General Manager

JR United Kingdom; Haywards Heath; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading independent prep school is seeking an experienced General Manager to oversee its catering services. The role involves managing daily meal services for pupils and staff, leading a team, and ensuring high standards of food safety and service. Ideal candidates will possess leadership skills, experience in catering, and a passion for food and people. This opportunity offers a supportive environment focused on wellbeing and sustainability.

Benefits

28 days holiday, including bank holidays

24 weeks enhanced maternity leave

Bespoke training and development opportunities

Pension and life insurance

Discounts via Perkbox

Wellbeing hub & employee assistance programme

Free meals while at work

Career development opportunities and HIT Apprenticeships

Qualifications

• Experience managing a catering operation, ideally in independent education or B&I.
• Passion for food and service excellence.
• Full driving license and access to a vehicle are essential.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily catering services including meals and events.
• Lead and develop the on-site catering team.
• Manage budgets, stock control, and food safety compliance.
• Collaborate with school leadership for client relationship.

Skills

Leadership

Financial Management

Interpersonal Skills

Organisational Skills

Job description

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Location: West Sussex, England (between Crawley, Horsham, and Haywards Heath).

• 28 days holiday, including bank holidays
• 24 weeks enhanced maternity leave
• Bespoke training and development opportunities
• Pension and life insurance
• Discounts available through Perkbox app (high street shops, holidays, cinema)
• Wellbeing hub & access to employee assistance programme
• Free meals while at work
• Career development opportunities and HIT Apprenticeships for all experience levels

A thriving co-educational independent prep school for pupils aged 2–13 is seeking an experienced General Manager to oversee its catering services. Set in a beautiful rural location within commuting distance of Crawley, Horsham, and Haywards Heath, this is a busy and varied operation providing meals for around 400 pupils and staff daily, along with regular hospitality events and school functions.

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a forward-thinking and supportive school environment, delivering high-quality food and service with a strong focus on fresh, seasonal produce and a whole-school approach to wellbeing and sustainability.

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee the day-to-day catering service including pupil and staff meals, events, and hospitality.
• Lead, motivate, and develop the on-site catering team, ensuring consistently high standards of food and service.
• Manage budgets, ordering, stock control, and compliance with food safety and health & safety regulations.
• Collaborate with school leadership and support a positive client relationship with regular communication and planning.

Ideal Candidate:

• Experienced in managing a catering operation, ideally within the independent education or B&I sector.
• A natural leader with a passion for food, people, and service excellence.
• Financially astute, able to manage cost controls and drive efficiencies.
• Strong interpersonal and organisational skills, with a flexible and proactive approach.
• A full driving licence and access to a vehicle are essential due to the rural location of the school.