Catering Manager

FIRSTGROUP PLC; Eastbourne; On-site; GBP 19,000 - 21,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading catering service provider is seeking a Catering Manager for Mountfield Heath School. The role involves leading the catering provision, menu planning, and managing a small team while ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations. The ideal candidate will have experience in educational catering and will champion healthy eating initiatives. This permanent position offers a salary of £19,000 – £21,000 annually for 30 hours per week and includes a range of benefits designed to support staff wellbeing.

Benefits

Life Assurance

Pension scheme

"Your Wellbeing Matters" – access to mental health support

Flexible Benefits Platform

Participation in a 4-Day Working Week trial

Qualifications

• Experience in catering within a residential, educational or similar setting.
• Menu planning experience with attention to nutrition and budgetary control.
• Management experience in a catering environment.
• Strong knowledge of health, safety and food hygiene regulations.

Responsibilities

• Lead the school's catering provision, preparing nutritious and appealing meals.
• Champion healthy eating and support pupils to make positive food choices.
• Manage a small team ensuring compliance with food safety and COSHH regulations.
• Oversee daily kitchen operations: stock control, portion control, waste management.
• Prepare, cook and serve meals efficiently while maintaining high quality.
• Supervise and support kitchen staff, fostering a positive environment.
• Respond flexibly to urgent service requirements.

Skills

Catering experience

Menu planning

Management skills

Knowledge of health and safety regulations

Job description

Job Title

Catering Manager

Location

Mountfield Heath School, Robertsbridge, TN32 5FA

Salary & Hours

£19,000 – £21,000 per annum; 30 hours per week (Monday‑Friday)

Contract

Permanent, Term Time Only

Responsibilities

• Lead the school's catering provision, preparing nutritious and appealing meals.
• Champion healthy eating and support pupils to make positive food choices.
• Manage a small, friendly team ensuring compliance with food safety and COSHH regulations.
• Oversee daily kitchen operation: stock control, portion control, waste management, cleaning and hygiene.
• Prepare, cook and serve meals efficiently while maintaining high quality and presentation.
• Supervise and support kitchen staff, fostering a collaborative and positive environment.
• Respond flexibly to urgent or last‑minute service requirements.

Qualifications

• Experience in catering within a residential, educational or similar setting.
• Menu planning experience with attention to nutrition and budgetary control.
• Management experience in a catering environment.
• Strong knowledge of health, safety and food hygiene regulations.

Benefits

1. Life Assurance
2. Pension scheme with options to increase contributions.
3. "Your Wellbeing Matters" – access to mental health support services and physical health checks.
4. Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista) – health, wellbeing, insurance benefits; discount options; cycle to work scheme; electric car purchase scheme; critical illness cover; family growth support, inclusive maternity and paternity leave, and paid fertility treatment support.
5. Participation in a 4‑Day Working Week trial (subject to successful completion of probation).

Additional Information

All applicants will be subject to social media checks and a fully enhanced DBS. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and young people.