Catering Manager

Connect2TalentSolutions; Brierley Hill; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A catering service provider in Brierley Hill is seeking a dedicated Catering Manager or Head Chef to lead their operations in a school environment. The role requires strong culinary and management skills, with responsibilities including team leadership, budget management, and ensuring compliance with dietary and hygiene standards. Flexible working hours are essential, with some evening and weekend shifts. A valid DBS certificate is required, or willingness to obtain one.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Head Chef or Catering Manager in a school or similar environment.
• Experience managing budgets and food stock control systems.
• A valid DBS certificate or willingness to obtain.

Responsibilities

• Lead and motivate a team of catering staff.
• Organise staff rotas and shift patterns.
• Ensure meals meet dietary needs and comply with food hygiene standards.
• Manage ordering, stock control, food storage, and budget records.

Skills

Leadership skills

Culinary skills

Knowledge of allergens and nutrition

Organizational skills

Budget management

Job description

Overview

Connect 2 Talent Solutions are seeking a dedicated and experienced Catering Manager or Head Chef to lead our catering operations in a school setting. This is a hands on leadership role requiring excellent culinary skills, team management, and a strong understanding of dietary needs and food safety.

Responsibilities

• Lead, manage, and motivate a team of catering staff to deliver high-quality meals consistently.
• Organise staff rotas and shift patterns to cover early mornings, late evenings, and weekends (start from 6:00 AM, finish up to 8:30 PM).
• Ensure all meals meet individual dietary needs, including allergens, special diets, and nutritional requirements.
• Manage ordering, stock control, food storage, and stock rotation in compliance with food hygiene standards.
• Maintain accurate budget records and effectively manage food and labour costs.
• Ensure the catering provision complies with all relevant food hygiene, health & safety, and safeguarding standards.
• Work collaboratively with school leadership to meet the needs of students, staff, and events.
• Maintain cleanliness and organisation within the kitchen and dining areas at all times.

Person Specification

• Essential
• Proven experience as a Head Chef or Catering Manager, preferably within a school or similar environment.
• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Knowledge of allergens, nutrition, and special dietary requirements.
• Excellent organisational and time management skills.
• Experience managing budgets and food stock control systems.
• A valid DBS certificate (or willingness to obtain - £57 cost if not already held).
• Flexible availability, including weekends, early mornings, and evenings.
• PAY Negotiable dependant on experience.
• Desirable
• Food Hygiene and Safety certifications.
• Experience using catering stock management systems.

Working Pattern

40 hours per week
All year round
Shift work (example: 4 or 6 days/week, with early and/or late shifts)
Start time from 6:00 AM, finish as late as 8:30 PM
Weekend availability is essential

About the Role

If you are passionate about great food, nutrition, and creating a positive dining experience for students and staff, we’d love to hear from you.

Company and Equality Statement

Connect2TalentSolutions is a trading style of Dudley & Kent Commercial Services LTD - A joint venture between Dudley Metropolitan Council & Commercial Services Kent Ltd. Connect2TalentSolutions is an equal opportunities Employment Agency & Business. It positively encourages applications from all suitably qualified and eligible candidates