Catering Unit Manager - St Mary's Catholic Primary School

Gateshead Council; Gateshead; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fair pension scheme

Training and progression opportunities

Health & wellbeing support

Cycle to work scheme

Electric/Hybrid car scheme

Job summary

Gateshead Council is seeking a capable Catering Team Leader for St Mary's Catholic Primary School. You will lead a small team to deliver a high-quality two-course mid-day meal service, ensuring food safety, HACCP compliance and excellent pupil engagement.

You will oversee all kitchen operations, plan staff rotas, manage budgets and drive improvements to increase meal uptake while maintaining strong customer care within a school setting.

Qualifications

• Needs Level 2 qualifications in Food Safety, H&S, Allergen Awareness, Professional Cookery or equivalent.
• Experience delivering catering services in schools or large-scale settings is essential.
• Proven ability to lead, motivate and manage a team effectively.
• Excellent communication and organisational skills with a customer-focused approach.

Responsibilities

• Lead, supervise and support a small catering team to deliver two-course mid-day meals.
• Oversee food preparation, cooking, service, ordering, stock control and storage within budget.
• Plan staff rotas, allocate duties and support training and safe working practices.
• Manage budgets and monitor food and labour costs within set budgets.
• Engage with pupils, parents and school stakeholders to improve meal uptake and service quality.
• Ensure dietary, allergen and medical requirements are handled safely and in line with policy.

Skills

Food safety knowledge

Team leadership

Budget management

Communication

Customer service

Education

Level 2 qualifications in Food Safety / H&S / Allergen Awareness / Professional Cookery or equivalent

Job description

• Lead, supervise and support a small catering team to deliver a high-quality two-course mid-day meal service
• Oversee food preparation, cooking, service, ordering, stock control, and storage within budget
• Ensure full compliance with food safety, health & safety, and HACCP systems and standards
• Manage kitchen and dining cleanliness to the highest standards
• Plan staff rotas, allocate duties, and support training, development, and safe working practices
• Monitor and manage food and labour costs effectively within set budgets
• Work collaboratively to develop and improve the service, increasing meal uptake
• Deliver excellent customer care and build strong relationships with pupils, parents, and school stakeholders
• Participate in promotional activities such as parents' evenings, events, and themed days
• Ensure dietary, allergen, and medical requirements are handled safely and in line with policy
• Respond to feedback, complaints, and service requests promptly and professionally
• Contribute to menu development and continuous service improvement
• Strong knowledge of food safety and health & safety legislation with relevant Level 2 qualifications (Food Safety, H&S, Allergen Awareness, Professional Cookery or equivalent)
• Experience delivering high-quality catering services in a similar environment, ideally within schools or large-scale catering
• Proven ability to lead, motivate and manage a team effectively
• Excellent communication and organisational skills with a customer-focused approach
• Ability to manage budgets, control costs, and maintain service standards
• Flexible, proactive approach with a commitment to continuous improvement
• Strong teamwork skills with the ability to build positive relationships across a diverse school community
• Salary £27,709 - £29,071 pro rata to hours and term time working, actual Salary £17,878 - £19,098 Salary amounts quoted are from the 1 September to 31 August and therefore if you commence employment part way through the academic year they are subject to an equated salary adjustment. Vacancy at St Mary's Catholic Primary School,
• Competitive Salary: We offer fair and transparent pay that reflects your skills and experience.
• Outstanding Pension Scheme: We don't just offer a great salary - we invest in your future too. Find out what benefits a Local Government Pension provides: https://twpf.info
• Learning & Development: Access a wide range of training, development, and progression opportunities to help you grow your career.
• Health & Wellbeing Support: From discounted gym memberships through our partner GLL to mental health resources, we care about your wellbeing.
• Cycle to Work Scheme: Save money and stay active with our tax-efficient cycle to work programme.
• Electric & Hybrid Car Scheme: Get behind the wheel of a brand-new electric or hybrid vehicle through our salary sacrifice car scheme in partnership with NHS Fleet Solutions - a cost-effective, environmentally friendly way to drive (after 12 months service).
• Exclusive Discounts & Salary Sacrifice: Through our VIVUP employee benefits platform, enjoy discounts on shopping, travel, and services - plus salary sacrifice options on white goods, electronics, and more, helping you spread the cost of essential purchases (after 6 months service).

We're delighted that you're interested in working with us. You'd be joining us at a very exciting time. We pride ourselves on our ambitious and forward-thinking approach to taking care of Gateshead and its people, and we passionately believe that our employees reflect that spirit in truly enabling Gateshead to thrive. At Gateshead Council you'd be a highly valued member of a team that recognises and respects the skills that you bring to your role, encourages creativity and passionately advocates a great work / life balance. Our actions speak louder than words, and with flexi-time and hybrid working available across many of our roles, as well as a full suite of outstanding employee benefits, we're confident that it isn't just the salary that attracts our staff. Lead with passion. Serve with pride. Make every mealtime count You'll be joining a dedicated, enthusiastic and hardworking catering team committed to delivering high-quality meals and a positive dining experience for children. Serving around 200-220 pupils daily, the team plays a vital role in school life-supporting healthy choices, engaging with the school community, and continuously developing the service. Collaboration, pride in standards, and a passion for customer care sit at the heart of everything the team does