Catering Manager
Location: Kent
Salary: £29,167–£30,934 per annum (FTE), Scale E
Contract: Permanent, Term Time Only + 2 weeks (37 hours per week)
Role
Join a welcoming and inclusive school community as Catering Manager, leading the catering operation for a school of approximately 1,000–1,100 students.
This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced school catering professional to take responsibility for delivering a high-quality catering service that supports the wellbeing of students and staff.
You'll lead a team of 8 kitchen staff, including 2 chefs, overseeing the day-to-day operation, menu planning, stock management and food safety. The role requires someone with strong knowledge of allergens, Natasha's Law, hygiene, health & safety and nutritional requirements, as well as the confidence to communicate effectively with students in a busy school environment.
The school has a strong sense of ethos and values and is intentionally inclusive, with a high proportion of children with SEND. It is a well-established part of the local community, with high-quality facilities for students, staff and the wider community.
Responsibilities
-
Lead and manage the day-to-day catering operation and kitchen team.
-
Provide a high-quality catering service for approximately 1,000–1,100 students and staff.
-
Plan and develop appropriate, nutritious and appealing school menus.
-
Cost menus effectively and manage food budgets.
-
Manage stock levels and implement efficient "just-in-time" ordering.
-
Ensure all food preparation and service meets required school catering standards.
-
Maintain excellent standards of food hygiene, cleanliness and health & safety.
-
Ensure full compliance with allergen legislation, including Natasha's Law.
-
Manage dietary requirements and food allergies safely and effectively.
-
Ensure appropriate nutritional standards are maintained across the catering operation.
-
Lead, motivate and support the team of 8 kitchen staff.
-
Work closely with the school leadership team and wider school community.
-
Maintain accurate records and ensure all relevant catering procedures are followed.
-
Take a proactive approach to improving the catering service.
-
Build positive relationships with students and respond appropriately to their needs.
Requirements
-
Previous experience in a Catering Manager or similar senior school catering role.
-
Essential: significant experience working within a school catering environment.
-
Strong knowledge of allergens, Natasha's Law, food hygiene and health & safety.
-
Excellent understanding of nutritional requirements within a school setting.
-
Proven experience in menu development and menu costing.
-
Strong stock management and purchasing skills, including just-in-time ordering.
-
Excellent organisational and communication skills.
-
Confident managing and developing a kitchen team.
-
Ability to remain calm and professional within a busy school environment.
-
Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively with students, including those with additional needs.
-
Self-motivated, professional and hard working.
-
A genuine passion for food and delivering an excellent catering service.
-
Enhanced DBS required — the school can process a new DBS where necessary.
Rewards
-
£29,167–£30,934 per annum FTE, Scale E.
-
37-hour working week.
-
Term Time Only + 2 weeks, with salary prorated for school holidays.
-
Monday to Friday working pattern.
-
Only 1–2 weekend days per year typically required, for events such as Open Days or school shows.
-
Early starts with a typical 6:30am start and finish around 3:30pm.
-
Opportunity to lead an established team of 8 kitchen staff.
-
A varied and rewarding role within a welcoming, inclusive school community.
-
Opportunity to make a genuine impact on the quality of food and wellbeing of students and staff.
-
Supportive environment focused on continuous improvement.