Staffing Service – Catering Supervisor in Portsmouth, PO3
Manage Busy Kitchen Teams Through a Trusted Catering Supervisor Recruitment Agency. Join a leading catering workforce that services South Coast venues, hospitals, schools, and corporate sites.
💷 £13.50–£17.00/hr
🕠Full-time / Part-time
📋 Temp · Contract · Permanent
🟢 Immediate Start Available
Job Overview
Your Next Leadership Role Starts in Portsmouth
If you are an experienced catering professional with strong supervisory instincts, exceptional organisational skills, and a passion for delivering top-quality food service, Staffing Service has an exciting opportunity for you right in the heart of Portsmouth, PO3. We are actively recruiting Catering Supervisors for temporary, contract, and permanent roles across a diverse portfolio of catering environments — from bustling school kitchens and NHS hospital catering facilities to prestigious hotel banqueting operations and corporate hospitality suites along the South Coast.
As one of the UK’s most trusted catering recruitment agencies, Staffing Service has spent over 15 years connecting skilled kitchen leaders with employers who need reliable, certified, and motivated professionals. Our Portsmouth catering supervisor roles are not just jobs — they are genuine career stepping stones, backed by competitive pay, flexible scheduling, and long-term progression opportunities. Whether you are seeking your first supervisory position or are a seasoned kitchen manager looking for a new challenge, we have the right placement waiting for you.
Portsmouth is a vibrant coastal city with a thriving hospitality sector, supported by its Royal Navy heritage, busy port activity, tourist attractions including Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, and a rapidly growing university and healthcare sector. Demand for skilled catering supervisors across PO3 and surrounding postcodes continues to rise, making now the ideal time to register with Staffing Service and secure your ideal role.
At a Glance
Job Details & Key Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| 📌 Job Title | Catering Supervisor |
| 🏢 Employer | Staffing Service UK |
| 📍 Location | Portsmouth, PO3, Hampshire, England |
| 💷 Hourly Pay | £13.50 – £17.00 per hour (above National Living Wage) |
| 🕠Contract Type | Temporary Contract Permanent |
| ⏰ Hours | Full-time (40 hrs/wk) · Part-time options available · Flexible shifts |
| 🎓 Qualifications | Level 2/3 Food Hygiene Certificate (desirable) · Supervisory experience required |
| 🚀 Start Date | Immediate Start Available |
| 📞 Helpline | +44 333 188 0008 · Available 24/7 |
| 🔗 Apply Now | → Register & Apply |
What Does a Catering Supervisor Do in Portsmouth?
A Catering Supervisor plays a critical leadership role at the heart of any food service operation. As the bridge between kitchen production teams and management, you will be responsible for ensuring that every meal, every service period, and every customer interaction meets the highest standards of quality, safety, and efficiency. In Portsmouth’s diverse catering sector, this role spans hospital canteens and care home dining through to hotel events, school kitchens, and large-scale corporate catering contracts.
Through Staffing Service, our placed Catering Supervisors work across some of the South Coast’s most reputable catering operations. Your day-to-day responsibilities will be varied, fast-paced, and rewarding, combining people management with hands-on culinary oversight.
Core Responsibilities
- Supervise, motivate, and coordinate kitchen and service teams during all meal periods, ensuring smooth daily catering operations across breakfast, lunch, and dinner services
- Oversee food preparation standards, plating presentation, and portion control in line with agreed recipes, menus, and client specifications
- Ensure full compliance with UK food safety legislation, HACCP principles, and all relevant Environmental Health requirements, maintaining accurate temperature logs and cleaning schedules
- Monitor stock levels, conduct regular stock rotation checks, raise purchase orders, and liaise with suppliers to minimise waste and control food costs effectively
- Conduct daily and weekly team briefings, allocate workloads, manage rotas, and support new staff inductions and ongoing training development
- Handle customer feedback and complaints professionally, resolving service issues quickly to maintain high client satisfaction scores
- Complete daily service records, waste logs, temperature monitoring sheets, and any other required catering documentation accurately and on schedule
- Act as duty manager in the absence of senior catering management, taking full responsibility for operational decisions and team welfare
Skills, Qualifications & Experience Required
Staffing Service works with candidates at all career stages, from those stepping into their first supervisory role to experienced kitchen managers seeking new contractual flexibility. The core requirements for Catering Supervisor vacancies in Portsmouth PO3 are outlined below, though we encourage all interested candidates to register with us regardless of whether you meet every single criteria — our specialist catering recruitment team will assess your profile individually.
