About Company
The National Trust for Scotland is a conservation charity dedicated to protecting and promoting Scotland’s natural and cultural heritage. As custodians of some of the most beautiful and historic sites across Scotland, we are passionate about sharing these treasures with visitors from around the world. Pollok House, a jewel in Glasgow’s crown, is a magnificent ancestral home nestled within the stunning Pollok Country Park. It offers a captivating glimpse into Edwardian life, housing an impressive collection of Spanish art, elegant period rooms, and beautiful gardens. At Pollok House, we don’t just preserve history; we bring it to life through engaging visitor experiences, including our popular café and event spaces. We believe in creating memorable moments for our guests, powered by a dedicated team committed to excellence and genuine Scottish hospitality. Joining us means becoming part of a legacy, contributing to the stewardship of Scotland’s heritage, and working in an inspiring, unique environment where every day offers something new.
Job Description
Are you a passionate and experienced Catering Manager with a flair for delivering exceptional hospitality in a truly unique setting? The National Trust for Scotland is seeking a dynamic and dedicated Catering Manager to lead our hospitality team at the iconic Pollok House in Glasgow. This pivotal role is more than just managing food and beverage operations; it’s about crafting unforgettable experiences for our visitors, whether they’re enjoying a coffee in our charming café, attending a private event, or celebrating a special occasion in our historic function rooms. You will be instrumental in upholding the high standards of service and quality that the National Trust for Scotland is renowned for, ensuring our catering provision perfectly complements the heritage and beauty of Pollok House.
As our Catering Manager, you will take full ownership of the day-to-day running of our catering outlets, from menu development and stock management to team leadership and financial oversight. You will have a keen eye for detail, a commitment to operational efficiency, and a creative approach to enhancing our visitor offering. This is an exciting opportunity to blend your commercial acumen with a genuine passion for heritage and hospitality, working within a supportive environment that values tradition, innovation, and community engagement. You’ll be challenged to think strategically, innovate with seasonal menus, and drive profitability while ensuring every guest leaves with a positive and lasting impression. If you thrive in a bustling, historic atmosphere and are ready to inspire a team to deliver excellence, we invite you to contribute to the legacy of Pollok House.
Key Responsibilities
- Oversee all aspects of daily catering operations, including the café and event catering at Pollok House.
- Develop, implement, and maintain high standards of food quality, presentation, and service.
- Manage and motivate a diverse team, including recruitment, training, scheduling, and performance management.
- Control costs, manage budgets, and ensure financial targets are met or exceeded.
- Design and update innovative, seasonal menus that appeal to a wide range of visitors while considering local produce and dietary requirements.
- Plan and execute catering for special events, functions, and private bookings, coordinating with other departments.
- Ensure strict compliance with all health, safety, and hygiene regulations (HACCP, COSHH, etc.).
- Monitor customer feedback and implement improvements to enhance visitor satisfaction.
- Manage inventory, stock levels, and procurement processes efficiently.
- Foster a positive and collaborative working environment that reflects the values of the National Trust for Scotland.
Required Skills
- Proven experience (minimum 4 years) in a Catering Manager or similar senior supervisory role within hospitality.
- Strong leadership and team management skills with a track record of motivating and developing staff.
- Excellent financial acumen, including budgeting, cost control, and P&L management.
- Extensive knowledge of food safety, hygiene, and health and safety regulations.
- Exceptional customer service and communication skills.
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
- Demonstrable experience in menu planning, development, and costing.
- Proficiency in basic computer applications (MS Office, POS systems).
Preferred Qualifications
- Relevant qualification in Hospitality Management, Culinary Arts, or Business Administration.
- Experience working within a heritage site, visitor attraction, or unique venue.
- Experience with event planning and execution.
- Hold a valid Food Hygiene Certificate (Level 3 or equivalent).
Perks & Benefits
- Competitive salary and pension scheme.
- Generous annual leave allowance.
- Opportunities for professional development and training.
- Staff discounts at National Trust for Scotland properties and shops.
- Free entry to National Trust for Scotland places for you and your family.
- A unique and inspiring working environment in a historic setting.
- Contribution to the preservation of Scotland's heritage.
How to Apply
If you are a driven and passionate Catering Manager ready to make a significant impact at Pollok House, we encourage you to apply! Please click on the application link below to visit our careers page. Search for the ‘Catering Manager – Hospitality Team’ role and follow the instructions to submit your application. We look forward to reviewing your application and welcoming you to our dedicated team.