Senior School Meals Operations Director - Multi-Site

Essential Employment; Rotherham; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Essential Employment in Rotherham is seeking an experienced Principal Catering Manager to lead the large School Meals Service across the borough, combining strategic planning with hands-on service management. The role oversees a team and multiple locations to deliver high-quality catering that complies with standards and budget targets.

The post requires senior leadership, strong stakeholder engagement, and a track record of driving service improvements in a multi-site environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage multi-site catering operations across the borough.
• Provide direct line management and leadership to Catering Managers.
• Ensure compliance with food safety legislation, allergen management procedures, health and safety requirements and safeguarding responsibilities.
• Manage budgets, financial forecasting, income generation opportunities and cost controls.
• Monitor performance against service standards, KPIs and contractual requirements.
• Support workforce planning, recruitment, employee development and succession planning.
• Lead on service improvement initiatives and operational change programmes.
• Manage complex operational issues, customer concerns and service complaints.
• Build and maintain effective working relationships with headteachers, academy trusts, partners and other stakeholders.
• Support business growth, service modernisation and future service development.

Job description

Essential Employment in Rotherham is seeking an experienced Principal Catering Manager to lead the large School Meals Service across the borough, combining strategic planning with hands-on service management. The role oversees a team and multiple locations to deliver high-quality catering that complies with standards and budget targets.

The post requires senior leadership, strong stakeholder engagement, and a track record of driving service improvements in a multi-site environment.