At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a vibrant catering team to serve over 800 nutritious meals daily.
- Company: Join Fernwood School, a diverse and inclusive community focused on student wellbeing.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, professional development, and wellness support.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team with strong staff retention and social events.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives through healthy eating.
- Qualifications: Experience in catering management and a passion for nutritious food.
The predicted salary is between 29880 - 36520 £ per year.
Are you a passionate catering professional who wants to make a real difference to young people's lives every day? Fernwood School is seeking an experienced and enthusiastic Catering Manager to lead our busy catering operation, serving over 800 nutritious meals daily to our community of 1,536 pupils aged 11-16. This is more than just a catering role; you'll be at the heart of our school community, promoting healthy eating, supporting pupil wellbeing, and leading a dedicated team of 10 catering staff to deliver an exceptional food service. The successful candidate will work Monday to Friday 7.00am - 3.00pm.
What You'll Be Doing:
- Leading our catering service - managing all aspects from menu planning to service delivery.
- Creating innovative, nutritious menus that comply with School Food Standards and meet diverse dietary needs.
- Managing a committed team - supervising, developing and motivating an Assistant Catering Manager and 9 Kitchen Assistants.
- Ensuring excellence in food safety - maintaining the highest standards of hygiene and allergen management.
- Driving sustainability - sourcing local, seasonal ingredients and minimising food waste in line with our Environment and Sustainability Policy.
- Managing the budget - ensuring financial efficiency while delivering quality and value.
- Building relationships - engaging with pupils, staff, and parents to continuously improve our service.
Who we are looking for:
We are looking for an experienced and organised catering professional who is passionate about providing high-quality, nutritious meals for pupils. The successful candidate will have strong leadership skills, a sound understanding of food safety and allergen management, and the ability to manage a busy catering operation efficiently. Above all, they will be committed to maintaining high standards, promoting healthy eating, and delivering an excellent dining experience for our school community.
About The Fernwood School:
Following a recent expansion from 1000 to 1500 pupils, with staffing growing to over 200 colleagues across teaching and support roles, we continue to strengthen our infrastructure to support both pupils and staff to succeed. We are an oversubscribed and popular 11-16 school within Nottingham City and had over 800 applications for our 300 places this year. We are a proudly diverse school and have children with heritage from all corners of the world. We celebrate our different cultures through our curriculum and special events like ‘Culture Day’ and ‘Diversity Week’ and have our own EDI (Equity Diversity and Inclusion working party) made up of parents, staff and our EDI student ambassadors. We welcome applications from people who will embrace the diversity of our school community.
In our annual staff survey, the most common response to what staff value most about working at Fernwood was ‘being part of a welcoming staff body who look out for and support each other’. The vast majority of staff would recommend working here to a friend, and all staff agreed that children are ‘happy’ and ‘safe’ at Fernwood. Our unique culture and ethos mean we have strong staff retention statistics and a stable team of staff. We are a popular employer to potential applicants and have a strong track record of attracting and retaining high-quality staff. We value and prioritise our staff and have a comprehensive programme of support, both in terms of professional development and personal support.
All staff have access to our comprehensive EAP (Employee Assistance Programme) which includes benefits like free physiotherapy appointments, telephone GP access, counselling and financial advice to name a few. We have several staff social groups including an LGBTQ+ group, a theatre group, and staff yoga. We also have several staff social events each year. We are part of the ‘cycle to work’ scheme and provide staff with free flu jabs and eye tests and a voucher for purchasing glasses for staff using display screens. We are an open school and are always keen to work with other organisations and networks as we believe in community and sharing support and expertise. We are currently supporting another local secondary school through the RISE (DfE) programme and have strong working relationships with both of our local universities too. We are an ambitious school and are continually developing and improving our provision and approaches to ensure we can provide our children with the best education possible.
By joining our School, we can offer you:
- Professional Development & Excellence: An ethos of ‘High Achievement with Care and Discipline for All’, Excellent CPD Opportunities, An Outstanding Ofsted Judgement, A strong Progress 8 score, Leading Edge Status.
- Wellbeing & Support: Mental health and wellbeing services such as access to a 24/7 confidential employee assistance programme, Healthcare schemes such as Specsavers Eyecare vouchers for DSE users, Cycle to Work Scheme.
- Financial Benefits: Incremental Pay Progression, Generous Occupational Pension Scheme, Blue Light Card.
The Fernwood School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. Therefore, this post requires an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check. An online search will be undertaken on all shortlisted candidates. This search does not form part of the shortlisting process, and you will have the opportunity to discuss any issues of concern that may arise from this search at the interview.
Equality Statement: Fernwood School is a richly diverse and inclusive community where equality, respect and belonging are at the heart of our values. We are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of our students and wider community, and we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, identities and experiences. We value the different perspectives, skills and qualities that staff bring to our school and are committed to providing an inclusive working environment where everyone is supported to thrive and succeed.
Catering Manager in Nottingham employer: Fernwood School
Fernwood School in Nottinghamshire is an exceptional employer that prioritises the professional development of its staff while fostering a supportive and inclusive work culture. With a focus on personalised education for students with special educational needs, employees benefit from collaborative teamwork, ongoing training opportunities, and a commitment to making a meaningful impact in the lives of young learners. Join us to be part of a dedicated community that values innovation and compassion in education.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Catering Manager in Nottingham
✨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 Fernwood School. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Fernwood School
Don't be shy about reaching out to Fernwood School 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 Catering Manager in Nottingham
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 Fernwood School 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 Fernwood School
✨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!
