Catering Operations Manager - Somerset/South Somerset Hub

MIDSOMER NORTON SCHOOLS PARTNERSHIP; Clandown; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A local educational partnership is looking for a Catering Operations Manager to oversee catering across multiple schools in Somerset. The role includes developing nutritious menus, ensuring hygiene standards, and providing leadership to kitchen staff. Ideal candidates should have experience in educational catering, strong leadership skills, and knowledge of health and safety regulations. The position offers benefits such as generous leave and access to discount schemes for education professionals.

Benefits

Generous annual leave

Local government pension scheme

Sick pay scheme

Cycle-to-work scheme

Employee assistance helpline

Qualifications

• Experience in Educational catering environment.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Good knowledge of health and safety regulations.

Responsibilities

• Implement catering strategies for meals and hygiene in all schools.
• Develop nutritious, cost-effective menus and oversee their execution.
• Conduct training sessions for kitchen staff on food safety.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Customer service

Food safety knowledge

Education

GCSE or equivalent

Level 3 food handling/food safety certification

Tools

Google Docs

Excel

Word

Job description

The Catering department is looking to expand its busy team we are looking to recruit an upcoming Catering Operations Manager to look after our Somerset/ South Somerset Overseeing a mix of Secondary ,Middle, and Primary schools across Somerset/ South Somerset . We have Schools in Frome , Glastonbury, Yeovil, Taunton plus other schools joining in the area Join a dynamic team dedicated to providing high-quality meals and maintaining excellent standards of hygiene across multiple schools within the Midsomer Norton Schools Partnership. As part of our commitment to excellence, we place a strong emphasis on the provision of high-quality catering services across all our schools. We recognise the importance of providing wholesome, balanced meals that fuel our students' bodies and minds, setting them up for success both inside and outside the classroom. Our Catering Operations Manager plays a pivotal role in ensuring that our catering services meet the highest standards of quality, safety, and innovation. Join us in our mission to provide an outstanding education and support system for the young minds of Midsomer Norton. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of our students and empower them to reach their full potential.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Head of Catering to implement catering strategies ensuring top‑notch meals and hygiene standards in all schools.
• Develop nutritious and cost‑effective menus, oversee menu planning, and support kitchen staff in menu execution.
• Conduct training sessions for kitchen staff on food preparation, safety, and hygiene standards.
• Supervise staff, provide leadership, and organise cover for absences when necessary.
• Drive business development initiatives including hospitality services for internal and external events.
• Participate in wider school activities promoting nutritional values and food education.

Qualifications

• Good standard of general education; GCSE or equivalent.
• Experience in Educational catering environment.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Good knowledge of health and safety regulations.
• Clean driving licence and access to own vehicle.

Desirable Skills

• Level 3 food handling/food safety certification.
• Level 3 HACCP.
• Experience with cashless catering systems.
• Knowledge of Food for Life Awards.

Attributes

• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Enthusiastic attitude and resilience in a fast‑paced environment.
• Proficiency in computer applications (Google Docs, Excel, Word).

Benefits

There are many advantages to working for us. Included in your actual annual salary is generous annual leave entitlement, access to a local government pension scheme, sick pay scheme, cycle‑to‑work scheme, free eye tests and employee assistance helpline. Support staff in schools can also benefit from a range of national discount schemes available to education professionals such as the Blue Light Card offering savings on shopping, travel, and leisure.