Catering Manager & Food Safety Lead - SEND School Dining

The Methodist Church in Britain; Dawlish; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous leave entitlements

Pension scheme

Health and wellbeing tools

Training and development

Career pathways

Opportunities to feel valued

Job summary

Orchard Manor School is seeking a Catering Manager to lead catering across both school kitchens and manage daily operations. You will oversee menu planning, ordering, stock control and the catering budget, while supporting staff development and ensuring high standards of service.

The role emphasizes nutrition and inclusivity for pupils with autism and SEND, with designated food safety lead responsibilities, HACCP oversight, and preparation for Environmental Health visits.

Qualifications

• Enhanced DBS check
• Satisfactory references
• Online search of shortlisted candidates

Responsibilities

• Lead the day-to-day running of the school's catering facilities
• Ensure meals are prepared, cooked and served to a consistently high standard
• Manage catering staff across both school kitchens, coordinating workloads and supporting professional development
• Plan menus, order food, control stock and manage the catering budget
• Develop varied, nutritionally balanced menus that suit the sensory preferences, dietary needs and individual requirements of pupils with autism and SEND
• Support pupils with specialist dietary requirements and promote healthy eating through activities, themed events and seasonal menus
• Act as designated food safety lead, overseeing HACCP procedures and maintaining accurate records
• Undertake audits and inspections and prepare for Environmental Health visits
• Ensure compliance with all relevant food safety legislation and regulations
• Build relationships with suppliers and contractors
• Support catering functions and events
• Monitor service performance and identify opportunities for continuous improvement

Job description

Orchard Manor School is seeking a Catering Manager to lead catering across both school kitchens and manage daily operations. You will oversee menu planning, ordering, stock control and the catering budget, while supporting staff development and ensuring high standards of service.

The role emphasizes nutrition and inclusivity for pupils with autism and SEND, with designated food safety lead responsibilities, HACCP oversight, and preparation for Environmental Health visits.