School Catering Manager — Lead Kitchens & Service

Chartwells Independent; Grantham; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 38,000; Part time

Job summary

Chartwells is seeking an experienced Catering Manager to oversee all catering and service operations at our UK&I sites, contracted to 30 hours per week across 42.6 weeks per year. This part-time role requires strong leadership and a passion for exceptional food and customer service.

You will manage in-unit catering operations, inventories, budgets, and health and safety standards, while mentoring teams and driving sales through new concepts and excellent service.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Preparing delicious food to the highest standards.
• Supervising culinary and catering teams to ensure impeccable food and customer service.
• Overseeing the efficiency of in-unit catering operations, including inventories, budgets, and action plans.
• Communicating regularly with your 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 our culinary and service teams to ensure we exceed expectations.
• Supporting and training our teams, leading from the front to enable excellence.
• Implementing and reviewing Health & Safety standards to ensure compliance across all catering and service teams.

Skills

Two years catering experience

Team management

Financial acumen

Communication skills

Organisational skills

Ambitious and motivated

Education

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

Basic Food Hygiene certificate

Job description

Chartwells is seeking an experienced Catering Manager to oversee all catering and service operations at our UK&I sites, contracted to 30 hours per week across 42.6 weeks per year. This part-time role requires strong leadership and a passion for exceptional food and customer service.

You will manage in-unit catering operations, inventories, budgets, and health and safety standards, while mentoring teams and driving sales through new concepts and excellent service.