At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead engaging programmes to enhance school dining experiences and promote healthy eating.
- Company: Join Holroyd Howe, a top UK contract caterer focused on independent schools.
- Benefits: Enjoy pro-rata holiday, free meals, discounts, and bespoke training opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for creativity and career growth in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives through food education and engagement.
- Qualifications: Experience in marketing and pupil engagement; passion for food and nutrition essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
Location: London Region - 3 Locations within South London
Contract Type: Term-time only – 35 working weeks (175 days)
Why Join Us
- Pro-rata holiday allowance
- 3 volunteering days to give back to causes you care about
- 3 days grandparent leave for those special family moments
- 24 weeks enhanced maternity leave
- Bespoke training & development opportunities
- Pension & life insurance
- Discounts on high street brands, cinema & holidays via the Perkbox App
- Wellbeing hub & access to employee assistance programme
- Free meals while at work
- Career development & HIT Apprenticeships for all experience levels
About the Role
We are seeking a dynamic and strategic Catering Engagement Manager to play a key role in enhancing the school’s catering experience across both the prep and senior sites. Working closely with our management team and the school’s leadership, you will design and deliver a comprehensive added-value engagement programme for our key stakeholders, principally pupils and parents, but also staff, visitors, and our wider community. You will understand the importance of school meals in children’s lives and be motivated by the opportunity to make a meaningful difference. Alongside excellent communication and relationship-building skills, you will be digitally minded, with a strong grasp of current trends and digital engagement techniques. This role combines engagement, communication, and hospitality, helping to ensure our food offer is meaningful, inclusive, and aligned with pupil needs. Your work will help ensure pupils leave school understanding that healthy, sustainable eating is as essential as core learning and as enjoyable as the many extracurricular activities on offer.
You will be joining Holroyd Howe, one of the UK’s leading contract caterers, providing fresh and innovative food services solely to independent schools and colleges. We are a team of experienced professionals who tailor our catering provision specifically to suit children of all ages and meet the bespoke requirements of each school. Our mission is simple: we invest in our people, equipping them with the skills they need to succeed. Our exceptional teams of seasoned specialists customise our catering services to fit children of all ages and deliver a truly personalised experience to every client.
Key Responsibilities
- Act as the key liaison between pupils, staff, and the catering team, ensuring pupil voice and feedback actively shape the dining offer
- Develop and lead a structured programme of engagement through pupil food councils, themed events, and wellbeing campaigns
- Champion a welcoming, hospitality-focused dining environment that reflects the school’s ethos and premium standards
- Expand engagement from one-off activities to an ongoing strategic programme
- Lead engagement activities to promote healthy eating and wellbeing across both prep and senior schools
- Collect and analyse feedback through surveys, meetings, and suggestion boxes to inform menu development
- Prepare and format menus for display, digital platforms, and termly publications
- Assist in developing hospitality and fine dining menus for school events, open days, and external functions
- Support the organisation of sports and parent teas, ensuring menus, presentation, and service meet school expectations
- Ensure all allergen and dietary information is accurate and clearly communicated across all catering areas
- Collaborate with the school’s communication and marketing teams to highlight catering achievements/initiatives plus promote catering as part of the wider school experience and reputation
- Provide input on dining-room aesthetics, signage, digital content, and service style to maintain a consistently high-quality impression
- Monitor pupil participation, satisfaction, and food waste, identifying trends and areas for improvement
- Prepare brief termly summaries of engagement initiatives and outcomes
- Contribute creative ideas and innovations to enhance the dining experience each term
Qualifications
- Experience in marketing, pupil engagement, and enrichment – Essential
- Ideally, experience working within education catering
- Up-to-date knowledge of current food trends
- A genuine passion for food, nutrition, and exceptional customer service
- Strong understanding of Food, Health & Safety standards
- Exceptional time management and organisational skills
- Excellent verbal communication and interpersonal abilities
- Confident in social media management and digital marketing, with the ability to create engaging content and drive stakeholder engagement
Additional Information
- People first: We’re a company of individuals, united in doing our best for our clients.
- Great food, always: Using only the best ingredients, our food is fresh, authentic and tailored to each school, age group, and specific needs and preferences.
- Food education: We educate pupils through food, encouraging them to understand and develop their own personal tastes and make informed food choices.
- Respect in everything we do: Our respectful codes of conduct inform how we behave towards our clients and customers, suppliers and business partners, and each other.
- Fresh thinking: New ideas for food, service and ways of working help us maintain our position as creative leaders in school catering.
In order to be considered for this role you must be able to demonstrate that you have the Right to Work in the UK. Holroyd Howe is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all employees to share this commitment. All roles within Holroyd Howe involve regulated activity. It is a criminal offence for individuals barred from working with children to apply for such roles. An Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, including a Barred List check will be required for all successful applicants. Shortlisted applicants will be asked to provide information about relevant criminal offences and will be subject to an online search of publicly available information. This search helps identify any issues that may affect suitability to work with children. This appointment is offered on the return of satisfactory professional references.
Catering Engagement Manager employer: Holroyd Howe
At Holroyd Howe, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and development. As the Head Chef at CFBL in London, you will enjoy generous benefits such as 28 days of holiday, bespoke training opportunities, and free meals while working, all within a vibrant environment dedicated to creating outstanding culinary experiences for our pupils. Join us to be part of a passionate team that values your contributions and fosters career growth through tailored development paths.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Catering Engagement Manager
✨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 Holroyd Howe. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Holroyd Howe
Don't be shy about reaching out to Holroyd Howe 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 Engagement Manager
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 Holroyd Howe 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 Holroyd Howe
✨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!
