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- Tasks: Lead a team to provide high-quality catering services in schools.
- Company: Join Leeds City Council, a major employer with over 14,000 staff.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, flexible hours, and career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a difference in children's lives while working in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Previous catering experience and strong communication skills are essential.
- Other info: This role is term-time only, with additional training and cleaning days.
The predicted salary is between 24404 - 25183 £ per year.
Salary: £24,404 - £25,183 pro rata
Hours: 25 – 30 hours
Contract: Permanent
As a Catering Team Leader, you’ll be eager to take forward the catering provision across Catering Leeds. This is a varied role involving working closely with school staff and liaising with parents and children.
About You
- Confident communicator
- Demonstrate a can-do approach
- Have excellent organisation skills
- Possess practical catering skills
- Have a passion and a flair for detail
About The Role
At Catering Leeds, we aim high. We provide a school meals service covering special diets, maintaining catering equipment, and more. You will oversee kitchen operations, supervise a small team, manage stock ordering, and ensure paperwork is completed timely. Previous catering experience is preferred. This is a term-time only role, working 39 weeks per year, plus 3 cleaning days and 2 training days.
What We Offer You
- Competitive salary and leave entitlement
- Membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund
- Flexible working arrangements
- Career development opportunities
- Staff benefits for wellbeing and financial support
How To Apply
Apply online via the application form. Review our guidance and ensure all sections are completed. For queries or informal chats, contact our recruitment team at 0113 3782323. We are committed to safeguarding children, young people, and vulnerable adults. A DBS check will be required.
Job Purpose
Coordinate a high-quality catering service with excellent customer service, aligning with the vision to be Leeds’ best caterer.
Responsibilities
- Ensure meals are well cooked, appetising, and standards are met
- Provide leadership and supervision in the kitchen
- Maintain kitchen cleanliness
- Train staff and conduct performance reviews
- Develop team skills and motivation
- Meet financial targets related to food costs
- Manage staffing levels and productivity
- Ensure food hygiene and safety standards are maintained
- Complete necessary documentation and stock control
- Promote the catering service’s objectives
- Adhere to council policies on health, safety, and equality
The role may include additional duties as organizational needs evolve.
Essential Requirements
- Staff supervision and team organization skills
- Effective communication
- Ability to work under pressure and meet targets
- Financial planning skills
- Meal preparation to contract specifications
- Knowledge of kitchen safety and hygiene regulations
- Experience in catering organisation
- Physical ability for duties like lifting and bending
- Satisfactory DBS clearance
- Flexibility to work in schools during holidays if required
- Commitment to equality and diversity policies
Behavioural & Other Characteristics
- Alignment with Leeds City Council values
- Commitment to continuous improvement
- Understanding of equality and diversity policies
- Participation in training and development
- Flexibility and adaptability
- Ability to uphold policies on health and safety, equality, and anti-discrimination
Desirable Requirements
- Recognized catering qualification
- Experience with administrative procedures and record-keeping
- Stock and food costing knowledge
- Understanding of ISO 9000 standards
Catering Team Leader employer: Leeds City Council
Contact Detail:
Leeds City Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Catering Team Leader
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Leeds City Council's values and mission. During your interactions, whether in interviews or informal chats, demonstrate how your personal values align with theirs, especially regarding community service and inclusivity.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your leadership skills by preparing examples of how you've successfully managed a team in a catering environment. Be ready to discuss specific challenges you faced and how you motivated your team to achieve their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Highlight your practical catering experience by discussing any relevant roles you've held. Be prepared to talk about your knowledge of food hygiene regulations and how you've implemented these standards in previous positions.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your organisational skills, particularly in managing stock and ensuring financial targets are met. Think of examples where you've successfully balanced quality service with cost efficiency in a catering setting.
We think you need these skills to ace Catering Team Leader
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Catering Team Leader position. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with what Leeds City Council is looking for.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Emphasise any previous catering experience you have, especially in staff supervision and kitchen management. Use specific examples to demonstrate your ability to lead a team and maintain high standards in food preparation and hygiene.
Showcase Your Skills: Make sure to showcase your communication skills, organisation abilities, and passion for catering. Mention any relevant qualifications or training that support your application, particularly those related to food safety and hygiene.
Follow Application Instructions: When applying, ensure you complete all sections of the online application form as instructed. Double-check for any specific requirements mentioned in the job posting, such as documentation or additional information needed.
How to prepare for a job interview at Leeds City Council
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Catering Team Leader, effective communication is key. Be prepared to discuss how you've successfully communicated with staff, parents, and children in previous roles. Use specific examples to demonstrate your confidence and clarity.
✨Highlight Your Organisational Abilities
This role requires excellent organisation skills. Share instances where you've managed kitchen operations or supervised a team effectively. Discuss how you prioritise tasks and ensure that everything runs smoothly, especially under pressure.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Catering
Express your enthusiasm for catering and food education. Talk about any relevant experiences that showcase your flair for detail and commitment to providing high-quality meals. This will help convey your alignment with the council's vision.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and how you handle challenges in a kitchen environment. Think of scenarios where you've had to manage stock, maintain hygiene standards, or train staff, and be ready to discuss your approach.
