Job Description
This role is designed to support the Group Catering Manager across all areas of food operations within the business. It is primarily office-based at our Head Office in Talacre, North Wales, with a strong focus on administration, compliance, reporting, and supplier and site support. However, hands-on involvement will be required at times, including kitchen cover, national catering events, and supporting site-level challenges.
The ideal candidate will be a highly experienced chef (Head Chef level or similar) who is now looking to transition into a more centralised, strategic role, while still remaining connected to the operational side of the business. This position offers a unique opportunity to develop skills across compliance, reporting, and group-level project delivery — while contributing directly to the consistency and growth of the F&B operation.
Company overview:
Darwin Escapes has 26 amazing destinations across the United Kingdom, each of which has its own unique offering. Whether you are looking for a role in food and beverage, grounds, maintenance, housekeeping, entertainment or at a management level then the Darwin family will have the career waiting for you!
About The Role
Main responsibilities:
The successful Assistant Group Catering Manager will
•Provide day-to-day administrative support for group food operations
•Assist with compliance across all sites — including allergen, calorie labelling, HACCP documentation, and due diligence records
•Help manage internal audit follow-ups and weekly reporting
•Maintain and update group menu documentation, nutritional info, and spec changes
•Support the Group Catering Manager with EPOS reporting, Menu development and rollouts, Stock, waste and cost control tracking
•Coordinate and deliver projects as directed, and use initiative to identify areas for improvement or support
•Work alongside HR on recruitment, rota tracking, and arranging agency or temporary cover where required
•Attend and assist with group catering events, including prep, logistics, service and breakdown
•Provide kitchen cover at park level when required — during launches, staff shortages or holiday periods
•Liaise with both national and local suppliers to resolve order issues, gather information, and support procurement performance
•Collaborate with internal teams including marketing, finance, and compliance to ensure alignment across the group’s catering strategy
Desired Requirements:
•Proven experience as a Head Chef or equivalent within a professional, multi-site or high-volume kitchen environment
•A strong desire to move into a more structured, central role without losing operational awareness
•Good understanding of compliance frameworks, including food safety and allergen legislation
•Willingness to travel to sites and events across the UK when required
•A flexible, solutions-focused attitude with strong interpersonal and communication skills
Skills & Experience:
•Solid kitchen background with the confidence to step into live operations as needed
•Strong understanding of food safety systems, HACCP, due diligence and allergen controls
•Ability to manage and track admin tasks, reports, and compliance documentation accurately
•Competent in using Microsoft Excel and other reporting tools
•Familiarity with P&L reporting, basic finance, stock, and supplier cost tracking
•Capable of liaising with suppliers and internal teams in a structured, professional manner
•Experience supporting recruitment, rota planning, and coordination of temporary or agency cover
•Comfortable working with both national and local suppliers to maintain standards and consistency
•Highly organised with attention to detail and a proactive mindset
•Able to work independently while supporting wider team and business goals
What’s in it for you:
· Competitive rate of pay.
· Enhanced holiday entitlement (*with the option to cash in a number of holidays per year).
· Discounted staff breaks at our luxurious holiday resorts across the UK.
· Free use of all Darwin Escapes resort facilities including many of our free gyms and swimming pools.
· Food discount across all resorts.
· *Free complimentary round of Golf .
· Discounts on spa treatments.
· *Discount on website ticket prices for Chester Zoo, the UK’s largest charity zoo.
· *'Introduce a friend' recruitment bonus.
· *Company employee sick pay.
· Compassionate leave pay.
· Employee Assistance Programme.
· Free access to the Darwin Academy training programme to help further your career and skill levels.
· Cycle to work scheme.
· MediCash cash plan.
*Subject to terms and conditions
Skills Needed
About The Company
A Darwin Escape will always be the perfect destination.
A chance to unwind, power down or charge up! You’ll be all set to explore, seize adventure, dream bigger and let go of it all.
Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat in a picturesque rural setting, or a fun-packed family break in the heart of the action, we’ve got the perfect escape waiting for you.
Each of our locations are unique – no two are the same. We have lots of different accommodation, from luxury lodges complete with their own private hot tub, through to family-sized caravans and even treehouses. We want you to love your escape, so we are always striving for excellence.
All of our resorts are beautifully-maintained, with our award-winning facilities and stunning accommodation. Where you can relax and unwind or have an adventure filled holiday break away – make it your holiday, your way.
Company Culture
Start your career with one of the fastest growing companies in the UK holiday industry.
Darwin Escapes has 26 locations across the country, each with its own unique personality and offering, including luxurious lodge retreats, more family focused destinations and countryside tranquil locations. We offer something for everyone, from our holidays guests, holiday home owners to our valued staff.
No matter where you are in the country we are sure to have a resort near you. Whether you're down at the southern-most point of Cornwall or all the way up to Ayrshire in Scotland, and everywhere in between, we have the career for you!
If you're looking for a role in entertainment, food and beverage or at a management level the Darwin family will have the career waiting for you.
With a friendly and encouraging environment you can start your career at Darwin Escapes with lots of opportunities for progression or movement amongst locations.
Desired Criteria
* Proven experience as a Head Chef or equivalent within a professional, multi-site or high-volume kitchen environment
* A strong desire to move into a more structured, central role without losing operational awareness
* Good understanding of compliance frameworks, including food safety and allergen legislation
* Willingness to travel to sites and events across the UK when required
* A flexible, solutions-focused attitude with strong interpersonal and communication skills
Required Criteria
* Right to Live and work in the UK
Closing DateWednesday 23rd July, 2025