Cook Manager

Prospere Learning Trust; Manchester; On-site; GBP 30,000; Full time

Job summary

An educational trust in the UK is seeking a Cook Manager at Chorlton High School to oversee kitchen operations, maintain food quality, and manage staff training. The ideal candidate will have an NVQ Level 2 in Food Preparation and Cooking and operational experience in a catering environment, preferably in education. This permanent, full-time position offers a salary of £24,998 per annum working 35 hours a week during term time.

Qualifications

• Experience in a professional catering environment.
• Strong understanding of food safety regulations.
• Operational experience ideally within education.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the daily running of the school kitchen.
• Maintain high standards of food quality and service.
• Manage training and development of kitchen staff.

Skills

Leadership skills

Food safety regulations knowledge

Good communication skills

Ability to work under pressure

Education

NVQ Level 2 in Food Preparation and Cooking

Job description

We currently have an exciting opportunity for a Cook Manager to join our fantastic team at Chorlton High School.

This is a permanent post working 35 hours per week, term time only plus 5 INSET days. The starting salary is £24,998 per annum and the full time equivalent is £29,064, Grade 5.

We’re looking for :

A suitably qualified Cook Manager to join our dedicated school catering team. You will hold or be working towards an NVQ Level 2 in Food Preparation and Cooking (or equivalent), and have experience working in a professional catering environment where quality, safety, and attention to detail are paramount.

You will be responsible for overseeing the daily running of the school kitchen, ensuring that high standards of food quality and service are maintained, while supporting the Trust Catering Support Managers in supervising the team. Your role will also involve aspects of human resource management, including training and development, managing attendance, and completing payroll returns.

A strong customer focus is essential, we are looking for someone who is courteous, professional, and responsive to the needs of the school community.

Main purpose of the job :

Reporting to the School Operations Manager and the Head of Catering, you will work closely with the catering team and lunchtime organisers to ensure the safe, effective, and efficient operation of all aspects of the catering service.

Key Responsibilities :

• Deliver a high-quality, cost-effective catering service in line with Service Level Agreements (SLAs), contracts, and legal requirements
• Follow pre-planned menus to ensure compliance with nutritional standards, legislative requirements, and customer needs
• Maintain accurate and efficient financial administration, in accordance with Prospere Trust financial regulations (or equivalent)
• Provide a customer-focused service that is responsive and professional
• Support the Catering Manager in leading and managing the catering team, ensuring equality, inclusivity, and accessibility in service delivery
• Promote high standards of food hygiene, health and safety, and cleanliness in all aspects of kitchen operation
• Contribute to training, development, and performance management of kitchen staff

Applicants must have :

• NVQ Level 2 in Food Preparation and Cooking (or working towards)
• Operational experience in a catering environment, ideally within education or public service
• Excellent leadership and team supervision skills
• Strong understanding of food safety regulations and allergen management
• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage competing priorities

How to Apply

Please follow the online application process to be considered. Interviews are scheduled to take place in person early December.

To find out more about the full responsibilities of the role and / or to ensure you meet the essential criteria, please review the attached job description.

All school staff are expected to share the Trust’s commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Specific safeguarding responsibilities are detailed in the attached job description.

Chorlton High School

Chorlton High School (CHS) is a diverse and innovative secondary academy committed to providing outstanding education. We are a mixed, multi-cultural, and multi-faith community with strong links to local primary schools, sixth form providers, further education colleges, and businesses.

Our students thrive on an exciting learning journey underpinned by academic rigour and creative flair. Driven by our core values, our dedicated staff ensure creativity, happiness, and success are central to every student’s experience. We aim to develop :

• SUCCESSFUL learners with foundations for lifelong success.
• CREATIVE learners who are imaginative risk-takers.
• HAPPY learners whose confidence comes from within.

CHS is recognised locally and nationally for educational excellence. Our ambitious and cutting-edge practices provide exemplary learning opportunities.

Our Ofsted reports (2011, 2016, 2021) highlight many ‘Outstanding’ features and our focus on nurturing and inspiring students;

‘Pupils enjoy coming to school because it is a caring and supportive environment where they flourish.’

‘Leaders and teachers collaborate across the Prospere Learning Trust to bring about purposeful, evidence-based change.' Ofsted 2021

Visit our website to learn more : Chorlton High School.

Job Application Information

Please apply using the online application form; incomplete applications may not be considered. CVs are not accepted. Early applications are encouraged, and we reserve the right to close the vacancy early.

As per Keeping Children Safe in Education, we conduct online searches on shortlisted candidates to identify any relevant issues for interview discussion. Shortlisted candidates will be required to submit a self-disclosure declaration, declaring any relevant convictions, adult cautions or other matters which may affect your suitability to work with children. Information will be provided on where to seek guidance on whether certain offences are now protected and should not be disclosed within the self-disclosure form.

Under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 all positions within the School are exempt. Therefore, we are entitled to carry out Enhanced Disclosure checks for all staff and volunteers. It is an offence to apply for the role if the applicant is barred from engaging in regulated activity relating to children.

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK; we do not sponsor visa applications. If you’ve lived or worked outside the UK in the last five years, additional information will be required. Job offers are contingent on satisfactory pre-employment checks, including references.

Safeguarding Commitment

All schools within the Trust are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment.

Equality Statement

Prospere Learning Trust values diversity and welcomes applications from all candidates, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marital status, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation.

For application support please contact us on 0161 527 7953 or email [e-mail]