Permanent (subject to 3 month probationary period)

The Llangollen and Corwen Railway is one of the UK’s most scenic and well-loved heritage railways, welcoming tens of thousands of visitors each year. We are now seeking an experienced, motivated and entrepreneurial Catering Supervisor to lead and develop our catering operation as we prepare for an exciting 2026 season and beyond.

This is a senior operational role with responsibility for delivering a high-quality, welcoming and commercially successful catering offer across stations, trains and events. The successful applicant will bring creativity, initiative and entrepreneurial flair, while working positively within a volunteer-led heritage environment.

A key part of this role is understanding and valuing the vital contribution volunteers make to the Railway. You will be expected to lead by example, working collaboratively with both volunteers and paid staff to build a supportive, professional and enjoyable catering operation.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Management

Oversee day-to-day catering operations across stations, trains and events
Ensure catering outlets open reliably, on time and to agreed standards
Maintain full compliance with food hygiene, health and safety and licensing requirements
Manage stock control, ordering, wastage and supplier relationships
Provide flexible outreach and pop-up catering across stations and event areas, aligned to passenger flows, event needs and available resources
Explore, trial and develop mobile catering options (including platform kiosks, stalls and temporary outlets), ensuring all activity is sympathetic to the Railway’s heritage setting

People Management

Supervise catering staff and volunteers, creating a positive, inclusive and supportive team culture
Support recruitment, induction, training and rostering of catering volunteers
Act as a visible and approachable leader during operating days and events
Work closely with the Volunteer Coordinator to support volunteer engagement and retention

Commercial and Financial Performance

Demonstrate entrepreneurial flair in developing new catering ideas, offers and sales opportunities
Drive improvements in catering revenue and secondary spend
Identify opportunities to maximise income from peak services, seasonal activity and special events
Contribute to budget setting, cost control and margin improvement
Monitor sales performance and provide regular reports to the Trust Manager

Events and Development

Work closely with the Events Administrator and Trust Manager to deliver catering for key events, including Santa Specials, Mince Pie Specials, Real Ale Trains, Afternoon Teas and galas
Develop seasonal menus and creative offers appropriate to the Railway’s heritage setting and audience
Build positive relationships with local suppliers and producers where appropriate

Standards and Customer Experience

Ensure consistent quality of food, service and cleanliness across all catering areas
Respond positively to customer feedback and resolve issues promptly
Present catering spaces as welcoming, professional and well organised

Person Specification

Essential

Experience in catering, hospitality or food service supervision
Strong organisational and people management skills
Sound understanding of food hygiene, health and safety requirements
Confidence working with volunteers as well as paid staff
Ability to work flexibly, including weekends, evenings and event days
Full UK driving licence and ability to travel across multiple railway sites
Access to a vehicle where the works van is not available

Desirable

Experience in a visitor attraction, heritage or events environment
Experience of improving commercial performance or secondary spend
Food Safety qualification (or willingness to obtain)
Experience managing suppliers, stock and budgets

Personal Attributes

Entrepreneurial, creative and commercially aware
Approachable, supportive and calm under pressure
Practical, hands-on and solutions focused
Respectful of heritage values, volunteers and community ethos

Working Environment

Applicants should be aware that this is a practical, hands-on role in a heritage railway environment. Catering facilities vary across sites and may include pop-up or temporary outlets, outdoor working and event-based operations. This role is not based in a traditional restaurant setting and requires flexibility, resilience and adaptability.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: £30,784.00 per year

Benefits:

Company pension
On-site parking

Work Location: In person

Llangollen Railway Trust

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Catering Supervisor at Llangollen and Corwen Railway