School Catering Manager: Lead Kitchens & Service Excellence

Chartwells Independent; Leighton Buzzard; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Chartwells, part of Compass Group UK&I, is seeking an experienced Catering Manager in Leighton Buzzard to oversee all catering and service operations on a full-time basis (35 hours per week, contracted to 44.6 weeks per year).

You will lead kitchens and service counters, ensuring exceptional food experiences, strong customer service, and robust KPI and budget management across the site, with a focus on safety and team development.

Qualifications

• Be passionate about great-tasting food and exceptional customer service.
• Have a minimum of two years of catering experience.
• Have experience managing teams in a similar role.
• Hold an NVQ Level 1 & 2 or City & Guilds 706/1 and 2.
• Hold a Basic Food Hygiene certificate.
• Demonstrate brilliant financial acumen.
• Have excellent communication and organisational skills.
• Be an ambitious and motivated individual who is always looking to upskill.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Catering experience

Team leadership

Financial acumen

Communication skills

Organisational skills

Education

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

Basic Food Hygiene certificate

Job description

Chartwells, part of Compass Group UK&I, is seeking an experienced Catering Manager in Leighton Buzzard to oversee all catering and service operations on a full-time basis (35 hours per week, contracted to 44.6 weeks per year).

You will lead kitchens and service counters, ensuring exceptional food experiences, strong customer service, and robust KPI and budget management across the site, with a focus on safety and team development.