✅ Essential Requirements
- Minimum 1–2 years supervisory experience in a catering or food service environment
- Food Hygiene Certificate (Level 2 minimum; Level 3 preferred)
- Thorough knowledge of HACCP and UK food safety law
- Strong team leadership and staff management skills
- Excellent communication — verbal and written
- Ability to work flexible shifts including early mornings, evenings, and weekends
- Reliable, punctual, and professional presentation at all times
⭐ Desirable (Advantageous)
- NVQ Level 2 or 3 in Professional Cookery or Hospitality Supervision
- Experience in healthcare, education, or contract catering environments
- COSHH awareness training certificate
- First Aid at Work qualification
- Experience using EPOS and catering management software
- Allergen Awareness training and familiarity with Natasha’s Law
- Valid DBS check (required for school and care home roles)
Candidates with experience in the hospitality and kitchen sectors will find our Portsmouth catering supervisor roles particularly suitable. We actively support candidates in obtaining relevant certifications where needed, working with approved training providers across Hampshire to enhance your employability.
What Staffing Service Offers You
At Staffing Service, we believe that placing the right candidate in the right role goes far beyond simply matching a CV to a job description. Our commitment to every Catering Supervisor we register extends to your pay, your working conditions, your career development, and your long-term employability.
- Competitive, above-minimum-wage pay: All our Catering Supervisor roles in Portsmouth PO3 pay between £13.50 and £17.00 per hour, significantly above the current UK National Living Wage, with weekly pay and transparent payslips
- Flexible working arrangements: Whether you need full-time hours, part-time shifts, school-hours-only contracts, or temporary cover work, we structure roles around your availability and lifestyle
- Rapid placement: Our Portsmouth catering desk operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We can often match and deploy candidates within 24 to 48 hours of registration, with same-day starts available for urgent placements
- Career progression pathways: Many of our temporary Catering Supervisors transition to permanent roles with our client employers. We actively advocate for your promotion and career advancement
- Dedicated candidate support: You will have a named consultant in our catering division who knows your profile, your ambitions, and your availability — providing personalised, attentive service throughout every placement
- Access to a wide network of employers: Staffing Service works with over 1,000 employers across the UK. As a registered candidate, you gain access to opportunities that are not advertised publicly
Ready to Register as a Catering Supervisor?
Join thousands of catering professionals already placed by Staffing Service. Register online in minutes and let our specialist team match you to your ideal role in Portsmouth PO3 and across the South Coast.
How We Placed a Catering Supervisor in Portsmouth
Filling a Critical Catering Supervisor Gap at a South Coast NHS Trust
A busy NHS Trust catering department in Portsmouth PO3 contacted Staffing Service following the unexpected departure of their senior catering supervisor just three days before a full CQC inspection. The site served over 1,200 meals daily across four wards and required a certified supervisor with proven healthcare catering experience and HACCP compliance knowledge. Standard agency approaches had failed them previously due to poorly vetted candidates.
Our Portsmouth catering recruitment specialist identified, vetted, and deployed a fully qualified Catering Supervisor within 18 hours of the initial brief. The candidate held Level 3 Food Safety certification, had five years of NHS catering experience, and was available for immediate start. They covered the inspection period flawlessly, receiving commendation from the inspectorate for their documentation and team leadership — and were subsequently offered a permanent contract by the Trust.
From brief to deployment
Daily meals maintained
CQC Inspection passed
“We were in a genuinely desperate situation and Staffing Service came through beyond all expectations. The Catering Supervisor they sent was exceptional — professional, calm under pressure, and clearly experienced in the healthcare catering environment. The CQC inspection went without issue. We have since made Staffing Service our preferred catering recruitment partner across the Trust.â€
Catering Services Manager, NHS Trust South Coast
Why Portsmouth PO3 is a Prime Catering Hub
Portsmouth is one of the South Coast’s most economically active cities, with a diverse and growing hospitality and food service sector. The city’s unique blend of maritime culture, student population, healthcare infrastructure, and tourism creates sustained, year-round demand for skilled catering professionals. As a Catering Supervisor registered with Staffing Service in Portsmouth, you gain access to opportunities across a broad variety of environments.
