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- Tasks: Lead and manage catering services for a vibrant school community.
- Company: Join a thriving independent prep school focused on wellbeing and sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days holiday, free meals, and discounts through Perkbox!
- Why this job: Be part of a supportive environment delivering high-quality food and service.
- Qualifications: Experience in catering management and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: Located in beautiful West Sussex, with opportunities for career development.
The predicted salary is between 43000 - 52000 £ per year.
Location: West Sussex, England (between Crawley, Horsham, and Haywards Heath).
Salary: £50-52,000 per annum + benefits!
Benefits:
- £50-£52,000 salary
- 28 days holiday, including bank holidays
- 3 volunteering days
- 3 days grandparent leave
- 24 weeks enhanced maternity leave
- Bespoke training and development opportunities
- Pension and life insurance
- Discounts available through Perkbox app (high street shops, holidays, cinema)
- Wellbeing hub & access to employee assistance programme
- Free meals while at work
- Career development opportunities and HIT Apprenticeships for all experience levels
A thriving co-educational independent prep school for pupils aged 2–13 is seeking an experienced General Manager to oversee its catering services. Set in a beautiful rural location within commuting distance of Crawley, Horsham, and Haywards Heath, this is a busy and varied operation providing meals for around 400 pupils and staff daily, along with regular hospitality events and school functions.
This is a fantastic opportunity to join a forward-thinking and supportive school environment, delivering high-quality food and service with a strong focus on fresh, seasonal produce and a whole-school approach to wellbeing and sustainability.
Key Responsibilities:
- Oversee the day-to-day catering service including pupil and staff meals, events, and hospitality.
- Lead, motivate, and develop the on-site catering team, ensuring consistently high standards of food and service.
- Manage budgets, ordering, stock control, and compliance with food safety and health & safety regulations.
- Collaborate with school leadership and support a positive client relationship with regular communication and planning.
Ideal Candidate:
- Experienced in managing a catering operation, ideally within the independent education or B&I sector.
- A natural leader with a passion for food, people, and service excellence.
- Financially astute, able to manage cost controls and drive efficiencies.
- Strong interpersonal and organisational skills, with a flexible and proactive approach.
- A full driving licence and access to a vehicle are essential due to the rural location of the school.
General Manager employer: Holroyd Howe
Contact Detail:
Holroyd Howe Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land General Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of the school environment. Research the school's values and mission, especially their focus on wellbeing and sustainability, to demonstrate your alignment with their goals during any discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the education and catering sectors. Attend local events or join relevant online forums to connect with individuals who may have insights into the role or the school, which can give you an edge in understanding their expectations.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you've successfully motivated teams in previous roles. Be ready to share specific examples that highlight your ability to maintain high standards in food service and team performance.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your financial acumen by being prepared to discuss budget management and cost control strategies. Think of examples where you've implemented efficiencies in catering operations, as this will resonate well with the hiring team.
We think you need these skills to ace General Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in managing catering operations, especially within the education sector. Use specific examples to demonstrate your leadership skills and financial acumen.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for food and service excellence. Mention how your values align with the school's focus on wellbeing and sustainability, and express your enthusiasm for the role.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, emphasise your interpersonal and organisational skills. Provide examples of how you've successfully led teams and managed budgets in previous roles.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Holroyd Howe
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a General Manager, you'll need to lead and motivate your team. Be prepared to discuss your leadership style and provide examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past. Highlight any specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to inspire and develop others.
✨Demonstrate Financial Acumen
Since managing budgets and cost controls is crucial for this role, be ready to talk about your experience with financial management. Bring examples of how you've effectively managed budgets in previous positions and any strategies you've implemented to drive efficiencies.
✨Emphasise Your Passion for Food and Service
This position requires a genuine passion for food and service excellence. Share your thoughts on current food trends, sustainability practices, and how you ensure high-quality service. This will show your enthusiasm for the role and align with the school's focus on wellbeing.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle challenges in a catering environment. Think about potential situations you might face, such as managing a busy event or dealing with dietary restrictions, and prepare your responses accordingly.
