Catering Unit Manager - St Mary Bourne Primary School, Andover - EdCatering (East) 622442

Hampshire County Council; Andover; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional local authority in Andover seeks a Catering Manager to oversee food preparation at St Mary Bourne Primary School. You will lead a team during school hours and ensure compliance with nutritional standards. The ideal candidate will have relevant qualifications and experience in catering. Enjoy a supportive environment with training opportunities and a work-life balance. This permanent role offers £13.16 - £13.60 per hour.

Benefits

24 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Interest free travel loans

Access to Local Government Pension Scheme

Ongoing training and professional development

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a similar catering environment.
• Capable of working in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
• Physically able to perform all aspects of the role.

Responsibilities

• Oversee food preparation and cooking, ensuring compliance with nutritional standards.
• Supervise kitchen operations, including setup and cleaning schedules.
• Manage kitchen administration, including budgeting and stock control.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Organizational skills

Team management

Education

NVQ Level 2 or equivalent qualification

Level 2 Food Safety certification

Job description

Job Reference: HCC622442

Salary Range: £13.16 - £13.60 per hour

Work Location: St Mary Bourne Primary School, St Mary Bourne, Andover

Hours per week: 22.50 Monday to Friday

Contract Type: Permanent, Term Time Only

Closing Date: 20th October 2025

Looking for a catering role that lets you lead a team and still be there for school pick-up?

You’ll work term-time only, during school hours—giving you the work-life balance you’ve been looking for. This rewarding role offers the opportunity to lead a team, make a difference in children’s daily lives, and work in a supportive structured environment. You’ll manage a busy kitchen, prepare meals from fresh ingredients, and inspire your team to deliver exceptional service every day. If you're a natural leader with great communication skills and a passion for food, we would love to hear from you.

Bring your leadership skills to the table—apply today and help shape the future of school catering!

What you’ll do:

• Oversee food preparation and cooking, ensuring compliance with nutritional standards and special dietary needs.
• Deliver excellent customer service, building strong relationships with school staff.
• Supervise kitchen operations, including setup, cleaning schedules, and maintaining hygiene standards.
• Manage kitchen administration, including budgeting, ordering, stock control, and cash handling.
• Recruit, train, and lead staff, promoting teamwork and ensuring a safe, compliant working environment.

You will be required to undertake mandatory training on commencement and every 3 years thereafter in Food Safety, Allergen Awareness and Health and Safety Manual Handling.

What we’re looking for:

• Previous experience in a similar catering environment
• NVQ Level 2 or equivalent qualification in a relevant subject or C&G 7061/2.
• Level 2 Food Safety certification
• Proven ability to manage and lead a team effectively
• Strong organisational and time management skills
• Positive, can-do attitude with the ability to motivate others
• Capable of working in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment
• Physically able to perform all aspects of the roleComfortable working in a hot kitchen with fluctuating temperatures
• Term-time only working – no evenings, weekends, or school holidays
• A friendly supportive team environment with ongoing training and professional development to help you succeed and grow in your role.
• The chance to make a real impact on children’s health and wellbeing
• Full training and opportunities to progress
• A minimum 24 days annual leave entitlement taken in the school holidays, plus bank holidays.
• Interest free travel loans and discounts.
• Employee Support Services.
• Family friendly policies.
• Access to Local Government Pension Scheme.

We reserve the right to close the vacancy once we have received sufficient applications, so we would advise you to submit your application as early as possible.

Vetting Requirements:

This post is subject to a Criminal Records Check. As part of the pre-employment checks that are undertaken for this role, you will be asked to complete a Post Offer Medical Questionnaire. The questionnaire is confidential, and is screened by our Occupational Health Department, who will ensure that you are medically fit for this role before being formally offered the position.

Contact Details for an Informal Discussion:

If you’d like to talk to us about the job before you apply or for more information about the position, please call the manager below.

Tracey Northover, District Manager, on 07718 146873

Hampshire County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment.

In order to combat discrimination, no unnecessary conditions or requirements will be applied which could have a disproportionately adverse effect on any one group. All sections of the population will have equal access to jobs. No applicant or employee will receive less favourable treatment because of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership and pregnancy or maternity, unless a Genuine Occupational Requirement (GOR) applies.

We are a Disability Confident Employer – committed to ensuring that our recruitment and selection process is inclusive and accessible.