Job Overview
The Head of Catering Cork University Hospital role offers an exciting leadership opportunity within one of Ireland’s largest acute teaching hospitals. Reporting to the Services Manager, this permanent wholetime position is responsible for leading and managing the hospital’s catering services, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, safe, and efficient food services to patients, staff, and visitors.
This role is open to both HSE and non-HSE applicants and forms part of the HSE South West region.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide strategic leadership and operational management of the catering department.
- Ensure delivery of high-quality, safe, and nutritious meals in compliance with healthcare standards.
- Manage budgets, resources, and procurement processes effectively.
- Lead, supervise, and develop catering staff, promoting a culture of accountability and excellence.
- Ensure compliance with HACCP, food safety legislation, and HSE policies.
- Collaborate with clinical and multidisciplinary teams to meet patient dietary requirements.
- Drive continuous service improvement and innovation within catering operations.
- Prepare reports and contribute to hospital-wide service planning initiatives.
Required Skills & Qualifications
- Relevant professional qualification in catering, hospitality management, or a related discipline.
- Significant senior management experience in large-scale catering operations.
- Strong financial management and budgetary control experience.
- Comprehensive knowledge of food safety legislation and HACCP standards.
- Proven leadership, team management, and staff development skills.
- Excellent organisational, communication, and stakeholder engagement abilities.
- Experience within a healthcare or large institutional setting is desirable.
Salary, Benefits & Working Hours
- Grade: Head of Catering (Grade Code 4120).
- Salary: In line with HSE consolidated pay scales (General Support Grades) and Department of Health Circular 1/2025.
- Contract Type: Permanent Wholetime.
- Annual leave and public sector pension scheme.
- Opportunities for professional development and leadership progression.
Location & Employer Information
This position is based at Cork University Hospital, Wilton, Cork, within the HSE South West health region (Kerry and Cork). Cork University Hospital is one of Ireland’s largest teaching hospitals, providing a comprehensive range of acute and specialist services to a large regional population.
Employer Website: https://www.cuh.hse.ie/
Application Details
- Reference: CUHMA82958
- Category: General Support
- Advertisement Source: HSE
- Recruiter: HSE South West: Kerry and Cork
- Apply Online: Click here to apply
Informal Enquiries:
Anne Bodley
Services Manager, Cork University Hospital
Tel: 086 4128825
Email: anne.bodley@hse.ie
Candidates will normally be given at least two weeks’ notice of interview. This timescale may be reduced in exceptional circumstances.
Last Day to Apply: 13 April 2026 at 12:00 PM
