At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic kitchen team and create delicious meals for students.
- Company: Join Ferndown Upper School's vibrant in-house catering service.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, flexible hours, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive community with great career growth potential.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact on students' daily lives through food.
- 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: Dynamic School Kitchen Leader in Ferndown 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: Dynamic School Kitchen Leader in Ferndown
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school and its culture! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Ferndown Upper School. Understanding their values and what they offer can help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your leadership skills! As a Catering Manager, you'll need to motivate your team. Think of examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led a team or handled challenges. This will help you shine during the interview!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your food safety knowledge! Make sure you're up to date with food hygiene regulations and be ready to discuss how you would maintain high standards in the kitchen. This is crucial for the role, so don’t hold back!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We encourage you to submit your application directly via the Ferndown Upper School website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed and shows your enthusiasm for the position!
We think you need these skills to ace Catering Manager: Dynamic School Kitchen Leader in Ferndown
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 working in a busy kitchen environment.
Highlight Your Leadership Skills:As a Catering Manager, you'll be leading a team, so make sure to showcase your leadership abilities. Include examples of how you've motivated and supported others in previous roles to create a positive work atmosphere.
Be Specific About Your Experience:Don't just list your qualifications; dive into the details! Talk about your hands-on experience in managing kitchens, ensuring food safety, and maintaining high standards. This will help us see how you fit into our dynamic school kitchen.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently, so don’t miss out on this 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 at Ferndown Upper School. Research their menu offerings and think about how you can enhance their service. Being able to discuss specific ideas for improving food presentation or hygiene standards will show that you're proactive and genuinely interested.
✨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. Think about challenges you've faced and how you resolved them, as this will demonstrate your problem-solving abilities and leadership style.
✨Understand Food Safety Regulations
Brush up on your knowledge of food safety and health regulations. Be ready to discuss how you ensure compliance in a busy kitchen environment. Mention any relevant certifications you hold, like your Level 2 Food Safety Certificate, and express your willingness to pursue further training if needed.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
During the interview, don’t just answer questions—engage with your interviewers. Ask them about their current catering challenges and how you can help address them. This shows that you’re not only thinking about your role but also about the wider team and school community.
