General Catering Manager

The Supply Register; Devon and Torbay; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 33,000; Part time

Job summary

The Supply Register in Okehampton is seeking an experienced Catering Manager to lead a busy school catering service on a part-time, temporary basis with potential permanency.

You will manage day-to-day kitchen operations, menu planning, and compliance, while delivering nutritious meals and a positive food culture for students and staff. Immediate start, salary £30,654 FTE, NJC Grade E22.

Qualifications

• Previous catering/kitchen supervisory experience preferred.
• Strong knowledge of food hygiene and safety.
• Organisational and time-management skills.
• Creative approach to menu planning.

Responsibilities

• Lead the day-to-day operation of the kitchen and catering service.
• Prepare and serve nutritious, high-quality food.
• Develop menus, themed days and events with students and staff.
• Promote a positive food culture within the school.
• Manage stock, supplies and kitchen resources.
• Ensure high standards of hygiene and safety compliance.

Job description

Location: Okehampton, Devon
Salary: £30,654 FTE (Actual salary, NJC Grade E22)
Hours: Part Time
Contract: Temporary, with potential for a permanent position
Start Date: Immediate
Visa Sponsorship: Not available

The Supply Register are currently recruiting for an experienced Catering Manager to join a busy and established school catering team in Okehampton.

This is an excellent opportunity for an enthusiastic and talented catering professional who can bring culinary flair, creativity and strong leadership to an established catering provision.

The role is initially offered on a temporary basis, with the potential for the position to become permanent for the right candidate. The successful candidate will be able to make an immediate impact while working as part of a supportive wider Trust catering team.

The Role

As Catering Manager, you will take responsibility for the day-to-day running of the kitchen, ensuring a high-quality, efficient and nutritious catering service for students and staff.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Leading the day-to-day operation of the kitchen and catering service.

• Preparing and serving nutritious, high-quality food.

• Bringing creativity and culinary flair to menu planning and food provision.

• Working with students and staff to develop menus, themed days and events.

• Promoting a positive food culture within the school.

• Leading, supporting and organising the catering team.

• Managing stock, supplies and kitchen resources.

• Ensuring excellent food hygiene, health and safety and compliance standards.

• Working collaboratively with other catering teams to share ideas and maintain high standards.

• Ensuring the kitchen operates efficiently and in accordance with Trust policies and procedures.

About You

We are looking for a reliable, enthusiastic and experienced catering professional who takes pride in delivering an excellent service.

You will ideally have:

• Previous experience in a catering, kitchen management or supervisory role.

• Strong knowledge of food hygiene, health and safety and catering compliance.

• Experience managing or supervising a catering team.

• Excellent organisational and time-management skills.

• A creative approach to food and menu planning.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

• A proactive, hands‑on approach to problem solving.

• A genuine commitment to providing nutritious, high-quality food.

Previous experience within an educational setting would be advantageous, but candidates with strong relevant catering management experience are encouraged to apply.

Training

The successful candidate will be required to attend mandatory training at the Trust's central offices in Okehampton.

Training will run from 9am 4pm, with breaks provided, and will cover the policies, procedures and systems required for the role.

Safeguarding & Compliance

The education sector takes safeguarding extremely seriously. The successful candidate will be required to complete the appropriate safer recruitment checks before commencing work.

This will include an Enhanced DBS check and confirmation of the candidate's right to work in the UK.

Depending on the circumstances and requirements of the role, checks may include:

• Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check

• Satisfactory references

• Right to work in the UK

• Suitability to work with children

• Childcare disqualification checks, where applicable

• Online and social media checks

• Medical checks, where applicable

• Prohibition from teaching checks, where applicable

Applicants must declare any relevant unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands or warnings in accordance with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.

The recruitment process follows Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) guidance, and all successful candidates must demonstrate a commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

Important Information

• Immediate start available.

• Part-time position.

• Initially temporary, with potential for a permanent opportunity.

• £30,654 FTE (Actual salary, NJC Grade E22).

• Visa sponsorship is not available.

• Candidates must be eligible to work in the UK.

• Successful candidates will be required to complete the relevant safeguarding and compliance checks.

• The vacancy may close early if sufficient applications are received.