Manager of Canteen Operation

Your tasks

Position Summary The Manager, Company Canteen Operations is responsible for the overall management, administration, and continuous improvement of the company's canteen and food service operations within a large manufacturing environment. The incumbent will ensure the provision of safe, nutritious, cost-effective, and high-quality food services to employees while maintaining compliance with all applicable food safety, workplace safety, hygiene, and regulatory requirements.

Canteen Operations Management

• Oversee the daily operations of the company canteen serving a large manufacturing workforce.
• Ensure efficient food production, service delivery, cleanliness, and customer service standards.
• Monitor meal quality, variety, pricing, presentation, and nutritional value.
• Ensure adequate seating, dining environment, and facility maintenance standards are maintained.
• Develop and implement operational procedures, service standards, and performance metrics.

Vendor and Contract Management

• Manage outsourced food service providers and canteen operators.
• Lead vendor selection, tender evaluation, contract negotiation, and renewal processes.
• Monitor vendor performance against agreed KPIs and service level agreements.
• Conduct regular vendor reviews and implement corrective actions when required.
• Ensure service providers comply with company policies and regulatory requirements.

Food Safety, Hygiene and Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure full compliance with Singapore food safety, hygiene, health, and workplace regulations.
• Conduct regular audits and inspections of food preparation, storage, and serving areas.
• Implement food safety management systems and preventive controls.
• Address food safety incidents, customer complaints, and compliance issues promptly.
• Maintain all necessary licenses, certifications, and regulatory documentation.

Budget and Cost Management

• Develop and manage annual operating budgets for canteen operations.
• Monitor food costs, operating expenses, utility consumption, and vendor charges.
• Identify and implement cost optimization initiatives without compromising service quality.
• Prepare management reports on operating costs, customer satisfaction, and performance indicators.

Employee Engagement and Service Improvement

• Gather employee feedback and conduct periodic satisfaction surveys.
• Work closely with employee representatives and management committees to improve food offerings and dining experiences.
• Introduce menu innovations, healthy eating initiatives, and employee wellness programs.
• Drive continuous improvement projects to enhance customer satisfaction and operational effectiveness.

Facilities and Asset Management

• Oversee maintenance and upkeep of canteen equipment, kitchen facilities, dining areas, and associated infrastructure.
• Coordinate preventive maintenance programs with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ensure all facilities are maintained in a safe and operational condition.

Leadership and Team Management

• Lead and supervise canteen operations personnel and support staff where applicable.
• Coach, mentor, and develop team capabilities.
• Foster a culture of service excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Coordinate with cross-functional departments including HR, EHS, Facilities, Procurement, and Finance.

Requirements

The role requires extensive experience managing high-volume industrial canteen operations, vendor performance, food quality standards, budgets, customer satisfaction, and operational excellence. The successful candidate will work closely with canteen operators, service providers, employees, facilities teams, and management to deliver an efficient and employee-centric dining experience.

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Hospitality Management, Hotel Management, Food Service Management, Catering Management, or a related discipline.
• Professional certifications in food safety, HACCP, WSQ Food Safety, or related qualifications will be an advantage.

• Minimum 18 years of relevant experience in canteen, catering, food service, hospitality, or dining facility management.
• At least 10 years in a managerial capacity overseeing large-scale canteen operations within a manufacturing, industrial, petrochemical, logistics, or similar environment.
• Proven experience managing outsourced food service contractors and vendor relationships.
• Experience managing food service operations serving more than 1,000 employees daily is preferred.

Knowledge and Skills

• Strong knowledge of food service management and hospitality best practices.
• In-depth understanding of Singapore food safety and hygiene regulations.
• Excellent vendor management and contract administration skills.
• Strong budgeting, financial management, and cost control capabilities.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications and reporting systems.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment