Catering Manager

We currently have an exciting opportunity for a Catering Manager to join our fantastic team at Chorlton High School. The position is permanent, working 35 hours per week, Monday – Friday, 7:00 am – 2:30 pm, term time only plus 5 INSET days. The starting salary is £24,998 per annum (full‑time equivalent £29,064, Grade 5).

We are looking for an experienced and confident people leader to manage one of the Trust’s largest school catering operations. This role is about much more than delivering excellent food. You will lead and inspire a busy kitchen team of approximately 20 catering staff, ensuring high standards of service, performance and compliance while creating a positive and collaborative working environment.

The successful candidate will have substantial experience of managing staff in a fast‑paced catering environment and be able to demonstrate excellent leadership, communication and organisational skills. You will be comfortable motivating others, managing performance, supporting staff development and dealing confidently with attendance, recruitment and day‑to‑day people management matters.

Alongside your leadership responsibilities, you will oversee the daily operation of the school kitchen, ensuring that high standards of food quality, hygiene and customer service are consistently maintained. You will hold, or be working towards, NVQ Level 2 in Food Preparation and Cooking (or equivalent) and possess a sound understanding of food safety legislation, allergen management and health and safety requirements. As an integral part of the role, you will also be responsible for financial administration and must be confident using IT systems. You should have good working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications and experience of maintaining accurate electronic records, completing payroll returns and producing financial and operational reports. A strong customer focus is essential. We are looking for someone who is approachable, professional and able to communicate effectively with colleagues, students, senior leaders and external partners.

Main purpose of the job

Reporting to the Head of Catering and working closely with school leaders and colleagues across the Trust, you will be responsible for the safe, effective and efficient operation of all aspects of the catering service. You will have full line management responsibility for the catering team, ensuring high standards of performance, compliance and customer service while promoting an inclusive and supportive culture.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead, manage and develop a catering team of approximately 20 staff, including recruitment, induction, training, attendance management and performance management.
• Deliver a high‑quality, cost‑effective catering service in line with Service Level Agreements, contractual requirements and relevant legislation.
• Ensure compliance with food hygiene, health and safety and COSHH regulations at all times.
• Follow pre‑planned menus to meet nutritional standards, legislative requirements and customer needs.
• Complete cash reconciliation, payroll returns and financial administration in accordance with Trust procedures.
• Maintain accurate electronic records and use Microsoft Office systems confidently to support operational and administrative requirements.
• Drive excellent customer service across the catering provision and respond professionally to the needs of the school community.
• Support service development by participating in new initiatives, menu trials and continuous improvement activities.

Applicants must have:

• NVQ Level 2 in Food Preparation and Cooking (or be working towards the qualification).
• Significant operational experience within a professional catering environment.
• Proven experience of leading and managing a large team, with the ability to motivate, develop and hold staff accountable.
• Excellent verbal communication and interpersonal skills, with the confidence to build positive relationships at all levels.
• Good IT skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office and experience of maintaining electronic records and completing administrative returns.
• Strong understanding of food safety legislation, allergen management and health and safety requirements.
• The ability to work under pressure, prioritise competing demands and manage a busy catering operation effectively.
• Applicants must have the right to work in the UK; we do not sponsor visa applications.

Equality Statement

Prospere Learning Trust values diversity and welcomes applications from all candidates, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marital status, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation.

Safeguarding Commitment

All schools within the Trust are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment.