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- Tasks: Lead and manage catering operations across schools in Kent and South Essex.
- Company: Caterlink is a leading education catering specialist, serving over 1 million meals weekly.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, performance bonuses, car allowance, BUPA cover, and employee discounts.
- Why this job: Join a supportive team focused on growth, development, and making a positive impact in education.
- Qualifications: Previous catering and operational management experience is essential for this role.
- Other info: Opportunity for blended learning and formal qualifications to enhance your career.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Caterlink is the education sector catering specialist. For over 20 years, the Company has delivered fresh food solutions to pupils and staff at Primary Schools, Secondary Schools and Colleges across the UK. The company caters more than 1,000,000 meals a week. Our Fresh Food Policy is the foundation of our success and growth in the market coupled with a desire to truly deliver on the promises we make to our clients and support our site-based teams.
We are looking for an experienced Operations Manager to manage a group of schools covering Kent and South Essex. Previous catering and operational management experience is essential. This is a 52-week role working Monday to Friday.
At Caterlink, we very much believe that people work for people, so we want you to have bags of confidence and credibility, be able to lead and motivate and really develop your teams, bring them along with you and create strong client relationships across your portfolio of schools. Being commercially astute is also essential for this role and in addition to this you will need to be prepared to roll your sleeves up and help the teams when you need to.
We believe that living by our KPIs is key to success - Health & Safety, Retention, Quality and Finance. In addition to this, if you believe that People, Perception, Passion and Pride could also enhance your growth, success and development then this may be the role for you and we would love to hear from you!
Successful applicants will be required to complete an enhanced DBS disclosure. Salary dependant on experience.
Caterlink strives to always provide a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment for all our teams where every individual is treated with respect, integrity and has the opportunity to grow and be treated equally and with fairness at all times.
There are many advantages to working for us including:
- Competitive salary plus a performance-related bonus
- Monthly car allowance or company car
- BUPA cover and Virtual GP for you and your family (eligibility rules apply)
- Fully expensed company laptop + mobile phone
- Access to our Employee Discount Platform for savings at supermarkets, cinema, restaurants, holiday discounts, family days out and more!
- Employee Assistance Program and Virtual GP benefits available free of charge
- Opportunity for a blended learning programme including formal qualifications, classroom training, eLearning and on-the-job training
- Induction provided to learn more about the company
- Investment in development opportunities to recruit, train and retain the best people
You will be eligible to join our Workplace Pension Scheme with Aviva.
Education Catering Operations Manager employer: Caterlink
Contact Detail:
Caterlink Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Education Catering Operations Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Caterlink's Fresh Food Policy and their commitment to quality. Understanding their core values will help you align your experience and demonstrate how you can contribute to their mission during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your previous experience in managing teams within the catering sector. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've motivated teams and built strong client relationships, as these are key aspects of the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your commercial acumen and how you've successfully managed budgets or improved financial performance in past roles. This will show that you understand the importance of KPIs like Finance and Quality.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the schools in Kent and South Essex that Caterlink serves. Being knowledgeable about the local education landscape will not only impress during interviews but also help you tailor your approach to the specific needs of those schools.
We think you need these skills to ace Education Catering Operations Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in catering and operational management. Emphasise any leadership roles you've held and your ability to motivate teams, as these are key qualities Caterlink is looking for.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for the education sector and your understanding of the importance of fresh food solutions. Mention specific examples of how you've successfully managed teams and built client relationships in previous roles.
Highlight Key Skills: In your application, focus on skills that align with Caterlink's KPIs such as Health & Safety, Retention, Quality, and Finance. Provide concrete examples of how you've achieved success in these areas in past positions.
Show Your Commitment to Diversity: Caterlink values a diverse and inclusive environment. In your application, express your commitment to these principles and provide examples of how you've fostered inclusivity in your previous roles.
How to prepare for a job interview at Caterlink
✨Show Your Passion for Education Catering
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for the education sector and catering. Share any relevant experiences that highlight your commitment to providing quality food solutions for schools, as this aligns with Caterlink's mission.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led and motivated teams in previous roles. Caterlink values strong leadership, so be ready to discuss your approach to developing team members and building client relationships.
✨Understand Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Familiarise yourself with the KPIs mentioned in the job description, such as Health & Safety, Retention, Quality, and Finance. Be prepared to discuss how you have met or exceeded similar KPIs in your past roles.
✨Be Ready to Roll Up Your Sleeves
Caterlink appreciates hands-on managers who are willing to support their teams. Think of instances where you've taken a proactive approach to problem-solving or assisted your team during busy periods, and be ready to share those stories.
