School Catering Unit Lead

Gateshead Council; Whickham; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 19,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension scheme

Training & progression

Health support

Cycle to work

Salary sacrifice

Job summary

Gateshead Council is hiring a lead catering supervisor to manage a school meals service, delivering a high-quality two-course mid-day meal program for around 200–220 pupils daily. You will oversee food preparation, service and stock control while maintaining strict food safety standards.

You will plan staff rotas, train and support the team, and manage budgets to ensure cost-efficiency. The role requires strong communication with pupils, parents and school stakeholders and a commitment to

Qualifications

• Relevant Level 2 qualifications in Food Safety, Health & Safety, Allergen Awareness or equivalent.
• Experience delivering catering in schools or large-scale environments.
• Proven ability to lead, motivate and manage a team.

Responsibilities

• Lead a catering team to provide high-quality two-course mid-day meals.
• Oversee food prep, service, stock control and budgeting.
• Ensure food safety, health & safety and HACCP compliance.
• Manage kitchen cleanliness and rotas, training and safe working practices.
• Monitor costs and improve service to boost meal uptake.
• Engage with pupils, parents and school stakeholders.

Skills

Food safety

Health & Safety

Allergen awareness

Professional cookery

Team leadership

Budget management

Customer service

Education

Level 2 Food Safety

Level 2 Health & Safety

Allergen Awareness

Professional Cookery

Job description

Gateshead Council is hiring a lead catering supervisor to manage a school meals service, delivering a high-quality two-course mid-day meal program for around 200–220 pupils daily. You will oversee food preparation, service and stock control while maintaining strict food safety standards.

You will plan staff rotas, train and support the team, and manage budgets to ensure cost-efficiency. The role requires strong communication with pupils, parents and school stakeholders and a commitment to