Catering Manager

Ramsden Hall Academy; Carshalton; On-site; GBP 33,000; Full time

Job summary

An educational institution in Carshalton is seeking a Catering Manager. Responsibilities include overseeing the school's catering service, managing staff, and ensuring compliance with health standards. The ideal candidate will have proven experience in catering management, strong financial skills, and a commitment to high-quality service. This role offers a competitive salary and benefits including CPD opportunities and a pension scheme.

Benefits

Automatic enrolment into the Local Government Pension Scheme

CPD opportunities

Access to the Blue Light Card scheme

Free onsite car and bicycle parking

Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• Proven experience in catering management, ideally within a school or similar environment.
• Strong leadership, organisational and financial management skills.
• Commitment to delivering high-quality service and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the operational efficiency of the school's catering service.
• Develop and manage catering provision for pupils, staff and special events.
• Maintain the highest standards of hygiene, health & safety.

Skills

Catering management experience

Leadership skills

Financial management

Knowledge of food hygiene

Organizational skills

Education

Level 3 Food Safety qualification

Job description

Overview

Are you an experienced catering professional with a passion for delivering high-quality food services in an educational setting? We are seeking a dynamic and organised Catering Manager to lead our school's catering provision, ensuring excellence in food preparation, service and team leadership.

Ramsden Hall Academy is a residential special school for boys aged 10 to 16 who have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) for Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH).

Responsibilities

• Oversee the operational efficiency of the school's catering service, including planning, preparation, cooking and presentation of food and beverages.
• Develop and manage catering provision for pupils, staff and special events.
• Maintain the highest standards of hygiene, health & safety and personnel management.
• Ensure compliance with recognised catering standards and school policies.
• Manage stock control, supplier relationships and budget adherence.
• Lead menu planning, implement promotions/theme days, and respond to feedback.
• Organise special functions and ensure timely service of meals and refreshments.

Financial Management

• Ensure compliance with school finance regulations.
• Collaborate with the HR Operations Manager to develop and monitor business and operational plans.
• Maintain fully costed menus and portion control systems.
• Monitor customer satisfaction and value for money.
• Review purchasing procedures to ensure best value.

Communication & Leadership

• Maintain regular contact with senior managers.
• Lead team briefings and staff meetings.
• Report staff absences promptly and manage performance, training and discipline.
• Recruit, induct and support catering staff development.

Health & Safety

• Ensure full compliance with health & safety legislation.
• Report accidents and food safety concerns.
• Maintain and follow cleaning schedules.

Additional Duties

• Promote and market the catering service.
• Ensure security of kitchen supplies, equipment and finances.
• Recommend service improvements and cost-saving measures.

About the Academy and Safeguarding

The Academy aims to support all students with their specific needs and barriers to learning to enable them to reach their full potential both academically and in terms of managing their behaviour. This is achieved by providing high quality teaching and learning and by using assessment, engagement and developing educational programmes. The Academy works actively with students and their families to ensure positive outcomes for all. Focused attention is paid to the student's individual needs through an integrated therapeutic approach to the curriculum. The Academy works with families to put in place aspirational targets for all learners and always celebrate the achievements of students to reinforce their success and achievement. Any of the students demonstrating the skills and attainment required to successfully reintegrate into a mainstream school will be supported in the transition. Families will also receive support and guidance on how to best work with the school to help ensure their child is successful. The Academy aims for all students to enter further education, training or employment on exit from the Academy. Our site is both attractive and well equipped in all areas of the curriculum and is well resourced. The school is situated with 14 acres of land in Ramsden Heath, near Billericay. All appointments are subject to safer recruitment requirements to ensure the safeguarding of children and young people. All positions will involve appropriate checks and clearances.

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Qualifications

• Proven experience in catering management, ideally within a school or similar environment.
• Level 3 Food Safety qualification.
• Strong leadership, organisational and financial management skills.
• Knowledge of food hygiene, health & safety and school catering standards.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Commitment to delivering high-quality service and continuous improvement.

Employment Terms

• Salary: Pay Scale 7, Spine Points 19-24. Actual Salary Range: £29,269.34-£32,464.40 PA. Annual Salary Range: £32,061.00-£35,412.00 PA.
• Hours: 37 hours per week, term time + inset days + 2 weeks (41 weeks per year). Monday to Thursday 6am to 2.30pm and Friday 6am to 11.30am.

Benefits and How to Apply

• Automatic enrolment into the Local Government Pension Scheme
• CPD opportunities to help you grow
• Access to the Blue Light Card scheme
• Free provision of required PPE and uniform
• Free onsite car and bicycle parking
• Employee Assistance Programme for wellbeing and support
• Excellent on-site facilities, including catering services when operational
• A chance to work in a Residential Academy dedicated to nurturing every pupil's potential

If you're ready to lead a dedicated team and make a meaningful impact in our school community, we'd love to hear from you.