Catering Manager at Chigwell Primary Academy

Catering Manager at Chigwell Primary Academy

Chigwell Full-Time 31500 - 38500 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a busy school kitchen, preparing nutritious meals and supervising staff.
  • Company: Chigwell Primary Academy, part of the REAch2 Academy Trust.
  • Benefits: Term-time only work, professional development, and well-being support.
  • Other info: Join a supportive community focused on innovation and collaboration.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives through healthy, delicious food.
  • Qualifications: Experience in catering and a Level 2 or 3 Food Hygiene certificate required.

The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.

About this Role

A fantastic opportunity has arisen for a Catering Manager at Chigwell Primary Academy .

*Previous applicants need not apply*

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and enthusiastic Catering Manager to lead the day-to-day running of our busy school kitchen.

You will be responsible for preparing tasty, nutritious meals for our students and staff, ensuring high standards of food quality, hygiene, and safety at all times.

This is a hands‑on role that involves cooking, serving, supervising kitchen staff, ordering supplies, and keeping the kitchen clean, organised, and compliant with food safety regulations.

Key Responsibilities

  • Prepare, cook and serve meals in line with school menus and nutritional standards.
  • Supervise and support kitchen staff, ensuring a smooth meal service.
  • Order and manage food supplies and stock levels within budget.
  • Maintain excellent hygiene, cleanliness, and food safety standards.
  • Keep accurate records for compliance and inspections.

About You

  • Experienced in catering or food preparation (school or similar setting preferred).
  • Qualified in Food Hygiene (Level 2 or 3 certificate required).
  • Organised, reliable, and able to lead a small team.
  • Passionate about providing healthy, appealing food for students.

Our children deserve the best and as a Catering Manager at Chigwell Primary Academy you will be a part of our innovative approach to school catering - REAch2EAT.

You will have a passion for cooking and providing high quality meals using fresh, local produce as well as delivering exceptional service to our children.

Food served in school forms a part of our healthy school's ethos, and exceptional nutrition supports our drive for exceptional opportunities for learning.

The successful applicant can expect to work as part of a committed school team as well as a wider support network of our REAch2EAT Catering Team.

  • We can offer you
  • A friendly supportive school environment
  • Term‑time only working (school holidays off).
  • Opportunities for training and professional development.

• A role that makes a real difference every day!

  • A firm commitment to you and your professional development

Why Work with REAch2 Academy Trust?

  • Excellence & Development: We prioritise high standards and offer extensive professional development and career growth opportunities.
  • Supportive & Collaborative: Be part of a strong, collaborative community of over 60 schools where every voice is valued, and best practices are shared.
  • Well-being Focus: We promote a healthy work‑life balance and offer robust well‑being support for all staff.
  • Diversity & Inclusion: We celebrate diversity and believe that varied perspectives strengthen our schools.
  • Innovation & Impact: Bring creativity to the classroom and make a real difference in children's lives.
  • Making a difference: Working with REAch2 means contributing to something bigger than yourself.

You'll be helping to shape the lives of young learners, making a meaningful impact on communities and future generations.

Join us to grow your career, collaborate with passionate educators, and make a lasting impact on future generations.

Benefits

  • Generous Annual Leave: healthy work‑life balance.
  • Professional Development: Access diverse CPD and training opportunities to grow your skills.
  • Flexible & Family-Friendly: We are committed to supporting flexible working and requests will be considered on an individual basis, including options such as part time, term‑time, home working, and other options that work for both the employee and the Trust.
  • Exclusive Discounts: Benefit from Blue Light Card offers and employee perks.
  • Well-being Support: Receive comprehensive well‑being and employee assistance for you and your family.

Join REAch2 for a rewarding career with great benefits!

Safeguarding, Safer Recruitment and Data Protection

At REAch2 we recognise that those who work in an academy are in a unique position in their care of children.

The responsibility for all staff to safeguard pupils and promote their welfare, as stated in Section 175 of the Education Act (2002) is one that is central to our ethos, our policies and our actions.

All children are deserving of the highest levels of care and safeguarding, regardless of their individual characteristics or circumstances, and we are committed to applying our policies to ensure effective levels of safeguarding and care is afforded to all our pupils.

We will seek to recruit the best applicant for the job based on the abilities, qualifications, experience as measured against the job description and person specification.

The recruitment and selection of staff will be conducted in a professional, timely and responsive manner and in compliance with current employment legislation, and relevant safeguarding legislation and statutory guidance.

An enhanced DBS disclosure will be requested for all successful candidates, including a Children's Barred List check if the role meets the criteria for regulated activity.

All information is stored securely, and any information supplied by unsuccessful candidates will be destroyed through a confidential waste system six months after the decision has been communicated, in accordance with our information and records retention policy.

The Trust ensures all applicant data is stored and processed appropriately.

For further details on how your information will be managed during the recruitment process please refer to our Privacy Notice for Job Applications.

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Catering Manager at Chigwell Primary Academy employer: Green Park Village Primary Academy

At REAch2 Academy Trust, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment where every team member is valued. As a cleaner at White Meadows Primary Academy, you'll enjoy generous annual leave, flexible working options, and extensive professional development opportunities, all while making a meaningful impact on the lives of our students. Join us to be part of a diverse community dedicated to excellence and the well-being of both staff and children.

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Contact Details:

Green Park Village Primary Academy Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Catering Manager at Chigwell Primary Academy

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 Green Park Village Primary Academy. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!

Reach Out Directly to Green Park Village Primary Academy

Don't be shy about reaching out to Green Park Village Primary Academy 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 at Chigwell Primary Academy

Catering Management
Food Preparation
Food Hygiene (Level 2 or 3 certificate)
Team Leadership
Meal Planning
Nutritional Standards Compliance
Stock Management

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 Green Park Village Primary Academy 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 Green Park Village Primary Academy

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!