Catering Manager

William Morris Primary School; Swindon; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Term Time Only + INSET Days

Blue Kite Academy Trust family

Job summary

William Morris Primary School is seeking a Catering Manager to lead our in-house catering service serving nursery and primary pupils. You will manage the kitchen team, plan nutritious meals meeting School Food Standards, oversee budgets, stock control, and menu planning, and ensure high standards of food safety and allergen management.

We offer term-time working plus INSET days, a supportive team, and professional development within our Blue Kite Academy Trust family.

Qualifications

• NVQ Level 3 in Catering (or equivalent) required or desirable.
• Food Hygiene qualification required or desirable.
• Experience leading a busy catering operation and kitchen team.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the school catering service, kitchen operations and team.
• Plan and oversee nutritious meals meeting School Food Standards.
• Control budgets, stock, menu planning and food ordering.

Skills

Leadership

Budget management

Food hygiene

Allergen management

Team management

Communication

Education

NVQ Level 3 in Catering (or equivalent)

Food Hygiene qualification

Job description

William Morris Primary & Nursery School is seeking to appoint an enthusiastic, experienced and dedicated Catering Manager to lead our successful in-house catering provision. Our school kitchen is at the heart of school life, providing delicious and nutritious meals for our nursery and primary-aged children. We currently prepare and serve between 280 and 320 school lunches every day, as well as supplying food for our popular Breakfast Club and After School Club. We are proud of the quality of our meals, our commitment to healthy eating and the positive reputation our catering service enjoys within the school community. We are a friendly, welcoming school where every member of staff is valued. Our catering team is very much an integral part of the wider school team, working closely with pupils, parents and colleagues to support the wellbeing of our children.., As Catering Manager, you will:

• Lead and manage our school catering service, catering team and kitchen operations.
• Plan, prepare and oversee the delivery of healthy, nutritious meals that meet School Food Standards.
• Manage budgets, menu planning, stock control and food ordering.
• Ensure the highest standards of food hygiene, allergen management, health and safety, and regulatory compliance.
• Lead on food allergy management and act as the key point of contact for staff, pupils and parents regarding dietary requirements.
• Develop exciting menus, promotions and themed food days that encourage children to enjoy healthy eating.
• Monitor customer satisfaction and continually seek ways to improve the service.
• Promote healthy eating and help maintain our excellent reputation for quality school meals.
• Work closely with the Headteacher, School Business Manager and wider school team to ensure an outstanding catering service.
• A supportive and friendly working environment.
• A successful and well-established in-house catering operation.
• The opportunity to make a real difference to children's health and wellbeing.
• A welcoming and collaborative staff team where catering staff are valued as an integral part of the whole school community.
• Ongoing professional development and training opportunities.
• The opportunity to develop and shape our catering provision.
• Membership of The Blue Kite Academy Trust family of schools.

Above all, we are looking for someone who shares our passion for providing a high-quality food service to children, takes pride in maintaining excellent standards, and can foster a culture of healthy eating and a love of food across our school community.

Previous experience within a school catering environment would be advantageous but is not essential.

• Has significant experience of managing a busy catering operation and leading a kitchen team.
• Holds an NVQ Level 3 in Catering (or equivalent) and a Food Hygiene qualification.
• Has strong knowledge of food safety, HACCP procedures and allergen management.
• Has experience of budget management, stock control and menu planning.
• Has experience of managing health and safety, including COSHH, risk assessments and manual handling.
• Is organised, proactive and able to work effectively under pressure.
• Has excellent communication and leadership skills.
• Enjoys working as part of a team and building positive relationships with children, families and colleagues.
• Is passionate about delivering outstanding food and promoting healthy eating.
• Brings energy, enthusiasm and a positive can-do attitude to the role.

• NJC Grade M - currently £16.14 - £18.27 per hour (depending on experience)
• Actual Salary: £26,783 - £30,318 per annum
• Term Time Only plus INSET Days (39 working weeks per year)
• Paid for 44.85 weeks per year, with salary spread equally across 12 monthly payments

Working Hours

• 37 hours per week
• Monday to Thursday: 7:30am to 3:30pm (including a 30-minute unpaid lunch break)
• Friday: 7:30am to 3:00pm

However, we are happy to discuss alternative working patterns with the successful candidate to meet the needs of both the school and the individual.