Catering Manager

Coast and Vale Learning Trust; Chigwell; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Term-time only

Training & development

Supportive environment

Make a difference

Professional development

Job summary

Chigwell Primary Academy, part of REAch2EAT, is seeking an experienced Catering Manager to lead the school kitchen, cook and serve meals, supervise staff and ensure high standards of hygiene and safety for students and staff.

You will manage food orders, maintain records for inspections and contribute to healthy, appealing meals using local produce.

Qualifications

• Experienced in catering or food preparation, preferably in a school or similar setting.
• Qualified in Food Hygiene Level 2 or 3 certification.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, cook and serve meals in line with school menus and nutritional standards.
• Supervise and support kitchen staff for a smooth meal service.
• Order and manage food supplies and stock within budget.
• Maintain hygiene, cleanliness and food safety standards.
• Keep accurate records for compliance and inspections.

Skills

Catering experience

Food Hygiene Level 2/3

Education

Food Hygiene Level 2/3 certificate

Job description

A fantastic opportunity has arisen for a Catering Manager at Chigwell Primary Academy .

*Previous applicants need not apply*

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and enthusiastic Catering Manager to lead the day‑to‑day running of our busy school kitchen. You will be responsible for preparing tasty, nutritious meals for our students and staff, ensuring high standards of food quality, hygiene, and safety at all times. This is a hands‑on role that involves cooking, serving, supervising kitchen staff, ordering supplies, and keeping the kitchen clean, organised, and compliant with food safety regulations.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare, cook and serve meals in line with school menus and nutritional standards.
• Supervise and support kitchen staff, ensuring a smooth meal service.
• Order and manage food supplies and stock levels within budget.
• Maintain excellent hygiene, cleanliness, and food safety standards.
• Keep accurate records for compliance and inspections.

About You

We're looking for someone who is: Experienced in catering or food preparation (school or similar setting preferred). Qualified in Food Hygiene (Level 2 or 3 certificate required). Organised, reliable, and able to lead a small team. Passionate about providing healthy, appealing food for students.

Our children deserve the best and as a Catering Manager at Chigwell Primary Academy you will be a part of our innovative approach to school catering - REAch2EAT. You will have a passion for cooking and providing high quality meals using fresh, local produce as well as delivering exceptional service to our children.

Food served in school forms a part of our healthy school’s ethos, and exceptional nutrition supports our drive for exceptional opportunities for learning. The successful applicant can expect to work as part of a committed school team as well as a wider support network of our REAch2EAT Catering Team.

We can offer you:

• A friendly supportive school environment Term-time only working (school holidays off).
• Opportunities for training and professional development.
• A role that makes a real difference every day!
• A firm commitment to you and your professional development

Why Work with REAch2 Academy Trust?

• Excellence & Development: We prioritise high standards and offer extensive professional development and career growth opportunities.
• Supportive & Collaborative:Be part of a strong, collaborative community of over 60 schools where every voice is valued, and best practices are shared.
• Well-being Focus: We promote a healthy work-life balance and offer robust well-being support for all staff.
• Diversity & Inclusion: We celebrate diversity and believe that varied perspectives strengthen our schools.
• Innovation & Impact: Bring creativity to the classroom and make a real difference in children’s lives.
• Making a difference: Working with REAch2 means contributing to something bigger than yourself. You’ll be helping to shape the lives of young learners, making a meaningful impact on communities and future generations.

Join us to grow your career, collaborate with passionate educators, and make a lasting impact on future generations.

Benefits

• Generous Annual Leave: healthy work-life balance.
• Professional Development: Access diverse CPD and training opportunities to grow your skills.
• Flexible & Family-Friendly: We are committed to supporting flexible working and requests will be considered on an individual basis, including options such as part time, term-time, home working, and other options that work for both the employee and the Trust.
• Exclusive Discounts: Benefit from Blue Light Card offers and employee perks.
• Well-being Support: Receive comprehensive well-being and employee assistance for you and your family.

Join REAch2 for a rewarding career with great benefits!

Safeguarding, Safer Recruitment and Data Protection

At REAch2 we recognise that those who work in an academy are in a unique position in their care of children. The responsibility for all staff to safeguard pupils and promote their welfare, as stated in Section 175 of the Education Act (2002) is one that is central to our ethos, our policies and our actions. All children are deserving of the highest levels of care and safeguarding, regardless of their individual characteristics or circumstances, and we are committed to applying our policies to ensure effective levels of safeguarding and care are afforded to all our pupils.

We will seek to recruit the best applicant for the job based on the abilities, qualifications, experience as measured against the job description and person specification. The recruitment and selection of staff will be conducted in a professional, timely and responsive manner and in compliance with current employment legislation, and relevant safeguarding legislation and statutory guidance. An enhanced DBS disclosure will be requested for all successful candidates, including a Children’s Barred List check if the role meets the criteria for regulated activity.

For more information about our safer recruitment processes, please click here for our Safer Recruitment Policy.

All information is stored securely, and any information supplied by unsuccessful candidates will be destroyed through a confidential waste system six months after the decision has been communicated, in accordance with our information and records retention policy.

The Trust ensures all applicant data is stored and processed appropriately. For further details on how your information will be managed during the recruitment process please refer to our Privacy Notice for Job Applications.