🏥 Healthcare Catering
- Queen Alexandra Hospital catering operations
- NHS Trust contract catering across PO3–PO6
- Care home and residential facility dining
- Community mental health facility kitchens
🫠Education Catering
- Portsmouth primary and secondary school kitchens
- University of Portsmouth catering outlets
- Further education college refectories
- Free School Meals programme supervisors
🏨 Hospitality & Hotels
- Portsmouth Harbour hotel banqueting
- Events catering at Gunwharf Quays venues
- Conference centre and corporate dining
- Seasonal festival and outdoor events catering
⚓ Defence & Maritime
- Royal Navy base contract catering (HMNB Portsmouth)
- Port authority and ferry terminal catering
- Defence contractor staff canteen supervision
- Civmil catering facilities across Gosport
Beyond PO3, Staffing Service also recruits Catering Supervisors across surrounding postcodes including PO1, PO2, PO4, PO5, PO6, and into Fareham, Gosport, Havant, and Chichester. If you are based anywhere on the South Coast, explore our full jobs board for the nearest available role.
Catering Supervisor Vacancies — Portsmouth & South Coast
The following roles are currently available through Staffing Service across Portsmouth PO3 and surrounding areas. All positions pay above the UK National Living Wage, with weekly pay and immediate start available on most placements.
| Role Title | Location | Type | Pay (p/hr) | Shift | Apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Catering Supervisor – NHS Trust | Portsmouth PO3 | Temporary | £14.50 | Days / Rotating | Apply → |
| School Catering Supervisor | Portsmouth PO2 | Permanent | £13.50 | Term-time / Days | Apply → |
| Hotel Catering Supervisor | Portsmouth PO1 | Contract | £16.00 | Evenings / Weekends | Apply → |
| Care Home Catering Supervisor | Fareham, PO14 | Permanent | £14.00 | Full-time Days | Apply → |
| Events Catering Supervisor | Gunwharf Quays, PO1 | Temporary | £15.50 | Flexible / Weekend | Apply → |
| Corporate Canteen Supervisor | Gosport, PO12 | Contract | £15.00 | Monday–Friday | Apply → |
| Defence Sector Catering Supervisor | HMNB Portsmouth PO1 | Contract | £17.00 | Rotating Shifts | Apply → |
| University Refectory Supervisor | Portsmouth PO1 | Permanent | £13.80 | Academic Year | Apply → |
| Banqueting Catering Supervisor | Chichester, PO19 | Temporary | £16.50 | Event-based | Apply → |
| Stadium & Arena Catering Supervisor | Fratton Park PO4 | Temporary | £14.80 | Match Days / Events | Apply → |
| Primary School Kitchen Supervisor | Havant, PO9 | Permanent | £13.50 | Term-time, Mornings | Apply → |
| Festival Catering Supervisor | Portsmouth PO3 & Area | Temporary | £15.00 | Seasonal / Outdoor | Apply → |
Can’t see your ideal role? Register your profile and our Portsmouth catering recruitment team will contact you when a matching vacancy becomes available. New roles are listed weekly.
Why Catering Professionals Trust Staffing Service
In a market crowded with generic job boards and impersonal recruitment platforms, Staffing Service stands apart through the depth of our industry knowledge, the quality of our candidate vetting, and the strength of our employer relationships. Here is why catering professionals across Portsmouth and the wider South Coast consistently choose us as their recruitment partner.
Deep Catering Sector Expertise
Our specialist catering recruitment division has placed kitchen porters, commis chefs, chef de parties, pastry chefs, and catering supervisors across the full spectrum of the UK hospitality and food service industries. We understand the difference between a hospital HACCP log and a hotel banqueting brief. We know the certifications employers require, the shift patterns that work, and the kitchen cultures that produce the best results. This expertise means we never waste a candidate’s time on unsuitable roles.
Transparency in Pay and Terms
Every Catering Supervisor vacancy listed by Staffing Service includes transparent, published hourly rates — all set above the UK National Living Wage. You will never be surprised by hidden deductions, delayed payments, or opaque contract terms. Weekly BACS payments are standard, and all candidates receive a clear breakdown of their pay, tax, and National Insurance contributions.
