Catering Manager

Authentic Education; Christchurch; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free eye testing

Reduced-price gym membership

Pension scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Job summary

Authentic Education is seeking a Catering Manager on a fixed-term contract to lead day-to-day catering operations at our academy. You will ensure meals meet standards, manage staff, control budgets, develop menus and promote a high-quality dining experience.

You will build relationships with external clients, oversee health and safety, COSHH and safeguarding, and help grow commercial opportunities while supporting staff development and wellbeing initiatives.

Qualifications

• Has proven experience in catering leadership or kitchen management.
• Demonstrates strong organisational, communication and people-management skills.
• Is committed to providing high-quality, nutritious meals.
• Understands financial management in a catering setting.
• Is proactive, reliable and able to work under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day catering operations and ensure meals meet standards.
• Lead, support and supervise catering staff, including rota management and appraisals.
• Manage stock, resources, budgeting and cost control for value-for-money service.
• Develop menus, maintain high standards of food presentation and dining experience.
• Ensure full compliance with Health & Safety, food hygiene, COSHH and safeguarding.
• Build relationships with external clients and grow department’s commercial opportunities.
• Negotiate with approved suppliers to secure best-value contracts.
• Manage catering finances, revenue, expenditure and financial reporting.
• Ensure safe operation and maintenance of kitchen equipment.
• Oversee catering delivery arrangements to external academies during term time.
• Conduct risk assessments, maintain cleanliness and uphold hygiene standards.
• Support marketing efforts and liaise with potential new clients.

Skills

Catering leadership

Kitchen management

Staff supervision

Budget control

Menu development

Food safety awareness

Job description

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is passionate about excellent food, strong operational management, and driving service improvements within a thriving academy environment. This is a Fixed Term Contract for 6 months., As our Catering Manager, you will:

• Oversee the day-to-day catering operations, ensuring all meals meet National Nutritional Standards.
• Lead, support, and supervise catering staff, including rota management, appraisals and staff development.
• Manage stock, resources, budgeting and cost control to deliver a value-for-money service without compromising quality.
• Develop menus, maintain high standards of food presentation, and ensure a welcoming dining experience.
• Ensure full compliance with Health & Safety, food hygiene, COSHH and safeguarding procedures.
• Build strong relationships with external clients and help grow the department's commercial opportunities.
• Promote the academy and Trust values in all areas of your practice., Oversee food preparation, cooking and service.
• Negotiate with authorised suppliers to secure best value contracts.
• Manage catering finances, including revenue, expenditure, stock control and financial reporting.
• Ensure safe operation and maintenance of all kitchen equipment.
• Manage catering delivery arrangements to external academies during term time.
• Conduct risk assessments, maintain cleanliness, and uphold high hygiene standards.
• Support marketing efforts, create promotional materials and liaise with potential new clients.
  We are looking for someone who:
• Has proven experience in catering leadership or kitchen management.
• Demonstrates strong organisational, communication and people-management skills.
• Is committed to providing high-quality, nutritious meals.
• Understands financial management in a catering setting.
• Is proactive, reliable and able to work under pressure.
  A visible and approachable senior leadership team and an enthusiastic and committed team of teachers and support staff.
• A strong support network both within the school and across Authentic Education.
• All staff are part of a professional learning community in which evidence-informed CPD is designed to meet individual needs.
• Strong potential for career progression.
• A culture that respects work-life balance and an ongoing commitment to wellbeing with a dedicated Wellbeing Champion.
• An Employee Assistance Programme including in the moment support and counselling sessions with an external provider.
• Staff benefits include free eye testing for DSE users through Specsavers, free will writing through Dunham McCarthy Solicitors and reduced-price corporate gym membership through BH Live.
• A competitive pension through Teachers' Pensions or The Local Government Pension Scheme for support staff.