School Catering Unit Manager: Lead Kitchen & Team

North East Combined Authority; Gateshead; Hybrid; GBP 26,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Outstanding pension scheme

Learning & development

Health & wellbeing support

Cycle to work scheme

Electric & hybrid car scheme

Discounts & salary sacrifice

Job summary

Gateshead Council is recruiting for a Catering Supervisor at Clover Hill Community Primary School. You will lead a small kitchen team to deliver a high-quality, two-course mid-day meal service for around 130-140 pupils, ensuring safety, budgeting and strong customer care.

The role offers flexi-time and hybrid working options within a Local Government framework, plus a comprehensive employee benefits package and opportunities to progress within catering services.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Lead, supervise and support a small catering team to deliver a two-course school meal.
• Oversee food preparation, cooking, service, stock within budget.
• Ensure food safety, health & safety, and HACCP compliance.
• Maintain kitchen and dining cleanliness to high standards.
• Plan staff rotas and support training and safe working practices.
• Monitor food and labour costs within budgets.
• Collaborate to improve the service and increase meal uptake.
• Deliver customer care to pupils, parents and staff.
• Support promotional activities and events.
• Handle dietary, allergen, and medical requirements safely.
• Respond to feedback and service requests promptly.
• Contribute to menu development and service improvement.

Skills

Food safety

Health & safety

Allergen awareness

Professional cookery

Team leadership

Communication

Budget management

Flexibility

Teamwork

Education

Level 2 Food Safety

Health & Safety qualification

Allergen Awareness

Job description

Gateshead Council is recruiting for a Catering Supervisor at Clover Hill Community Primary School. You will lead a small kitchen team to deliver a high-quality, two-course mid-day meal service for around 130-140 pupils, ensuring safety, budgeting and strong customer care.

The role offers flexi-time and hybrid working options within a Local Government framework, plus a comprehensive employee benefits package and opportunities to progress within catering services.