School Catering Lead: Nutritious Meals & Safety

Compass Community Limited; Blaxhall; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

Compass Community Limited is recruiting for a school catering lead to ensure high-quality meals that meet government nutrition standards and safeguarding requirements. You will plan menus, manage stocks and budgets, and lead a team to deliver safe, compliant catering in a school environment.

The role requires strong organisational skills, excellent liaison with staff and pupils, and a commitment to safeguarding and allergy management. Experience in a school kitchen is preferred.

Qualifications

• Level 3 Food Safety certificate or NVQ equivalent.
• GCSE or equivalent in English and maths.
• Experience in a school kitchen setting is preferred.
• Experience writing and presenting reports (financial, incident reports).

Responsibilities

• Oversee high-quality school meals in line with government guidelines and legislation on school nutrition standards.
• Plan varied and nutritious menus in advance.
• Negotiate best-value contracts with authorised suppliers to control costs.
• Manage food stocks to prevent shortages or excess, and monitor the catering budget.
• Cater to dietary requirements and ensure allergy information is communicated and labelled.

Skills

Culinary production

Leadership

Teamwork

Customer service

Literacy & numeracy

Menu planning

Education

Level 3 Food Safety

GCSE English & Maths

Job description

Compass Community Limited is recruiting for a school catering lead to ensure high-quality meals that meet government nutrition standards and safeguarding requirements. You will plan menus, manage stocks and budgets, and lead a team to deliver safe, compliant catering in a school environment.

The role requires strong organisational skills, excellent liaison with staff and pupils, and a commitment to safeguarding and allergy management. Experience in a school kitchen is preferred.