School Catering Manager – Lead Large-Scale Kitchen & Team

Sodexo Ltd; Coventry; On-site; GBP 16,000 - 23,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Mental health support

Employee Assistance Programme

Wellbeing app access

Sodexo Discounts Scheme

Salary Finance Platform

Retirement Plan

Death in service benefit

Learning & development tools

Cycle to Work scheme

Volunteering opportunities

Flexible work environment

Competitive compensation

Uniform provided

Job summary

St Mary & St Benedict Catholic Primary School in Coventry is seeking a Kitchen Manager to oversee the school kitchen, ensuring top-quality food, service, and compliance with safety standards. You will lead the kitchen team, manage budgeting, menus, and audits, while maintaining a positive, supportive work environment.

The role involves supervising staff, handling 100–1300 meals daily, and delivering consistent quality within a busy, friendly school setting.

Qualifications

• Experience cooking for large groups (100–1300 students).
• Experience following recipes in a kitchen environment.
• Previous staff supervision or line management experience.
• Experience with fresh produce and ingredients.
• Knowledge of health and safety procedures in a kitchen.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Professional leadership with a positive attitude.
• Hold Level 2 Food safety certification.
• At least 1 year hands-on cooking experience; Food Hygiene training provided.

Responsibilities

• Oversee replenishment of food and end-of-service dismantling of work areas.
• Develop and mentor kitchen staff; conduct training and guidance.
• Control catering operation costs: labour, food and stock.
• Manage and optimise costs within your control.
• Ensure consistent food and service standards for staff, visitors and students.
• Develop and review menus to meet needs and budgets.
• Conduct routine audits to ensure standards are met.

Skills

Large-scale cooking

Follow recipes

Staff supervision

Fresh produce

Health & safety

Work under pressure

Professional leadership

Food safety Level 2

Hands-on cooking

Food Hygiene training

Job description

St Mary & St Benedict Catholic Primary School in Coventry is seeking a Kitchen Manager to oversee the school kitchen, ensuring top-quality food, service, and compliance with safety standards. You will lead the kitchen team, manage budgeting, menus, and audits, while maintaining a positive, supportive work environment.

The role involves supervising staff, handling 100–1300 meals daily, and delivering consistent quality within a busy, friendly school setting.