Catering Manager

Miquill; Sandbach; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading catering company in Sandbach is looking for a Catering Manager to oversee financial and operational aspects of their school catering services. You'll lead the team to deliver exceptional meals while fostering a fun and engaging environment. Ideal candidates will have experience in commercial catering, strong leadership skills, and a passion for culinary excellence. This role offers a great work-life balance with Monday to Friday hours and a competitive salary of £14 per hour with opportunities for growth.

Benefits

30 hours working with no late nights

39 weeks per year based around school term time

Dedicated L&D team for skills development and training

Qualifications

• Prior experience in managing and motivating teams in a commercial catering setting.
• Strong financial understanding of gross profit management.
• In-depth knowledge of Health and Safety compliance.

Responsibilities

• Inspire and manage the team to deliver exceptional dining experiences.
• Lead preparation of high-quality meals while driving menu innovation.
• Drive sales through creative promotions and events.

Skills

Leadership in culinary settings

Team motivation

Cost control and profitability management

Strong culinary skills with fresh ingredients

Education

OND or HND Qualification in management or equivalent

Job description

Summary

As the Catering Manager, you take complete financial and operational responsibility for your school's catering facility. This is a hands‑on leadership role where you'll be driving profitability and setting the standard for culinary excellence. You'll lead from the front, deliver exceptional, creative food, and make every school mealtime fun, exciting, and truly memorable.

Package

The happiness of our employees is paramount. Our friendly kitchen environments will make you feel supported and part of the Miquill family.

Amazing Work‑Life Balance

Monday to Friday working-no more weekends!

30 hours working with no late nights.

39 weeks per year based around school term time (more time to spend with friends and family!).

£14 per hour

Your Future Growth

Work for a fast‑growing company that wants you to grow with them.

Benefit from a dedicated L&D team offering apprenticeships and training courses to help you constantly develop your skills.

Ready to start a rewarding career with a company that truly values its team? Apply today!

Please note: All staff must share our commitment of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children / young people, and an enhanced DBS disclosure will be sought by the company.

Main Responsibilities

• Operational Leadership: Inspire, manage, and motivate the team to consistently deliver a fantastic dining experience aligned with our high company standards.
• Culinary Excellence: Lead the preparation of delicious and nutritious, high‑quality meals using our menus, while actively overseeing and driving menu development and innovation.
• Team Development: Champion the growth of your unit by leading, coaching, and training all staff in a positive and professional manner, building a resilient, high‑performing team.
• Commercial Control: Maintain full control over all costs (stock, food, labour). Expertly manage profitability and improve efficiency through rigorous cost control.
• Sales & Growth: Drive sales success through exciting monthly promotions and creative added‑value events.
• Client Relations: Build and maintain positive, professional relationships with clients and customers, acting as the friendly, expert face of Miquill.
• Compliance & Audit: Guarantee 100% compliance with all company procedures and statutory legislation (H&S, Hygiene, Allergens), performing regular internal audits.

Ideal Candidate

We're seeking a high‑calibre professional who shares our passion for great‑tasting food and providing exceptional service while maintaining the highest standards.

• A natural, positive manager with prior experience effectively managing and motivating a team in a commercial catering setting.
• A robust financial understanding of gross profit management, cost control, and a proven track record of achieving sales targets.
• Strong, demonstrable craft‑based experience using fresh ingredients and maintaining high cooking standards.
• Strong, in‑depth working knowledge of Health and Safety practices and compliance within a professional kitchen.
• OND or HND Qualification, or equivalent management certification, is preferred, but not essential if experience is strong.