Senior Catering Manager: Nutritious Meals & Efficient Ops

Authentic Education; Christchurch; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free eye testing

Reduced-price gym membership

Pension scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Job summary

Authentic Education is seeking a Catering Manager on a fixed-term contract to lead day-to-day catering operations at our academy. You will ensure meals meet standards, manage staff, control budgets, develop menus and promote a high-quality dining experience.

You will build relationships with external clients, oversee health and safety, COSHH and safeguarding, and help grow commercial opportunities while supporting staff development and wellbeing initiatives.

Qualifications

• Has proven experience in catering leadership or kitchen management.
• Demonstrates strong organisational, communication and people-management skills.
• Is committed to providing high-quality, nutritious meals.
• Understands financial management in a catering setting.
• Is proactive, reliable and able to work under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day catering operations and ensure meals meet standards.
• Lead, support and supervise catering staff, including rota management and appraisals.
• Manage stock, resources, budgeting and cost control for value-for-money service.
• Develop menus, maintain high standards of food presentation and dining experience.
• Ensure full compliance with Health & Safety, food hygiene, COSHH and safeguarding.
• Build relationships with external clients and grow department’s commercial opportunities.
• Negotiate with approved suppliers to secure best-value contracts.
• Manage catering finances, revenue, expenditure and financial reporting.
• Ensure safe operation and maintenance of kitchen equipment.
• Oversee catering delivery arrangements to external academies during term time.
• Conduct risk assessments, maintain cleanliness and uphold hygiene standards.
• Support marketing efforts and liaise with potential new clients.

Skills

Catering leadership

Kitchen management

Staff supervision

Budget control

Menu development

Food safety awareness

Job description

Authentic Education is seeking a Catering Manager on a fixed-term contract to lead day-to-day catering operations at our academy. You will ensure meals meet standards, manage staff, control budgets, develop menus and promote a high-quality dining experience.

You will build relationships with external clients, oversee health and safety, COSHH and safeguarding, and help grow commercial opportunities while supporting staff development and wellbeing initiatives.