Catering Manager

Teaching Vacancies; Manchester; On-site; GBP 30,000; Full time

Job summary

An educational institution in Manchester is seeking a Catering Manager to oversee the school catering team. The role involves delivering a high-quality service, maintaining food hygiene standards, and supporting team management. A NVQ Level 2 in Food Preparation and Cooking, along with strong leadership and food safety knowledge, is essential. This is a full-time position during term time with a competitive salary, and applicants must have the right to work in the UK.

Qualifications

• NVQ Level 2 in Food Preparation and Cooking (or working towards).
• Operational experience in a catering environment, ideally in education.
• Strong understanding of allergen management.

Responsibilities

• Deliver a high-quality, cost-effective catering service.
• Follow pre-planned menus compliant with nutritional standards.
• Maintain accurate financial administration.
• Support the Catering Manager in leading the team.
• Promote high standards of food hygiene and safety.

Skills

Excellent leadership and team supervision skills

Strong understanding of food safety regulations

Good communication and interpersonal skills

Ability to work effectively under pressure

Education

NVQ Level 2 in Food Preparation and Cooking

Job description

Position Overview

We currently have an exciting opportunity for a Catering Manager to join our dedicated school catering team at Chorlton High School. This permanent post requires 35 hours per week during term time plus 5 INSET days. The starting salary is £24,998 per annum, full‑time equivalent £29,064 (Grade 5).

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver a high‑quality, cost‑effective catering service in line with Service Level Agreements (SLAs), contracts, and legal requirements.
• Follow pre‑planned menus to ensure compliance with nutritional standards, legislative requirements, and customer needs.
• Maintain accurate and efficient financial administration, in accordance with Prospere Trust financial regulations (or equivalent).
• Provide a customer‑focused service that is responsive and professional.
• Support the Catering Manager in leading and managing the catering team, ensuring equality, inclusivity, and accessibility in service delivery.
• Promote high standards of food hygiene, health and safety, and cleanliness in all aspects of kitchen operation.
• Contribute to training, development, and performance management of kitchen staff.

Applicants Must Have

• NVQ Level 2 in Food Preparation and Cooking (or working towards).
• Operational experience in a catering environment, ideally within education or public service.
• Excellent leadership and team supervision skills.
• Strong understanding of food safety regulations and allergen management.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage competing priorities.

How to Apply

Please apply through JobTrain: https://www.jobtrain.co.uk/prosperecareers/Job/JobDetail?jobid=1064&isPreview=Yes&advert=external&source=dfe. Interviews will be scheduled in person on 6 February 2026. CVs are not accepted; early applications are encouraged and we reserve the right to close the vacancy early. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK; we do not sponsor visa applications. For application support, contact 0161 527 7953 or email [e-mail].

Equality Statement

Prospere Learning Trust values diversity and welcomes applications from all candidates, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marital status, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation.

Safeguarding Commitment

All schools within the Trust are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We conduct online searches on shortlisted candidates to identify any relevant issues. Shortlisted candidates will be required to submit a self‑disclosure declaration covering any relevant convictions, adult cautions or other matters that may affect suitability to work with children. Under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 all positions within the School are exempt; we are entitled to carry out Enhanced Disclosure checks for all staff and volunteers. It is an offence to apply for the role if the applicant is barred from engaging in regulated activity relating to children.