Catering Manager

We currently have an exciting opportunity for a Catering Manager to join our fantastic team at Chorlton High School

This is a permanent post working 37.5 hours per week, Monday - Friday, 6:30am - 2:30pm, term time only plus 5 INSET days. The starting salary is £27,668 per annum (full-time equivalent £30,023, Grade 5)

We're looking for:

An experienced and confident people leader to manage one of the Trust's largest school catering operations. This role is about much more than delivering excellent food. You will lead and inspire a busy kitchen team of approximately 20 catering staff , ensuring high standards of service, performance and compliance while creating a positive and collaborative working environment.

The successful candidate will have substantial experience of managing staff in a fast-paced catering environment and be able to demonstrate excellent leadership, communication and organisational skills. You will be comfortable motivating others, managing performance, supporting staff development and dealing confidently with attendance, recruitment and day-to-day people management matters.

Alongside your leadership responsibilities, you will oversee the daily operation of the school kitchen, ensuring that high standards of food quality, hygiene and customer service are consistently maintained.

You will hold, or be working towards, NVQ Level 2 in Food Preparation and Cooking (or equivalent) and possess a sound understanding of food safety legislation, allergen management and health and safety requirements.

As an integral part of the role, you will also be responsible for financial administration and must be confident using IT systems. You should have good working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications and experience of maintaining accurate electronic records, completing payroll returns and producing financial and operational reports.

A strong customer focus is essential. We are looking for someone who is approachable, professional and able to communicate effectively with colleagues, students, senior leaders and external partners.

Main purpose of the job

Reporting to the Head of Catering and working closely with school leaders and colleagues across the Trust, you will be responsible for the safe, effective and efficient operation of all aspects of the catering service.

You will have full line management responsibility for the catering team, ensuring high standards of performance, compliance and customer service while promoting an inclusive and supportive culture.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead, manage and develop a catering team of approximately 20 staff, including recruitment, induction, training, attendance management and performance management.

• Deliver a high-quality, cost-effective catering service in line with Service Level Agreements, contractual requirements and relevant legislation.

• Ensure compliance with food hygiene, health and safety and COSHH regulations at all times.

• Follow pre-planned menus to meet nutritional standards, legislative requirements and customer needs.

• Complete cash reconciliation, payroll returns and financial administration in accordance with Trust procedures.

• Maintain accurate electronic records and use Microsoft Office systems confidently to support operational and administrative requirements.

• Drive excellent customer service across the catering provision and respond professionally to the needs of the school community.

• Support service development by participating in new initiatives, menu trials and continuous improvement activities.

Applicants must have:

• NVQ Level 2 in Food Preparation and Cooking (or be working towards the qualification).

• Significant operational experience within a professional catering environment.

• Proven experience of leading and managing a large team , with the ability to motivate, develop and hold staff accountable.

• Excellent verbal communication and interpersonal skills, with the confidence to build positive relationships at all levels.

• Good IT skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office and experience of maintaining electronic records and completing administrative returns.

• Strong understanding of food safety legislation, allergen management and health and safety requirements.

• The ability to work under pressure, prioritise competing demands and manage a busy catering operation effectively.

To find out more about the full responsibilities of the role and/or to ensure you meet the essential criteria, please refer to the attached and person specification.

How to apply

Please follow the online application process to be considered. Interviews are scheduled shortly after the job closing.

All school staff are expected to share the Trust’s commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Specific safeguarding responsibilities are detailed in the attached .

Working for Prospere Learning Trust

Great schools thrive because of the great people in them. We invest in our staff to achieve their full potential and offer a range of benefits including.

• High quality CPD for all roles

• Bupa Level 1 Health Plan - annual cash back allowance for a range of every day health care expenses

• Generous Pension Contribution - over 26% for teachers and 15% for support staff

• Good holidays – teachers as per School Teachers’ Pay and Conditions Document; non-teachers receive 26 days annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing to 31 days with 5 years' service

• Cyclescheme - save up to 39% on a bike and accessories and get Strava for free

• Employee Assistance Programmes - including access to free counselling and 24/7 helplines

• Credit Union - regular savings, Christmas saving scheme and access to affordable loans

• Flexible working options - we're happy to talk flexible working where possible

• Mental Health First Aid in every school

• Blue Light Card - discounts on holidays, cars, days out, fashion, gifts, insurance, phones, and many more

• bYond cashback card - spend smarter with a prepaid cashback card for your everyday purchases

Job Application Information

Please apply using the online application form; incomplete applications may not be considered. CVs are not accepted. Early applications are encouraged, and we reserve the right to close the vacancy early.

As per Keeping Children Safe in Education, we conduct online searches on shortlisted candidates to identify any relevant issues for interview discussion. Shortlisted candidates will be required to submit a self-disclosure declaration, declaring any relevant convictions, adult cautions or other matters which may affect your suitability to work with children. Information will be provided on where to seek guidance on whether certain offences are now protected and should not be disclosed within the self-disclosure form.

Under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 all positions within the School are exempt. Therefore, we are entitled to carry out Enhanced Disclosure checks for all staff and volunteers. It is an offence to apply for the role if the applicant is barred from engaging in regulated activity relating to children.

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK; we do not sponsor visa applications. If you’ve lived or worked outside the UK in the last five years, additional information will be required. Job offers are contingent on satisfactory pre-employment checks, including references.

Safeguarding Commitment

All schools within the Trust are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment.

Equality Statement

Prospere Learning Trust values diversity and welcomes applications from all candidates, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marital status, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation.

For application support please contact us on View phone number on tes.com or email View email address on tes.com