Catering Manager

EduTalent Group; Stanford-le-Hope; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A dedicated educational institution in Stanford-le-Hope seeks a Catering Manager to oversee the catering services. The role requires an experienced candidate who can ensure high-quality meals that meet dietary needs in a nurturing environment. Responsibilities include managing a catering team, menu planning considering health and budget and ensuring compliance with hygiene standards. This position offers stability and flexibility for temporary-to-permanent opportunities, making a meaningful impact on children's wellbeing.

Benefits

Supportive working environment

Flexibility in employment type

Opportunities for creativity in menu planning

Stable working hours

Qualifications

• Experience working in a catering role within an educational or similar setting.
• Strong background in menu planning with consideration for health and budgeting.
• Experience supervising or managing a catering team is essential.
• Excellent understanding of food hygiene and safety regulations.
• Ability to maintain high standards in a busy kitchen environment.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the full catering operation and ensure high-quality meals.
• Plan menus meeting dietary needs and budget requirements.
• Prepare and serve meals while maintaining excellent presentation.
• Lead a small catering team and foster a collaborative atmosphere.
• Manage stock control and monitor food waste.

Skills

Catering management

Menu planning

Food hygiene compliance

Team leadership

Nutritional guidance

Job description

Job Description

We are seeking an enthusiastic and experienced Catering Manager to lead the catering provision within a nurturing, small‑scale educational environment. This role offers flexibility to be either temporary‑to‑permanent or a direct permanent appointment, depending on the successful candidate’s preference.

In this role, you will :

Oversee the full catering operation, ensuring nutritious, appealing, and high‑quality meals.

Plan menus that meet dietary needs, nutritional guidance, and budget requirements.

Prepare, cook, and serve meals efficiently while maintaining excellent presentation.

Lead and support a small catering team, fostering a friendly and collaborative working environment.

Ensure full compliance with food hygiene, health & safety, and COSHH regulations.

Maintain a clean, hygienic, and well‑organised kitchen and dining environment.

Manage stock control, ordering, portion management, and waste monitoring.

Contribute to wider healthy start and wellbeing initiatives within the school.

Respond flexibly to urgent or last‑minute service requirements.

Requirements

Experience working in a catering role within an educational, residential, or similar setting.

Strong background in menu planning with consideration for nutrition and budgeting.

Experience supervising or managing a catering team.

Excellent understanding of food hygiene, health & safety, and regulatory compliance.

Ability to maintain high kitchen standards and work efficiently in a busy environment.

A positive, proactive approach with a commitment to promoting healthy food choices for children.

Benefits

Flexibility for the role to be temp‑to‑perm or permanent .

Opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the daily experience and wellbeing of children.

Supportive and welcoming working environment.

A role that encourages creativity in menu planning and health‑focused food initiatives.

Chance to lead a friendly, dedicated team within a well‑resourced school setting.

Stable working hours and a rewarding position within the education sector.