Catering Manager

The Methodist Church in Britain; Dawlish; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous leave entitlements

Pension scheme

Health and wellbeing tools

Training and development

Career pathways

Opportunities to feel valued

Job summary

Orchard Manor School is seeking a Catering Manager to lead catering across both school kitchens and manage daily operations. You will oversee menu planning, ordering, stock control and the catering budget, while supporting staff development and ensuring high standards of service.

The role emphasizes nutrition and inclusivity for pupils with autism and SEND, with designated food safety lead responsibilities, HACCP oversight, and preparation for Environmental Health visits.

Qualifications

• Enhanced DBS check
• Satisfactory references
• Online search of shortlisted candidates

Responsibilities

• Lead the day-to-day running of the school's catering facilities
• Ensure meals are prepared, cooked and served to a consistently high standard
• Manage catering staff across both school kitchens, coordinating workloads and supporting professional development
• Plan menus, order food, control stock and manage the catering budget
• Develop varied, nutritionally balanced menus that suit the sensory preferences, dietary needs and individual requirements of pupils with autism and SEND
• Support pupils with specialist dietary requirements and promote healthy eating through activities, themed events and seasonal menus
• Act as designated food safety lead, overseeing HACCP procedures and maintaining accurate records
• Undertake audits and inspections and prepare for Environmental Health visits
• Ensure compliance with all relevant food safety legislation and regulations
• Build relationships with suppliers and contractors
• Support catering functions and events
• Monitor service performance and identify opportunities for continuous improvement

Job description

Catering Manager at Orchard Manor School, a specialist community school for pupils with autism and other SEND, leading catering across both school kitchens. The role covers daily operations, staff management, menu planning, ordering, stock and budgets, and includes the school's designated food safety lead responsibilities. Menus must respond to the sensory preferences and dietary needs of pupils, working closely with school staff and families. Visa sponsorship is not available, and the start is December 2026 or January 2027.

What the job involves

• Lead the day-to-day running of the school's catering facilities
• Ensure meals are prepared, cooked and served to a consistently high standard
• Manage catering staff across both school kitchens, coordinating workloads and supporting professional development
• Plan menus, order food, control stock and manage the catering budget
• Develop varied, nutritionally balanced menus that suit the sensory preferences, dietary needs and individual requirements of pupils with autism and SEND
• Support pupils with specialist dietary requirements and promote healthy eating through activities, themed events and seasonal menus
• Act as designated food safety lead, overseeing HACCP procedures and maintaining accurate records
• Undertake audits and inspections and prepare for Environmental Health visits
• Ensure compliance with all relevant food safety legislation and regulations
• Build relationships with suppliers and contractors
• Support catering functions and events
• Monitor service performance and identify opportunities for continuous improvement

Checks & eligibility

• Enhanced DBS check
• Satisfactory references
• Online search of shortlisted candidates

What’s offered

• Generous leave entitlements
• Pension scheme
• Access to health and wellbeing tools
• Training and development
• Career pathways
• Opportunities to feel valued