At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a busy kitchen, preparing and serving delicious meals for students.
- Company: Join Ferndown Upper School's vibrant catering team.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, competitive pay, training opportunities, and health support.
- Other info: Great career growth and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a difference in students' lives through quality food and service.
- Qualifications: Experience in catering and a Level 2 Food Safety Certificate required.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 31800 £ per year.
1 Year Fixed Term Contract to Start September 2026
37 hours per week, Monday to Friday. Hours can be flexible and will be discussed at interview.
Grade 7 SCP 8-14 – £13.90 to £15.31 per hour. Term Time only plus 5 Staff Training Days.
Ferndown Upper School operates an in-house catering service for over 1,000 students with provision at breakfast, mid-morning break and lunch time. We are looking to recruit a Catering Manager on a 1 year fixed term contract to run our busy kitchen and lead the catering team. The successful applicant will be a natural leader with good communication skills to motivate the team in providing an exceptional and outstanding service to students and staff.
You will have responsibility for managing the school’s kitchen including the preparation, cooking and service of freshly cooked food ensuring the highest levels of food hygiene and health and safety are maintained. You will be highly organised and have good leadership and administrative skills.
Key responsibilities to include:
- Support the day-to-day running of the catering service, ensuring high standards of cleanliness, food presentation and customer service within the café and kitchen areas.
- Supervise and support the catering team to ensure a consistent and friendly service is provided to students, staff, and visitors.
- Assist with staff induction, training and ongoing development where required.
- Ensure compliance with Food Safety, Environmental Health and Health & Safety procedures and guidelines.
- Assist with monitoring budgets, controlling costs and maintaining accurate catering records and generating reports.
- Monitor stock levels, support ordering processes and help minimise wastage.
- Maintain positive working relationships with suppliers and support value-for-money purchasing.
- Support the School Business Manager in delivering hospitality and catering services across the school.
The successful candidate will have experience working within a busy catering or kitchen environment and be confident supporting the day-to-day running of a catering service. You will hold a Level 2 Food Safety Certificate, with a Level 3 qualification desirable. Training and support towards achieving Level 3 will be provided if required.
What Ferndown Can Offer You:
- CPD opportunities and training and development programmes.
- Eligibility to join the Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Access to health and wellbeing support.
- Private Healthcare Cash Back Plan including 24/7 access to a GP by phone, gym discounts, cashback for optical, dental and other appointment expenses.
- Access to staff benefits and discounts portal through Dorset Council.
This school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be required to have an Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service check (formerly CRB) in line with the Governments safer recruitment guidelines.
Ferndown Upper School values the diversity of our workforce and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. This role is UK based and your Right to Work will need to be established as part of the appointment process.
Catering Manager / Cook – Job Vacancy employer: Ferndown Upper School
Ferndown Upper School is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and professional development of its staff. With a supportive work culture, flexible hours, and access to comprehensive training programmes, employees are encouraged to grow and thrive in their roles. The school also offers valuable benefits such as participation in the Local Government Pension Scheme and health and wellbeing support, making it a rewarding place to work for those passionate about nurturing young minds through quality catering services.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Catering Manager / Cook – Job Vacancy
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Research Ferndown Upper School and its catering service. Understanding their values and what they offer can help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former staff on LinkedIn or other platforms. They can provide insider tips about the school culture and what the hiring team is really looking for.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to leadership, food safety, and team management. Role-play with a friend to boost your confidence and refine your answers.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and keen to be part of our team at Ferndown Upper School.
We think you need these skills to ace Catering Manager / Cook – Job Vacancy
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Catering:When writing your application, let your love for food and catering shine through! Share any experiences that highlight your enthusiasm for providing great service and delicious meals.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to match the job description. Highlight your leadership skills and experience in a busy kitchen environment, as these are key for the Catering Manager role.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and structure your thoughts well so we can easily see how you fit the role and what you bring to the table.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ferndown Upper School
✨Know Your Kitchen Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with the kitchen operations and catering services at Ferndown Upper School. Research their menu offerings and think about how you can contribute to enhancing their service. This will show your genuine interest and help you stand out.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Catering Manager, you'll need to lead a team effectively. Prepare examples of how you've motivated and trained staff in previous roles. Be ready to discuss your approach to managing a busy kitchen and how you ensure high standards of food hygiene and safety.
✨Be Ready for Practical Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and creativity in the kitchen. Think about scenarios where you had to adapt menus or manage stock levels under pressure. Practising these responses will help you feel more confident during the interview.
✨Understand Food Safety Regulations
Since compliance with food safety and health regulations is crucial, brush up on your knowledge of these guidelines. Be prepared to discuss your qualifications, like your Level 2 Food Safety Certificate, and any experience you have in maintaining hygiene standards in a school environment.
