School Catering Manager: Lead Kitchens & Service

Compass Group UK; Gosport; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

Compass Group UK&I's Chartwells division is seeking an experienced Catering Manager to lead school catering operations on a full-time basis, contracted to 40 hours per week across a 44.8 week year. You will prepare high-quality food, supervise culinary teams, manage inventories and budgets, and drive KPIs while upholding health, safety and service standards in a busy educational environment.

The role requires strong leadership, excellent communication, and a passion for delivering exceptional

Qualifications

• Minimum two years catering experience.
• NVQ Level 1 & 2 or City & Guilds 706/1 and 2.
• Basic Food Hygiene certificate.
• Strong financial acumen and budgeting skills.
• Excellent communication and organisational abilities.

Responsibilities

• Prepare food to high standards and supervise teams.
• Oversee in-unit catering operations, inventories and budgets.
• Monitor KPIs and targets with line manager.
• Represent Compass Group UK&I and maintain brand image.
• Identify opportunities for new concepts to drive sales.
• Train and develop teams; ensure health and safety compliance.

Skills

Catering management

Food safety

Budgeting

Team leadership

Communication

Organizational skills

Education

NVQ Level 1 & 2

City & Guilds 706/1 and 2

Job description

Compass Group UK&I's Chartwells division is seeking an experienced Catering Manager to lead school catering operations on a full-time basis, contracted to 40 hours per week across a 44.8 week year. You will prepare high-quality food, supervise culinary teams, manage inventories and budgets, and drive KPIs while upholding health, safety and service standards in a busy educational environment.

The role requires strong leadership, excellent communication, and a passion for delivering exceptional