Full Time Catering Manager, Permanent Contract (Radyr, Cardiff)

Location: Pugh's Garden Village, Radyr, Tynant Road, Cardiff, CF15 8LB
Salary: £30,000 - £35,000 dependant on experience
Hours: 38 hours
Start date: ASAP/January

To apply, please send an up to date CV and Covering Letter to hr@pughsgardencentre.co.uk

Pugh’s Garden Centre is seeking an experienced and dynamic Catering Manager to lead our busy, fast-paced, multi-faceted catering operation. Based on one bustling site with several hospitality touchpoints, this role requires a confident, proactive leader capable of coordinating multiple teams, outlets, and service areas simultaneously.

You will play a key role in developing and elevating our catering offering - reviewing existing operations, identifying opportunities for improvement, and implementing strategic changes that drive efficiency, creativity, and growth. We are looking for a skilled hospitality professional who thrives in high-pressure environments and can lead a busy team with clarity, confidence, and energy.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, train, and motivate a high-performing catering team to consistently deliver exceptional customer service in line with Pugh’s values and principles.
• Oversee a multi-faceted operation, ensuring smooth coordination between front of house, kitchen, express areas, and seasonal outlets.
• Communicate clearly and confidently, delegating effectively and setting expectations using job lists, plans, and performance targets.
• Support and develop Team Leaders through coaching and hands-on guidance, ensuring compliance with GCA standards, Staff Buzz updates, and management communications.
• Foster a positive, energetic, and professional working culture, leading from the front and keeping teams motivated in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.

Performance & People Management

• Recruit, develop, and manage staff in partnership with the HR Department, addressing training needs and performance confidently and constructively.
• Conduct annual performance reviews, focusing on customer service, product knowledge, and individual development.
• Manage holiday and absence planning fairly and efficiently in line with policy.
• Plan rotas and staffing levels to meet budgetary targets and maintain operational effectiveness during busy trading periods.

Sales, Merchandising & Stock Management

• Drive revenue by delivering strategic layouts, strong merchandising standards, effective POS, and well-presented hospitality “hotspots.”
• Work with group management to coordinate promotions, pricing, stock levels, and initiatives to increase ATV and overall profitability.
• Research industry trends and contribute to seasonal and commercial planning to keep Pugh’s catering offer fresh, relevant, and innovative.
• Minimise shrinkage through strong stock controls, security procedures, and excellent housekeeping.

Operational & Duty Management

• Manage daily opening and closing procedures across a multi-outlet site, ensuring smooth operational flow throughout the day.
• Act as Duty Manager, confidently directing teams and maintaining focus when senior managers are off site.
• Deliver clear updates during Heads Up meetings and handovers, ensuring alignment and operational continuity.
• Work collaboratively with the Kitchen Manager and Development Chef at The Watering Can to support menu development, margin improvement, staffing structures, and team morale.

Health, Safety & Compliance

• Maintain a safe working environment, ensuring full compliance with Health & Safety legislation and internal policies.
• Keep all departmental risk assessments up to date and relevant.
• Ensure all team members maintain current Food Hygiene, Allergen, and mandatory training certifications.
• Consistently work to uphold our 5 food hygiene rating*.
• Demonstrate professionalism in all interactions with staff, suppliers, and customers.

Financial Management & KPI Accountability

• Work towards KPIs set by senior leadership, including:
  • 68%–70% catering margin
  • 36%–38% staffing cost ratio
• Develop product ranges and influence buying decisions to maximise margin opportunities.
• Ensure the Express area and Trailer are fully optimised with the correct staffing levels, stock availability, and promotional activity.

Culture & Environment

• Help cultivate the warm, welcoming, community-focused atmosphere that Pugh’s Garden Centre is known for.
• Maintain efficiency and productivity through clear goal setting, timelines, and expectations.
• Complete all departmental administration accurately and within required deadlines, including H&S documentation, holiday forms, and timesheets.

 

What We Offer - Pugh's Staff Wellbeing Benefits

As a permanent employee of Pugh's, after passing your probation period you will be entitled to the following;

• A supportive, friendly working environment
• Staff discounts ranging from 10%-50% off in the garden centre, food halls and cafés
• Free on-site parking
• Wide range of training provided
• Staff health & well-being support scheme
• Pensions scheme
• Uniform allowance
• Yearly personal developmental reviews
• Staff prizes and giveaways