Catering & Hospitality Group Manager

Cidari Multi Academy Trust; Blackburn; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A well-respected educational trust is seeking a Catering & Hospitality Group Manager to oversee catering operations across 15 academies in Blackburn. This role involves strategic and operational delivery of catering services, managing a diverse team to ensure high standards and a positive dining experience for students and staff. Ideal candidates will possess a Level 4 qualification in catering or hospitality and have strong leadership skills, along with experience in food service management. A comprehensive benefits package is offered, ensuring a supportive work environment.

Benefits

Flexible term-time hours

Access to health and wellbeing support

Good opportunities for personal and career development

Cycle to work scheme

Qualifications

• Ability to lead and motivate teams across multiple sites.
• High level of communication and organisational skills.
• Commitment to positive experience of pupils through catering provision.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for strategic and operational delivery of catering services.
• Design menus and ensure food safety compliance.
• Leadership of a dispersed team and budget management.

Skills

Culinary Experience

Restaurant Experience

Food Service

Hospitality Management

Management Experience

Customer relationship management

Education

Recognised qualification in catering or hospitality at Level 4 or equivalent

GCSE English and Maths at grade C or above

Tools

Catering systems

Project Management Software

Job description

Catering & Hospitality Group Manager

37 hours per week Full Time

Permanent

All Year Round 52.143 weeks per year

Overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced highly motivated conscientious and creative Catering & Hospitality Group Manager to join our committed and hardworking central team. This is a Trust-wide role overseeing catering operations across 15 academies. It is varied and fast-paced requiring an adaptable flexible and resourceful individual able to manage competing priorities lead a dispersed team and drive high standards across all aspects of school catering.

Responsibilities

You will be responsible for the strategic and operational delivery of our catering services including menu design food safety compliance staff leadership budget management and the continual promotion of healthy eating. Your leadership will ensure consistent quality and a positive dining experience for all pupils and staff.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Flexible term-time hours
• The opportunity of working within a supportive friendly environment across a well-run and respected Trust
• Good opportunities for personal and career development
• Access to health and wellbeing support for you and your family
• Employment within a Trust committed to equality of opportunity and nationally and locally negotiated pay arrangements
• Terms and conditions protected through a formal trade union recognition agreement with all major education and support staff unions supported through regular JCNC meetings
• Access to employee benefits & rewards through Perkbox
• Cycle to work scheme

THE RIGHT CANDIDATE WILL HAVE

• A recognised and relevant qualification in catering or hospitality at Level 4 or equivalent
• GCSE English and Maths at grade C or above
• A proven ability to lead and motivate teams across multiple sites
• A high level of communication and organisational skills
• The ability to use relevant technology and catering systems
• A can‑do attitude and strong customer service ethos
• A commitment to the health wellbeing and positive experience of pupils through the catering provision

Advert End date : Monday 5th January 2026 at 1pm

Proposed Interview date : Wednesday 14th January 2026

Please note that in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education 2025 an online search will be carried out as part of our safer recruitment pre‑employment checks on shortlisted candidates.

We are a member of Cidari Multi Academy Trust established in November 2013 a growing educational trust and part of the Blackburn Diocese. Cidari Education is committed to providing high‑quality education for all children in our academies based on clearly established Christian values and principles.

Cidari Multi Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Any offer of employment will be subject to a satisfactory check supplied by the Disclosure & Barring Service including cautions reprimands final warnings or convictions.

Key Skills

• Culinary Experience
• Restaurant Experience
• Food Service
• Hospitality Management
• Hotel Experience
• Hospitality Experience
• Management Experience
• Event Planning
• Employment & Labor Law
• Project Management Software
• Customer relationship management
• Restaurant Management