Education Catering Manager: Lead Kitchen & Service

Chartwells Schools; Luton; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Chartwells is recruiting an experienced Catering Manager to oversee all catering and service operations in our education sector. The role is full-time, contracted to 40 hours per week, with a 46-week year.

You will lead kitchens and counters, drive food quality and customer service, and help deliver exceptional dining experiences in a dynamic environment. You should have at least two years in catering, proven team leadership, and relevant certifications.

Qualifications

• Two years of catering experience required.
• Experience managing teams in a catering setting.
• NVQ Level 1 & 2 or City & Guilds 706/1 and 2.
• Basic Food Hygiene certificate required.
• Strong financial acumen and budgeting skills.
• Excellent communication and organisational abilities.

Responsibilities

• Prepare food to high standards and ensure quality.
• Supervise culinary and catering teams for impeccable service.
• Oversee unit operations including inventories and budgets; implement action plans.
• Communicate with line manager to monitor KPIs and targets.
• Represent Compass Group UK&I and uphold the Chartwells brand image.
• Identify opportunities for new food or service concepts to increase sales.
• Liaise between customers and teams to exceed expectations.
• Train and motivate teams to excel; lead from the front.
• Implement and review Health & Safety standards across all catering and service teams.

Skills

Catering experience

Team management

Communication

Organisational skills

Financial acumen

Ambitious

Education

NVQ Level 1 & 2

City & Guilds 706/1 and 2

Basic Food Hygiene certificate

Job description

Chartwells is recruiting an experienced Catering Manager to oversee all catering and service operations in our education sector. The role is full-time, contracted to 40 hours per week, with a 46-week year.

You will lead kitchens and counters, drive food quality and customer service, and help deliver exceptional dining experiences in a dynamic environment. You should have at least two years in catering, proven team leadership, and relevant certifications.