A Nationwide Network, Locally Focused
While Staffing Service operates nationally — from London and the South East through the Midlands and beyond — our Portsmouth catering desk provides genuinely local service. Your consultant will know the Portsmouth catering market, understand the commuting routes from PO3 and surrounding areas, and be available at short notice when an urgent placement is needed.
“I had been looking for a stable catering supervisor role in Portsmouth for three months before I registered with Staffing Service. Within a week they had placed me in a contract role at a Portsmouth hotel that has since become a full-time permanent position. Their team was genuinely interested in matching me to the right employer, not just filling a vacancy. Excellent, professional service all round.â€
Catering Supervisor, Portsmouth (Placed via Staffing Service)
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a Catering Supervisor do in Portsmouth?
A Catering Supervisor in Portsmouth is responsible for overseeing daily food service operations and managing kitchen and service teams across a range of catering environments including schools, hospitals, hotels, and corporate sites. Key duties include supervising food preparation, enforcing food hygiene and safety legislation, managing staff rotas, monitoring stock levels, and maintaining exceptional service standards throughout every service period. In the Portsmouth PO3 area specifically, supervisors often work across healthcare, education, and maritime catering settings, all of which require precise HACCP compliance and strong leadership presence. Browse available catering supervisor roles through Staffing Service.
What qualifications do I need to become a Catering Supervisor?
The minimum qualification expected for most Catering Supervisor positions in Portsmouth is a Level 2 Food Safety in Catering certificate, though a Level 3 Award in Food Safety is strongly preferred by NHS trusts and local authority catering employers. Previous supervisory experience in a commercial kitchen or institutional catering environment is essential. Desirable qualifications include an NVQ Level 2 or 3 in Hospitality Supervision, First Aid at Work, and completion of Allergen Awareness training in line with Natasha’s Law requirements. If you hold relevant experience but lack formal qualifications, Staffing Service can advise on fast-track accreditation pathways before placement.
How much does a Catering Supervisor earn in Portsmouth, PO3?
Catering Supervisor salaries in Portsmouth PO3 typically range from £13.50 to £17.00 per hour, depending on sector, employer, level of responsibility, and whether the role is temporary, contract, or permanent. Healthcare and defence catering roles typically pay at the higher end of this band, while school and education catering roles often sit at the lower end but come with term-time-only working patterns and school holiday breaks. Staffing Service guarantees all placements pay above the current UK National Living Wage. For an annual equivalent, a full-time Catering Supervisor on £15.00 per hour earns approximately £29,250 gross per year before overtime. Register with us for the latest advertised rates on live vacancies.
Does Staffing Service offer temporary Catering Supervisor jobs in Portsmouth?
Absolutely. Staffing Service is one of the leading providers of temporary staffing solutions across the UK, and our Portsmouth catering division places temporary Catering Supervisors on a regular basis. Temporary roles range from single-day emergency cover to extended contracts of six months or more. Many of our temporary catering supervisor placements in Portsmouth PO3 successfully convert to permanent positions as the candidate and employer build a working relationship. We operate a 24/7 helpline specifically to handle urgent temporary catering requests — call us on +44 333 188 0008 for immediate assistance.
How do I apply for a Catering Supervisor job through Staffing Service?
Applying through Staffing Service is simple and takes less than five minutes. Visit our candidate registration page, complete your profile with your work history, availability, and qualifications, and our specialist catering recruitment team will review your application and contact you within one working day. Alternatively, you can call our dedicated 24/7 helpline on +44 333 188 0008, email us at [email protected], or call our London office on 020 7123 9330 to speak directly with a catering recruitment consultant. We welcome applications from candidates across Portsmouth, Gosport, Fareham, Havant, and all South Coast postcodes.
Ready to Step Into Your Next Catering Leadership Role?
Portsmouth’s catering sector is thriving, and the demand for experienced, certified Catering Supervisors across PO3 and the wider South Coast has never been stronger. Whether you are a seasoned kitchen leader seeking a fresh challenge, or a talented catering professional taking your first step into supervision, Staffing Service is the recruitment partner built to get you there — fast, professionally, and with the pay and conditions you deserve.
With over 15 years of specialist recruitment experience, a 24/7 helpline, and a nationwide network of over 1,000 UK employers, Staffing Service offers every registered candidate the best possible chance of securing a rewarding catering supervisor role in Portsmouth. We do not simply find you a job — we build careers. Register today and take the next step with a team that is genuinely invested in your success.