Catering Manager

Hillary Primary School; Darlaston; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

Hillary Primary School is seeking an experienced Catering Manager to lead a large-scale school catering operation, delivering nutritious meals that support pupil wellbeing and learning. You will manage the kitchen, drive financial sustainability, ensure regulatory compliance, and uphold high standards of food quality and customer experience for pupils, staff, and visitors.

The role requires strategic leadership, team development, and effective coordination of catering services within a school

Qualifications

• Experience leading a school catering service
• Ability to plan and manage large-scale catering operations
• Strong knowledge of food safety, HACCP and health & safety regulations
• Proven track record in staff development and performance management
• Commitment to healthy eating, meal uptake, and customer satisfaction
• Financial stewardship including budget monitoring and cost control

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of the school's catering strategy to increase meal uptake and financial sustainability.
• Provide professional leadership and direction for the catering team.
• Oversee planning, preparation and delivery of nutritious meals in line with standards.
• Manage budgeting, purchasing, stock control and supplier relationships.
• Ensure food safety, hygiene, and compliance with regulations and records.
• Support events and school activities through catering provision.

Skills

Leadership

Budget management

Food safety management

Staff development

Customer service

Regulatory compliance

Job description

About Hillary Primary School

Hillary Primary School is a large, vibrant, and inclusive primary school committed to providing the very best experiences for our pupils. We recognise the important role that healthy, nutritious meals play in supporting children's wellbeing, learning, and achievement. Serving approximately 450-500 meals each day, our catering operation is a significant and highly valued part of school life. This role presents an exciting opportunity for an experienced catering professional to lead a successful service, manage a large-scale catering operation, and make a genuine difference to the daily lives of our pupils.

Job Purpose

To lead and manage a thriving school catering service, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, nutritious, and appealing meals that support pupils' health, wellbeing, and readiness to learn. The Catering Manager will be responsible for the strategic and operational leadership of the kitchen, ensuring excellent food quality, financial efficiency, regulatory compliance, and an outstanding customer experience for pupils, staff, and visitors. The Catering Manager will be accountable for delivering a safe, compliant, financially sustainable catering service that contributes positively to pupil wellbeing and school improvement.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership and Management

• Lead the development of the school's catering strategy to increase meal uptake, promote healthy eating and ensure long-term financial sustainability.
• Provide professional leadership and direction for the catering team, creating a positive and high-performing culture.
• Lead, supervise, motivate, and develop catering staff through effective coaching, support, and performance management.
• Organise staff rotas and deploy staffing resources efficiently to meet operational needs.
• Ensure all team members receive appropriate induction, training, and development opportunities.
• Promote a culture of high expectations, customer service, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Identify and implement service improvements to enhance efficiency, food quality, and customer satisfaction.

Catering Operations

• Plan, prepare, and oversee the delivery of high-quality, nutritious meals in line with School Food Standards.
• Ensure food is prepared, cooked, and presented to consistently high standards.
• Develop attractive and innovative menus which encourage healthy eating and maximise meal uptake.
• Ensure safe and effective management of dietary requirements, allergens, and medical needs.
• Monitor customer feedback and introduce improvements where appropriate.
• Support special events, theme days, celebrations, and other school activities through catering provision.

Financial and Resource Management

• Manage the catering budget effectively, ensuring value for money and financial sustainability.
• Monitor expenditure and income against agreed budgets and targets.
• Produce regular budget monitoring information and identify opportunities for efficiencies and cost savings.
• Manage purchasing, stock control, and supplier relationships effectively.
• Minimise waste through effective stock rotation, portion control, and procurement practices.
• Ensure resources, equipment, and supplies are used efficiently.

Food Safety and Compliance

• Maintain the highest standards of food safety, hygiene, and cleanliness throughout the catering operation.
• Ensure full compliance with Food Safety legislation, HACCP requirements, COSHH regulations, and Health and Safety legislation.
• Maintain all required records, including temperature monitoring, cleaning schedules, deliveries, and safety checks.
• Prepare for and support inspections, audits, and monitoring visits.
• Ensure all kitchen equipment is maintained, serviced, and operated safely.

Administration and Reporting

• Maintain accurate catering, financial, and compliance records.
• Utilise catering management and IT systems effectively.
• Produce reports relating to catering performance, meal uptake, budget management, and service improvements.
• Contribute to whole-school operational planning where required.

General Responsibilities

• Support the vision, values, and strategic priorities of the school.
• Promote equality, diversity, inclusion, and respect for all.
• Maintain confidentiality and comply with GDPR and data protection requirements.
• Participate in training and professional development.
• Undertake any other duties commensurate with the grade and responsibilities of the post.

Safeguarding

The postholder is responsible for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and must comply with all safeguarding policies and procedures. The postholder is expected to contribute to a culture of vigilance, maintain professional standards, and report concerns in line with statutory guidance and school procedures.