School Catering Manager — Lead Kitchens & Service

Compass UK & Ireland; East Hyde; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Compass Group UK&I – Chartwells is seeking an experienced Catering Manager to oversee all catering and service operations for Chartwells on a full-time basis, contracted to 35 hours per week. The role covers kitchens and service counters, with a focus on delivering exceptional food experiences and world-class customer service.

The ideal candidate will have at least two years of catering experience, proven team management ability, and relevant food hygiene certificates.

Qualifications

• Minimum of two years of catering experience.
• Experience managing teams in a catering environment.
• Hold an NVQ Level 1 & 2 or City & Guilds 706/1 and 2; Basic Food Hygiene certificate.

Responsibilities

• Preparing delicious food to the highest standards.
• Supervising culinary and catering teams to ensure impeccable food and customer service.
• Overseeing in-unit catering operations, budgets and inventories; implementing action plans.
• Communicating with line manager to monitor KPIs and targets.
• Representing Compass Group UK&I and maintaining a positive brand image.
• Identifying opportunities for new food or service concepts to drive sales.
• Liaising between customers and teams to exceed expectations.
• Training teams and leading from the front to ensure excellence.
• Implementing and reviewing Health & Safety standards across teams.

Skills

Catering experience

Team management

Financial acumen

Communication skills

Organisational skills

Food Hygiene certificate

NVQ Level 1 & 2 or City & Guilds 706/1

Education

NVQ Level 1 & 2 or City & Guilds 706/1 and 2

Basic Food Hygiene certificate

Job description

Compass Group UK&I – Chartwells is seeking an experienced Catering Manager to oversee all catering and service operations for Chartwells on a full-time basis, contracted to 35 hours per week. The role covers kitchens and service counters, with a focus on delivering exceptional food experiences and world-class customer service.

The ideal candidate will have at least two years of catering experience, proven team management ability, and relevant food hygiene certificates.