Catering Manager

Shorefields; Colchester; Hybrid; GBP 6,500 - 10,000; Part time

Job summary

Copford CofE Primary School is seeking a Catering Manager to run its busy school kitchen, planning menus, preparing meals and leading a small team. The role is 15 hours per week, term-time plus one INSET day, with duties spanning ordering, stock control and meal budgeting.

The ideal candidate has a Level 3 Food Safety Certificate or equivalent, strong cooking skills, and the ability to work independently in a busy environment.

Qualifications

• Experience in catering, food preparation or a similar environment.
• Level 3 Food Safety Certificate, or equivalent qualification or experience; training may be provided.
• Good understanding of food hygiene, allergy regulations, health and safety, stock control and budget management.
• Ability to plan menus, cost meals and cook healthy, balanced meals.
• Experience of supporting, motivating or supervising staff.
• Good literacy, numeracy and IT skills, including Microsoft Excel and Word.
• A positive, can-do attitude and the ability to work on your own initiative.

Responsibilities

• You will lead the catering service, from menu planning and food preparation to ordering, stock control and supporting kitchen staff.
• We currently prepare around 90 meals per day, with numbers expected to rise during the autumn term.
• You will be reliable, organised and calm under pressure, with a positive approach and a commitment to high standards.

Skills

Experience in catering

Food safety

Food hygiene

Stock control

Menu planning

Team supervision

IT skills

Proactive attitude

Education

Level 3 Food Safety Certificate

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Job description

Job Ref No. ECC3020-37 Position Type: Catering Pay Range: Scale 5 Point 10 to 13

Position Start Date: 03/11/2026 Contract Type: Part-time Contract Term: Permanent

Application Close: 30/09/2026 Midnight Date of Interviews: TBC

We are looking for a friendly, organised Catering Manager to run our busy school kitchen and provide tasty, healthy meals for our pupils.

Hours:15 hours per week, Three days per week, 8.30am to 1.30pm

Contract: Term time only, plus one INSET day

Salary: Scale 5, points 10-13, Actual £6450.66 to £10154.58

We would love to hear from you if you enjoy cooking nutritious food, are confident in a busy kitchen and can lead a small team. You may already be a Catering Manager, or an experienced Catering Assistant ready for the next step.

You will lead the catering service, from menu planning and food preparation to ordering, stock control and supporting kitchen staff. We currently prepare around 90 meals per day, with numbers expected to rise during the autumn term.

You will be reliable, organised and calm under pressure, with a positive approach and a commitment to high standards.

• Experience in catering, food preparation or a similar environment.
• Level 3 Food Safety Certificate, or equivalent qualification or experience; training may be provided.
• Good understanding of food hygiene, allergy regulations, health and safety, stock control and budget management.
• Ability to plan menus, cost meals and cook healthy, balanced meals.
• Experience of supporting, motivating or supervising staff.
• Good literacy, numeracy and IT skills, including Microsoft Excel and Word.
• A positive, can-do attitude and the ability to work on your own initiative.

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if enough suitable applications have been received.

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.

Documents

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David Bome
Copford CofE Primary School
School Road
Copford, Colchester
Essex, CO6 1BX Telephone: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]

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