KWVR Job Description

Job title: Catering Manager

Reporting to: Business and Operations Manager

Location: Keighley Station (The Old Parcels Office) and Haworth Offices

Hours: 37.5 (5 days out of 7)

Salary: £35,000 - £40,000 dependant on experience

About the Company:

The Keighley and Worth Valley Railway Preservation Society has been running heritage steam and diesel trains for over 50 years. The charity's aim is to preserve, maintain and operate the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway as a working museum of railway history for the education and enjoyment of present and future generations. The charity's wholly-owned subsidiary, the Keighley and Worth Valley Light Railway Limited, is the organisation's operating and commercial company.

Alongside our 700 volunteers, the Railway's operating company, the Keighley and Worth Valley Light Railway Limited, employs a team of paid staff to ensure consistent and high quality delivery of our services and events. Over the last 5 years the catering operation has been grown exponentially and is at a turning point where a long term plan is to be created for its sustainability. We have been creating multi-sensory experiences where catering forms a strong part of our attractions identity and there is now an opportunity to develop this further and ensure long term efficiency, quality and breadth.

Job Purpose:

The Catering Manager is responsible for the strategic leadership, operational management, and commercial performance of all catering activities across the railway. The post holder will ensure the delivery of high-quality food and beverage services that enhance visitor satisfaction, generate revenue, and support the railway's reputation as a first-class heritage attraction.

The role requires strong leadership, commercial awareness, and a passion for hospitality, ensuring that catering operations are safe, efficient, profitable, and aligned with the heritage character of the railway.

Key Responsibilities and Key Tasks:

Strategic Leadership

Develop the railway's catering strategy to support commercial growth and visitor engagement.

Identify opportunities to increase revenue through innovative food and beverage offerings.

Support the development of catering services for special events, dining trains, themed experiences, seasonal activities and outside catering.

• Contribute to the organisation's wider business planning and commercial objectives.

Operational Management

Oversee the day-to-day operation of all catering outlets, including cafés, kiosks, buffets, bars (both on train and land based), on-train catering services and any external catering operations.

Maintain consistently high standards of food quality, presentation, cleanliness, and customer service.

Responsible for adequate staffing and operational readiness across all sites.

Manage supplier relationships and negotiate contracts to secure quality products and value for money.

Financial Management

Prepare and manage catering budgets.

Monitor sales performance, costs, margins, and stock levels.

Implement effective stock control and waste reduction measures.

• Produce regular performance reports and recommendations for improvement.

People Management

Lead, motivate, and develop catering staff and volunteers.

Recruit, train, and support employees in line with organisational policies.

Foster a positive, inclusive, and customer-focused culture.

Conduct performance reviews and identify training and development needs.

Customer Experience

Ensure all visitors receive an excellent catering experience reflective of the railway's heritage values.

Gather and review customer feedback to drive continuous improvement.

Engineer menus that appeal to a broad visitor demographic while reflecting local produce and regional heritage where possible.

Compliance and Safety

Ensure compliance with all food safety, hygiene, licensing, health and safety, and employment legislation.

• Act as the lead for food hygiene management systems and catering-related risk assessments.

Maintain appropriate records and ensure all staff are fully trained and certified where required.

• Ensure facilities meet all relevant environmental and sustainability standards.

Special Events and Hospitality

Lead the catering provision for special events, charter trains, corporate functions, weddings, and VIP visits.

Work collaboratively with event organisers and other departments to ensure successful delivery.

Develop premium hospitality products and dining experiences that support revenue growth.

Person Specification

Essential Qualifications and Experience

Significant experience in a senior catering, hospitality, or food service management role.

Excellent culinary skills and a passion for quality food.

Strong practical experience in a fast paced commercial kitchen environment.

Proven experience managing budgets and delivering commercial targets.

• Strong knowledge of food safety legislation and HACCP principles.

Experience leading, motivating, and developing teams.

Excellent organisational and communication skills.

• Ability to work flexibly, including regular weekends and evenings when required.

Desirable Qualifications and Experience

• Food Safety Level 4 qualification or equivalent.

Hospitality management qualification.

Experience within the heritage, tourism, leisure, visitor attraction, or railway sectors.

Experience working with volunteers.

• Personal licence holder or experience managing licensed premises.

Key Skills and Attributes

Strong leadership and people management skills.

Commercial acumen and strategic thinking.

Excellent customer service focus.

Ability to work effectively under pressure.

Creative approach to menu development and visitor engagement.

High standards of professionalism and attention to detail.

Passion for heritage, tourism, and visitor experiences.

Must have a UK driving licence and access to a car.