Catering Manager

Pertemps Network Catering; Bawdsey; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 43,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Live-in accommodation available

Career development

Job summary

Pertemps Network Catering seeks an experienced Catering Manager to lead the catering operation at a residential school activity centre. You will deliver nutritious meals for young people, staff and visitors, ensuring safety, allergen control and high service standards.

You will coach the team, manage budgets, and coordinate with centre leadership to support daily operations and a positive guest experience. Live-in accommodation is available and this role offers development opportunities.

Qualifications

• Proven catering management experience, ideally for large numbers.
• Leadership and people development experience.
• Level 3 Food Safety and Allergen Management qualification.
• City & Guilds 7061/7062 or equivalent catering qualification.
• ILM Level 3 or equivalent management qualification.
• Experience delivering training and developing teams.
• Strong IT and organisational skills.
• Excellent communication and leadership abilities.
• GCSE English and Maths (or equivalent).
• DBS check completed or to be obtained.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the catering team with coaching and performance support.
• Ensure compliance with Food Safety, HACCP, allergen management and health & safety.
• Manage budgets, stock, purchasing, and waste reduction initiatives.
• Oversee menu delivery and dietary requirements.
• Maintain cleanliness and food production standards.
• Monitor staffing, rotas and resource planning.
• Investigate incidents and implement corrective actions.
• Support smooth operation of the residential centre with leadership.
• Foster a positive, inclusive, customer-focused culture.

Skills

People management

Coaching & mentoring

Leadership

Organisational skills

IT skills (MS Office)

Education

Food safety & allergen qualification

City & Guilds 7061/7062

ILM Level 3 management

GCSE English & Maths

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Are you an experienced catering professional with a passion for leading teams and delivering exceptional dining experiences?

We are seeking a dedicated Catering Manager to oversee the catering operation at a thriving residential school activity centre, providing nutritious, high-quality meals for young people, staff and visitors.

The Role

As Catering Manager, you will lead the catering department, ensure the delivery of safe, nutritious and appealing meals while maintaining the highest standards of food safety, allergen management and customer service. You will play a key role in the day-to-day operation of the residential centre, supporting both guests and colleagues and contributing to a positive experience for all.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the catering team, providing coaching, training and performance support.
• Ensure full compliance with Food Safety, HACCP, allergen management and Health & Safety regulations.
• Manage catering budgets, stock control, purchasing and food waste reduction initiatives.
• Oversee menu delivery and cater for a variety of dietary and medical requirements.
• Maintain excellent standards of cleanliness and food production across the department.
• Monitor staffing levels, rotas and resource planning.
• Investigate incidents, complaints and near misses, implementing corrective actions where required.
• Work closely with centre leadership to support the smooth operation of the residential facility.
• Foster a positive, inclusive and customer-focused culture.

About You

We're looking for an organised and proactive Catering Manager who can inspire and develop a team while maintaining high operational standards.

Essential Requirements

• Previous catering management experience, ideally catering for large numbers.
• Proven people management, coaching and mentoring experience.
• Level 3 Food Safety and Allergen Management qualification.
• City & Guilds 7061/7062, NVQ equivalent or relevant professional catering qualification.
• Management qualification (ILM Level 3 or equivalent).
• Experience delivering training and developing teams.
• Strong organisational and IT skills, including Microsoft Office.
• Excellent communication and leadership abilities.
• GCSE English and Maths (or equivalent Functional Skills Level 2).
• Enhanced DBS check (required).

Desirable

• Full UK Driving Licence.
• Experience within residential, educational, hospitality or activity centre environments.

What's on Offer?

• Salary up to £39,323, depending on experience and live in requirements.
• Live-in accommodation available.
• Opportunity to work within a unique residential educational setting.
• Career development and training opportunities.
• A supportive and collaborative team environment.
• The chance to make a meaningful difference to the experiences of young people.

If you're an experienced Catering Manager who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is passionate about delivering outstanding food service while leading a successful team, we'd love to hear from you.