At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop catering teams across multiple school sites, ensuring high-quality meals.
- Company: Join a supportive Multi Academy Trust focused on healthy eating and student welfare.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, training days, and the chance to make a difference.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth and community impact.
- Why this job: Inspire excellence in school kitchens while promoting nutritious meals for children.
- Qualifications: Experience in catering leadership and a passion for healthy food.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
This role is for 37 hours a week, 40 weeks per year (term time plus 5 training days, plus 5 days in the holidays). Are you enthusiastic, reliable, and enjoy working as part of a team? We are looking for a catering manager in the south, to work alongside our catering manager in the north to join our central team. This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys overseeing busy kitchen environments, takes pride in providing healthy and nutritious meals, and leads by example.
We are looking for a Regional Catering Manager to lead and develop our catering service across our South hub schools. Under the leadership of the Director of Operations, you will oversee kitchen teams, support menu planning and production, and drive a consistently high-quality, great-value service that champions healthy eating and minimises waste. You will travel between sites, building relationships and inspiring excellence.
Responsibilities:
- Lead, support and develop kitchen teams across multiple school sites.
- Work with Principals and School Business Managers to plan menus that are compliant, nutritious and popular.
- Improve systems and standards across kitchens (including ordering, auditing and reducing food waste).
- Ensure excellent food hygiene, health & safety and allergy management across all sites.
- Monitor suppliers and reporting to ensure value for money.
- Cover when necessary to ensure continuity of service.
If you are an experienced catering leader who is passionate about delivering great food for children and building strong kitchen teams, we would love to hear from you. For an informal conversation please contact Lynsey Cook, Director of Operations at lcook@vennacademy.org.
Equal Opportunities & Safeguarding:
Our Multi Academy Trust is a group of inspirational and aspirational mainstream and specialist schools in Yorkshire whose main objective is to ensure that all pupils make exceptional progress through the development of outstanding staff. Venn Academy Trust is committed to achieving fairness and equality in employment and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. Our Trust is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and expects all staff to share this commitment. An enhanced DBS check is required for all successful applicants. Online searches will be carried out as part of Venn Academy Trust’s recruitment due diligence for all shortlisted candidates, in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education.
Catering Manager (South) employer: Adwick Primary School
Venn Academy Trust is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and professional growth of its staff, offering a supportive work culture where teamwork and collaboration thrive. As a Catering Manager in the South, you will enjoy the opportunity to lead passionate kitchen teams across multiple schools, ensuring the delivery of nutritious meals while benefiting from ongoing training and development. With a strong commitment to safeguarding and equality, Venn Academy Trust fosters an inclusive environment that values every employee's contribution to the success of our pupils.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Catering Manager (South)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the catering industry, especially those who work in schools or similar environments. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that might not even be advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you have the chance, organise a small event or a tasting session to showcase your menu planning and food preparation abilities. This hands-on approach can really impress potential employers and give them a taste of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to pop up. Reach out directly to schools or organisations you’re interested in working for. Express your enthusiasm for their catering services and ask if they have any upcoming opportunities.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got a streamlined application process that makes it easy for you to get your foot in the door. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and helps us keep track of your application.
We think you need these skills to ace Catering Manager (South)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Catering:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for catering shine through! Share your experiences and what drives you to provide healthy and nutritious meals. We want to see that you genuinely care about the food you serve and the teams you lead.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of a Regional Catering Manager. Mention specific examples of how you've improved kitchen systems or led teams in the past. This helps us see how you'd fit into our team!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to understand your qualifications and experiences.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do – just follow the prompts and you’ll be on your way!
How to prepare for a job interview at Adwick Primary School
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Make sure you’re familiar with the types of meals that are popular in school catering. Research healthy and nutritious options that align with the role's focus on great food for children. Being able to discuss menu planning confidently will show your passion and expertise.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led kitchen teams in the past. Think about specific challenges you faced and how you inspired your team to overcome them. This will demonstrate your ability to lead and develop others, which is key for this role.
✨Understand Food Hygiene and Safety Standards
Brush up on food hygiene regulations and health & safety practices relevant to school kitchens. Be ready to discuss how you ensure compliance and manage allergies effectively. This knowledge will highlight your commitment to maintaining high standards across all sites.
✨Build Relationships with Stakeholders
Think about how you would engage with Principals and School Business Managers. Prepare to discuss strategies for building strong relationships and collaborating on menu planning. Showing that you can communicate effectively with various stakeholders will set you apart.
