General Manager

Holroyd Howe; Haywards Heath; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading catering provider in the UK is seeking a General Manager for their operations at Handcross Park School. The ideal candidate will oversee kitchen and dining services, deliver exceptional food experiences, and manage staff while ensuring compliance with health standards. This role includes a 52-week contract, generous leave, and development opportunities.

Benefits

28 days holiday plus bank holidays

3 volunteering days

Enhanced maternity leave

Bespoke training and development opportunities

Discounts through Perkbox

Free meals while at work

Qualifications

• Proven experience managing catering operations, ideally in an educational or residential setting.
• A genuine passion for food, nutrition, and child‑focused service.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the daily operations of the kitchen and dining services.
• Develop diverse, seasonal menus that meet nutritional guidelines.
• Ensure exceptional food hygiene, health and safety, and allergen management standards.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Organisational skills

Food safety knowledge

Flexibility

Education

Relevant catering qualifications (e.g. Level 3 Food Safety, HACCP)

Job description

Handcross Park School is a co‑educational independent preparatory school for children aged 2 to 13, located in Handcross, West Sussex, England. We are seeking a General Manager to oversee our catering operations and offerings that reflect the school's commitment to providing a supportive and enriching environment for both its students and the wider community. If you are passionate about delivering exceptional dining experiences and leading a team in an educational setting, this is a fantastic opportunity to join Handcross Park School.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the daily operations of the kitchen and dining services.
• Develop diverse, seasonal menus that meet nutritional guidelines and delight pupils aged 2‑13.
• Ensure exceptional food hygiene, health and safety, and allergen management standards.
• Manage catering staff: recruitment, training, rotas, and performance.
• Work collaboratively with teaching and pastoral teams to support special diets, themed days, and school events.
• Maintain strong supplier relationships and manage catering budgets effectively.
• Uphold the welcoming, family‑style dining ethos of the school.

Qualifications

• Proven experience managing catering operations, ideally in an educational or residential setting.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and organisational skills.
• A genuine passion for food, nutrition, and child‑focused service.
• Relevant catering qualifications (e.g. Level 3 Food Safety, HACCP)."
• Flexibility.

Benefits

• 52‑week contract, with limited out‑of‑term operations.
• 28 days holiday as well as bank holiday.
• 3 volunteering days.
• 3 days grandparent leave.
• 24 weeks enhanced maternity leave.
• Bespoke training and development opportunities.
• Pension and life insurance.
• Discounts available through Perkbox benefits 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.