Cook Manager

Teaching Vacancies; Manchester; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A local educational institution in Manchester is seeking a Cook Manager to oversee kitchen operations, ensuring food quality and compliance with safety regulations. The successful candidate will lead a dedicated catering team, manage resources efficiently, and contribute to training staff. Applicants must hold an NVQ Level 2 in Food Preparation and Cooking, experience in catering, and strong leadership skills. This position offers a starting salary of £24,998 per annum for 35 hours a week during term time plus 5 INSET days.

Qualifications

• Operational experience in a catering environment, ideally in education or public service.
• Strong understanding of allergen management.
• Excellent leadership and team supervision skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily running of the school kitchen and maintain food quality.
• Support the team in training and development needs.
• Ensure compliance with nutritional standards and legal requirements.

Skills

Leadership skills

Team supervision

Food safety regulations

Good communication

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

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 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, and happy learners whose confidence comes from within.

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.

Please apply through JobTrain: https://www.jobtrain.co.uk/prosperecareers/Job/JobDetail?jobid=849&isPreview=Yes&advert=external&source=DfE

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