales targets.
• Deliver strong gross profit performance through effective purchasing and financial control.
• Oversee all ordering processes, stock takes, and supplier management.
• Maintain exceptional customer service standards across all catering outlets and events.
• Design and develop menus that are high quality, commercially viable, and locally inspired.
• Support recruitment, training, and development within the department.
• Work collaboratively with the wider management team to ensure smooth operational delivery across the park.

Ideal Candidate

The successful candidate will have:

• Proven experience in high-volume catering and food preparation
• A minimum of three years’ experience in a Food & Beverage management or supervisory role
• Strong leadership and team development skills
• Excellent organisational, communication, and financial management abilities
• A passion for high-quality food and customer service
• Flexibility and adaptability within a dynamic leisure environment