School Catering Unit Lead – Midday Meals

Gateshead Council; Gateshead; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fair pension scheme

Training and progression opportunities

Health & wellbeing support

Cycle to work scheme

Electric/Hybrid car scheme

Job summary

Gateshead Council is seeking a capable Catering Team Leader for St Mary's Catholic Primary School. You will lead a small team to deliver a high-quality two-course mid-day meal service, ensuring food safety, HACCP compliance and excellent pupil engagement.

You will oversee all kitchen operations, plan staff rotas, manage budgets and drive improvements to increase meal uptake while maintaining strong customer care within a school setting.

Qualifications

• Needs Level 2 qualifications in Food Safety, H&S, Allergen Awareness, Professional Cookery or equivalent.
• Experience delivering catering services in schools or large-scale settings is essential.
• Proven ability to lead, motivate and manage a team effectively.
• Excellent communication and organisational skills with a customer-focused approach.

Responsibilities

• Lead, supervise and support a small catering team to deliver two-course mid-day meals.
• Oversee food preparation, cooking, service, ordering, stock control and storage within budget.
• Plan staff rotas, allocate duties and support training and safe working practices.
• Manage budgets and monitor food and labour costs within set budgets.
• Engage with pupils, parents and school stakeholders to improve meal uptake and service quality.
• Ensure dietary, allergen and medical requirements are handled safely and in line with policy.

Skills

Food safety knowledge

Team leadership

Budget management

Communication

Customer service

Education

Level 2 qualifications in Food Safety / H&S / Allergen Awareness / Professional Cookery or equivalent

Job description

Gateshead Council is seeking a capable Catering Team Leader for St Mary's Catholic Primary School. You will lead a small team to deliver a high-quality two-course mid-day meal service, ensuring food safety, HACCP compliance and excellent pupil engagement.

You will oversee all kitchen operations, plan staff rotas, manage budgets and drive improvements to increase meal uptake while maintaining strong customer care within a school setting.