Catering Operations Manager - Somerset/South Somerset Hub

eTeach UK Limited; Radstock; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional educational catering partnership is seeking a Catering Operations Manager to oversee operations across multiple schools in Somerset and South Somerset. The role includes developing cost-effective menus, ensuring safety standards, and providing staff training. Ideal candidates should have experience in educational catering, strong leadership skills, and a good understanding of health regulations. This is a full-time position with competitive salary and benefits, including generous leave and pension schemes.

Benefits

Generous annual leave entitlement

Local government pension scheme

Sick pay scheme

Cycle-to-work scheme

Free eye tests

Employee assistance helpline

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Implement strategies for meal quality and hygiene.
• Develop nutritious and cost-effective menus.
• Conduct training sessions for kitchen staff.
• Supervise staff and organize cover for absences.
• Drive business development initiatives.
• Promote nutritional values and food education.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Interpersonal skills

Customer service

Education

GCSE or equivalent

Tools

Google Docs

Excel

Word

Job description

Catering Operations Manager – Somerset/South Somerset Hub

Employer: Midsomer Norton Schools Partnership
Position: Catering Operations Manager
Reporting to: Head of Catering
Hours: Full-time, 37 hours per week, occasional evening work required, Term Time Plus 5 inset Days
Salary: Grade 8, Scale point 27 - 31 (full time equivalent £38,220 - £41,771), actual salary £32,837 - £35,888

The Catering department is looking to expand its busy team. We are recruiting a Catering Operations Manager to oversee a mix of Secondary, Middle, and Primary schools across Somerset and South Somerset, including schools in Frome, Glastonbury, Yeovil, Taunton, and other nearby schools. Join a dynamic team dedicated to providing high‑quality meals and maintaining excellent standards of hygiene across multiple schools within the partnership.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Head of Catering to implement 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.

Requirements

• Good standard of general education; GCSE or equivalent.
• Experience in an 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

• 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

Benefits include generous annual leave entitlement, access to a local government pension scheme, sick pay scheme, cycle‑to‑work scheme, free eye tests and an 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.

We encourage early applications as we reserve the right to close the vacancy prior to the closing date if we receive sufficient applications for the role.