At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the catering team to deliver nutritious meals and maintain high food quality standards.
- Company: Join GORSE, a trust dedicated to transforming education for underprivileged students.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, pension scheme, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive network focused on excellence and community impact.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives by providing healthy and appealing meals.
- Qualifications: Experience in catering, strong leadership skills, and knowledge of food safety regulations.
The predicted salary is between 26846 - 27274 £ per year.
Required to start: September 2026
Salary: B2 (SCP 6-7) £26,846 - £27,274
Actual Salary: £21,842 - £22,190
Hours: 35 hours per week, term time only + 1 working week
We are seeking an enthusiastic, organised and dedicated Catering Manager to lead our in-house catering service at Hillcrest Academy. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in delivering a high-quality, nutritious and welcoming dining experience for our students, staff and visitors. As Catering Manager, you will oversee the daily operation of the academy kitchen and dining facilities, ensuring excellent standards of food quality, hygiene, food safety and customer service.
Working closely with the Trust Catering Manager, you will lead and support the catering team, manage food production and service, monitor budgets and stock, and ensure compliance with all relevant legislation and trust policies. You will also promote healthy eating and help create an environment where students can enjoy safe, nutritious and appealing meals each day.
This role would suit an experienced catering professional with strong organisational and leadership skills who is passionate about delivering an outstanding catering service within an educational setting.
What We Are Looking For
- Experience working within a busy catering or kitchen environment.
- Experience managing food preparation and service.
- Knowledge of food safety regulations, hygiene standards and HACCP principles.
- Strong organisational and time management skills.
- The ability to lead, motivate and develop a small team.
- Experience of stock control, ordering and budget monitoring.
- Good communication and customer service skills.
- A commitment to maintaining the highest standards of food hygiene, safety and cleanliness.
- A positive, reliable and flexible approach to work.
- Level 2 Food Safety or Food Hygiene Certificate and willingness to achieve Level 3 if not already held.
- Experience within a school or education setting is desirable.
What We Offer
- Membership of a local government pension scheme.
- A commitment to continued investment in our professionals, supporting every member of staff throughout their career in the trust.
- Access to an Employee Assistance Programme which provides confidential professional advice and support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- £2k Cycle to work scheme.
We are committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to full employment checks, including an enhanced DBS disclosure and barring service check. We promote diversity and aim to establish a workforce that reflects the population of Leeds. Employment is conditional on confirmation of the right to work in the UK - either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement scheme or having secured any other relevant work visa.
GORSE - Catering Manager in Leeds employer: City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council
City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation meets community service. With a strong focus on employee development and collaboration across various departments, you will have the opportunity to lead transformative projects that directly impact the local community. The council promotes a culture of inclusivity and continuous improvement, ensuring that every team member can thrive and contribute meaningfully to the organisation's goals.
Contact Details:
City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land GORSE - Catering Manager in Leeds
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council
Don't be shy about reaching out to City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace GORSE - Catering Manager in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
