Free School Meals Team Leader

Suffolk Jobs Direct; Ipswich; Hybrid; GBP 29,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority is seeking a Free School Meals Team Leader to manage applications, supervise a team, and ensure high standards of service. The ideal candidate will have a Level 4 qualification or equivalent experience, along with strong skills in Microsoft Office, organisation, and communication. This position offers flexible working options and a competitive salary.

Benefits

Up to 29 days annual leave

Local Government Pension Scheme

Travel and lifestyle benefits

Career development opportunities

Qualifications

• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office, especially Excel.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and databases.
• Experience working with large data sets.

Responsibilities

• Oversee free school meal applications and ensure compliance.
• Supervise and support the team, managing performance.
• Deliver high standards of customer service.

Skills

Microsoft Office expertise

Organisational skills

Team supervision and development

Data analysis

Communication skills

Proactive approach

Education

Level 4 qualification or equivalent experience

Job description

Job Description

Suffolk County Council is seeking a Free School Meals Team Leader in the School Admissions Team. The successful candidate will oversee free school meal applications, supervise and support the team, and deliver high standards of customer service to families, schools, and other services.

• Suffolk County Council
• Address: Endeavour House, 8 Russell Road, Ipswich, IP1 2BX (Hybrid working options available)
• Salary: £28,598 per annum (Grade 4, with performance-related pay progression)
• Hours: 37 hours per week, flexible working options available
• Contract: Permanent

As our Free School Meals Team Leader, you’ll play a vital part in supporting children and families across Suffolk. Your responsibilities will include:

• overseeing free school meal applications and ensuring accuracy and compliance with policies and deadlines
• supervising and supporting the Team, encouraging a positive team ethos and carrying out day-to-day performance management and appraisals
• being involved in the processing of school applications and preparation of appeal documentation to ensure statutory deadlines are met
• delivering high standards of customer service to families, schools, and other services, offering accurate advice and resolving complex queries
• collaborating with colleagues and partners, building strong relationships and networks
• contributing to the development of procedures and continuous improvement of our services

We’re excited to welcome someone who is passionate about making a difference and ready to thrive in a collaborative, supportive environment.

What You Will Need

We hope you’ll bring:

• a suitable qualification at Level 4 or equivalent experience in a relevant area
• good working knowledge of Microsoft Office, especially Excel, and the ability to maintain accurate records and databases
• strong organisational, planning, and communication skills
• experience working with large data sets and analysing information to draw conclusions
• the ability to supervise, motivate, and develop a team
• a commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people
• a positive, proactive approach and willingness to learn and grow

This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts.

Benefits

In return, you’ll enjoy:

• up to 29 days annual leave entitlement (pro rata), plus UK bank holidays and two paid volunteering days
• membership of a competitive Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
• travel, lifestyle, health and wellbeing benefits
• performance-related annual pay progression, in addition to an annual cost-of-living pay increase
• training and encouragement to expand your knowledge
• a variety of career development opportunities across our organisation
• diverse and active staff networks
• flexible working options, with the right to request flexible working from your first day