School Catering Manager in Reading

School Catering Manager in Reading

Reading Full-Time 30000 - 40000 € / year (est.) No home office possible
Chartwells Independent

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a team to create delicious meals and ensure top-notch service in schools.
  • Company: Join Chartwells, a leader in educational catering with a focus on health and nutrition.
  • Benefits: Part-time hours, career progression, and a supportive work environment.
  • Other info: Embrace diversity and grow your career in a dynamic, inclusive workplace.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives through exceptional food experiences.
  • Qualifications: Catering experience, team management skills, and a passion for great food.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.

We're recruiting an experienced Catering Manager who is passionate about exceptional food and world-class customer service, and who can confidently oversee all Compass Group UK&I catering and service operations for Chartwells on a part time basis, contracted to 30 hours per week. As a Catering Manager, you will be responsible for ensuring our kitchens and service counters run smoothly and helping to deliver truly incredible food experiences. In return, you'll have the opportunity to progress your catering career with a company that invests in its people, celebrates individuality, and rewards and recognises employees who go beyond the plate.

Here's what you need to know before applying:

  • Your key responsibilities will include:
    • Preparing delicious food to the highest standards
    • Supervising our culinary and catering teams to ensure we continue to deliver impeccable food and customer service
    • Overseeing the efficiency of all in-unit catering operations, including managing inventories, monitoring budgets, and implementing action plans
    • Communicating regularly with your line manager to monitor KPIs and targets
    • Representing Compass Group UK&I and maintaining a positive brand image
    • Identifying opportunities for new food or service concepts to drive sales
    • Liaising between customers and our culinary and service teams to ensure we continue to exceed expectations
    • Supporting and training our teams, leading from the front to make sure everyone can excel in their role
    • Implementing and reviewing Health & Safety standards to ensure compliance across all catering and service teams.

Our ideal Catering Manager will:

  • Be passionate about great-tasting food and exceptional customer service
  • Have a minimum of two years of catering experience
  • Have experience managing teams in a similar role
  • Hold an NVQ Level 1 & 2 or City & Guilds 706/1 and 2
  • Hold a Basic Food Hygiene certificate
  • Demonstrate brilliant financial acumen
  • Have excellent communication and organisational skills
  • Be an ambitious and motivated individual who is always looking to upskill

Chartwells is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all employees to share this commitment. Any offer of employment will be subject to successfully completing pre-employment checks, including an enhanced DBS disclosure and a Children's Barred List check. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and we ask applicants to declare all previous convictions and cautions in order to assess their suitability to work with children.

School Catering Manager in Reading employer: Chartwells Independent

At Chartwells, part of Compass Group UK&I, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values individuality and invests in the growth of our employees. As a Catering Manager, you'll enjoy a supportive work culture that encourages career progression, offers flexible part-time hours, and recognises your contributions to delivering outstanding food experiences in the education sector. Join us in making a meaningful impact while enjoying the benefits of working in a diverse and inclusive environment.

Chartwells Independent

Contact Detail:

Chartwells Independent Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land School Catering Manager in Reading

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the catering industry, especially those who work at Chartwells or similar companies. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings and even recommendations.

Tip Number 2

Show off your passion for food! When you get the chance to meet potential employers, whether at a job fair or an informal coffee, talk about your love for creating exceptional dining experiences. Let your enthusiasm shine through!

Tip Number 3

Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to catering management. Think about how you’d handle team dynamics, budget management, and customer service scenarios. We want you to feel confident and ready to impress!

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.

We think you need these skills to ace School Catering Manager in Reading

Catering Management
Team Leadership
Customer Service
Food Preparation
Inventory Management
Budget Monitoring
Health & Safety Compliance

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for Food:When writing your application, let your love for great-tasting food shine through! Share any experiences that highlight your culinary skills and how you’ve delivered exceptional customer service in the past.

Highlight Your Experience:Make sure to detail your catering experience, especially any roles where you managed teams. We want to see how you've led others and ensured smooth operations in previous positions.

Be Clear and Organised:Your application should be as organised as your kitchen! Use clear headings and bullet points to make it easy for us to read. This shows off your excellent communication skills right from the start.

Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity with Chartwells.

How to prepare for a job interview at Chartwells Independent

Know Your Menu

Before the interview, familiarise yourself with Chartwells' menu offerings and any recent changes or innovations. Being able to discuss specific dishes and how they align with customer preferences will show your passion for great-tasting food.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills

Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past. Highlight your experience in training and supporting staff, as well as how you’ve led by example to ensure exceptional service and food quality.

Understand Financial Acumen

Brush up on your knowledge of budgeting and inventory management. Be ready to discuss how you've previously monitored costs and implemented action plans to improve efficiency, as this is crucial for the role.

Emphasise Customer Service

Think of specific instances where you went above and beyond to exceed customer expectations. This will demonstrate your commitment to exceptional service, which is a key aspect of the Catering Manager role at Chartwells.