Catering Manager

Teaching Vacancies; Manchester; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A dynamic educational institution in Manchester seeks an experienced Catering Manager to lead a customer-focused catering service. The role includes managing a diverse team and ensuring compliance with food safety regulations. Ideal candidates will have an NVQ Level 2 in Food Preparation and Cooking, alongside operational experience in high-volume catering. This position offers a starting salary of £24,998 for term time only work, with opportunities for development.

Qualifications

• Catering qualifications such as NVQ Level 2 in Food Preparation and Cooking, or working towards it.
• Operational experience in a high-volume catering service.
• Strong people management skills for leading a diverse team.
• Excellent literacy and numeracy for record-keeping.
• Knowledge of food safety and allergen regulations.
• Strong communication skills in spoken English.
• Commitment to safeguarding and professional development.

Responsibilities

• Leading a quality, cost-effective catering service.
• Managing financial tasks including cash reconciliation and ordering.
• Line-managing the catering team, including training and development.
• Ensuring compliance with food hygiene and health regulations.
• Playing an active role in service improvements and seeking feedback.
• Delivering a responsive catering service to customers.

Skills

Catering qualifications (NVQ Level 2 in Food Preparation and Cooking)

Operational experience managing a high-volume catering service

Strong people management skills

Excellent literacy and numeracy skills

Knowledge of food safety and allergen regulations

Strong communication and interpersonal skills

Commitment to safeguarding and equality

Education

Foundation Food Hygiene Certificate

Job description

Overview

We are currently seeking a committed and experienced Catering Manager to lead the delivery of an outstanding, efficient and customer-focused catering service at MEA Central.

This is a Grade 5, permanent post working 35 hours per week, term time only plus 5 INSET days. The starting salary is £24,998 and the full time equivalent is £29,064.

Key Responsibilities

• Leading a quality, cost-effective catering service in line with agreed service level agreements (SLAs), health regulations and Trust policies.
• Adhering to pre-planned menus that meet both nutritional standards and customer expectations.
• Managing financial tasks, including cash reconciliation, ordering, and completing returns in line with Trust financial procedures.
• Line-managing the catering team, including training and development, attendance, performance management and payroll returns.
• Delivering a courteous, responsive and inclusive catering service to scholars, staff and visitors.
• Ensuring full compliance with food hygiene, COSHH and health & safety regulations.
• Playing an active role in service improvements, including trialling new menu ideas and seeking feedback.
• Supporting the Trust’s values and safeguarding responsibilities.

What We're Looking For

• Catering qualifications such as NVQ Level 2 in Food Preparation and Cooking (or working towards it), plus a Foundation Food Hygiene Certificate.
• Operational experience of managing a high-volume catering service where quality, service and detail are prioritised.
• Strong people management skills and the ability to lead and develop a diverse team.
• Excellent literacy and numeracy skills for accurate administration and record-keeping.
• Knowledge of food safety, health and safety, and allergen regulations.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to converse at ease in accurate spoken English.
• A commitment to safeguarding, equality and professional development.

How to Apply

Please follow the online application process to be considered. Interviews will take place in person w/c 3rd November.

For application support contact us on 0161 527 7953 or email [e-mail]. All applications will be considered following the Trust’s standard recruitment process.

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 will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment.

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.