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- Tasks: Lead and innovate the catering service, ensuring high-quality meals for our school community.
- Company: Join Epping St John Academy, a forward-thinking school in Essex.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous pension contributions, private healthcare, and lifestyle discounts.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' dining experiences while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in catering management and a passion for nutritious food.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive Trust focused on outstanding education and personal growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are seeking a dynamic, adaptable, and confident leader to oversee and develop the catering service at Epping St John Academy based in Epping, Essex. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in delivering high-quality, nutritious, and modern food offerings to our school community.
You will be responsible for the overall management of school catering operations, including the preparation and presentation of food in line with statutory regulations, Trust standards, and food safety legislation. Responsibilities include:
- Overseeing menu planning, stock control, ordering, and budget management, ensuring efficient use of resources and compliance with cost controls.
- Leading catering staff to deliver high-quality, portion-controlled meals following standardised recipes, while ensuring timely service for meals, breaks, and events.
- Implementing healthy, balanced menus, adapting offerings based on feedback and cost, and organising themed or special catering functions as required.
- Maintaining strong supplier relationships and ensuring all catering activity meets academy and Trust requirements.
At Epping St John Academy, we are proud to be among the first schools in the country to implement an innovative self-service till system, alongside a pre-ordering platform for our sixth form students and staff. We are looking for someone who can build on this forward-thinking approach and continue to enhance the overall dining experience.
The school is conveniently located near a Central Line train station, with excellent local bus links and on-site parking available.
BMAT is a thriving community of schools, committed to providing an outstanding education for every student attending one of our schools. We create environments where individuals matter, confidence flourishes, and every child can achieve exceptional outcomes. We currently oversee seven secondary academies and five primary academies, primarily located in Harlow, with additional sites in Newham and Stansted. The Trust’s vision is clear - to work together to smash through the barriers that prevent children from becoming confident, high-achieving, and independent individuals.
BMAT provides a range of benefits to support your personal and professional well-being:
- Generous employer pension contribution through Teachers Pensions or Local Government Pension Scheme
- Private healthcare benefits, including 24/7 Doctorline access
- Home and electronic salary sacrifice scheme
- Cycle to work
- Discounted Gym membership through salary sacrifice
- Lifestyle and discount savings
- Workplace nursery fee salary sacrifice scheme via Yellownest
- 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) for wellbeing support
BMAT Education is committed to safeguarding children; successful candidates will be subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check. In line with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) guidance, we may also conduct an online search about any shortlisted candidates as part of our due diligence to identify any matters that might relate directly to our legal duty to meet safeguarding duties.
Catering ManagerEDV/2026/ESJCES/20967 employer: BMAT
Contact Detail:
BMAT Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Catering ManagerEDV/2026/ESJCES/20967
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the catering and education sectors. Attend local events or workshops where you can meet people who might know about job openings at Epping St John Academy or similar places.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you have the chance, prepare a sample menu or a mini presentation on how you would enhance the dining experience at the academy. This will demonstrate your creativity and commitment to high-quality service.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings. Reach out directly to the academy or BMAT Trust to express your interest. A friendly email or call can make you stand out from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team and contributing to the innovative approach at Epping St John Academy.
We think you need these skills to ace Catering ManagerEDV/2026/ESJCES/20967
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Catering: Let us see your enthusiasm for food and catering! Share any relevant experiences or projects that highlight your love for creating nutritious and delicious meals. This will help us understand why you're the perfect fit for our school community.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Catering Manager role. Highlight your experience in menu planning, budget management, and leading a team, so we can see how you align with our vision at Epping St John Academy.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and structure your thoughts logically. This will make it easier for us to read and understand your qualifications and ideas.
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 directly and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at BMAT
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with current food trends and dietary requirements. Research the types of meals that are popular in school catering and think about how you can implement healthy, balanced menus that cater to diverse needs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience in leading teams and managing staff. Think of specific examples where you’ve successfully motivated a team or improved service delivery. This will demonstrate your ability to lead the catering staff effectively.
✨Understand Budget Management
Brush up on your knowledge of budget management and cost control. Be ready to explain how you’ve previously managed budgets in catering operations and how you plan to ensure efficient use of resources while maintaining high-quality service.
✨Engage with the School Community
Think about how you can enhance the dining experience for students and staff. Prepare ideas for themed events or special catering functions that could engage the school community and show your commitment to their needs.