Catering Manager in Watford

Catering Manager in Watford

Watford Full-Time 40000 - 40000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead food preparation and ensure high standards for meals at Heath Mount School.
  • Company: Join Holroyd Howe, a top UK contract caterer focused on schools.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 28 days holiday, free meals, and discounts on brands you love.
  • Why this job: Make a difference in students' lives through innovative and nutritious dining experiences.
  • Qualifications: Culinary qualification and experience in catering management preferred.
  • Other info: Be part of a supportive team with great career development opportunities.

The predicted salary is between 40000 - 40000 £ per year.

This range is provided by Holroyd Howe. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range: £40,000pa

Location: Heath Mount School, Woodhall Park, Watton At Stone, Hertford SG14 3NG

Contract Type: 52 week contract

Why Join us?

  • 28 days holiday (including bank holidays)
  • 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 looking for a committed and enthusiastic Catering Manager to join the team at Heath Mount School. You’ll support food preparation, help maintain high standards, and play a vital role in the delivery of daily meals and special events. You will be joining Holroyd Howe, one of the UK’s leading contract caterers, providing fresh innovative food services solely to independent schools and colleges.

Job Description:

  • Oversee food preparation and meal service for the prep school and nursery
  • Ensure high standards of food quality, hygiene, and health and safety are maintained
  • Plan and develop menus that meet the needs of students and staff
  • Manage stock control and order supplies as needed
  • Control food budgets and ensure cost-effective operations
  • Ensure meals are nutritious, balanced, and cater to dietary requirements
  • Monitor and maintain kitchen cleanliness and organisation
  • Maintain a positive, collaborative working environment within the kitchen team

Qualifications:

  • Level 3 Culinary Qualification (or equivalent)
  • Proven experience in catering management or similar senior chef role, ideally in a school or large-scale catering environment
  • Strong understanding of menu planning and nutritional requirements for young people
  • Excellent knowledge of stock management and cost control
  • Familiarity with food safety and hygiene regulations, including HACCP
  • Ability to lead, motivate, and develop a team
  • Excellent communication skills and ability to work well with students, staff, and suppliers
  • A passion for food and creating innovative, delicious dining experiences
  • First Aid and Food Hygiene Level 3 certification (desirable but not essential)

Additional Information:

We pride ourselves on:

  • 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 Manager in Watford employer: Holroyd Howe

Holroyd Howe is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and dynamic work environment at Heath Mount School. With a strong focus on employee development through bespoke training opportunities, generous benefits including 28 days of holiday, and a commitment to wellbeing, we ensure our team members thrive both personally and professionally. Join us in creating innovative dining experiences for students while enjoying a collaborative culture that values respect and fresh thinking.
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Contact Detail:

Holroyd Howe Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Catering Manager in Watford

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the catering industry, especially those who might know about openings at Holroyd Howe. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised!

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company culture and values. Holroyd Howe is all about fresh thinking and respect, so think of examples from your past experiences that showcase these qualities.

✨Tip Number 3

Show off your culinary creativity! If you get the chance, bring along a sample menu or ideas for innovative dishes that cater to young people’s tastes. This will demonstrate your passion and understanding of the role.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Holroyd Howe team!

We think you need these skills to ace Catering Manager in Watford

Culinary Skills
Catering Management
Menu Planning
Nutritional Knowledge
Stock Management
Cost Control
Food Safety Regulations
HACCP
Team Leadership
Communication Skills
Health and Safety Standards
Food Hygiene Certification
Creativity in Food Preparation
Collaboration Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for Food: When writing your application, let your love for food shine through! Share any experiences that highlight your creativity in menu planning and how you cater to different dietary needs. We want to see your enthusiasm for creating delicious dining experiences!

Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to detail your previous roles in catering management or similar positions. We’re looking for someone with a strong background, so don’t hold back on showcasing your skills in stock management, budgeting, and team leadership!

Keep It Professional Yet Personal: While we appreciate professionalism, we also want to get to know the real you! Use a friendly tone and share personal anecdotes that reflect your journey in the catering world. This helps us see how you’d fit into our team culture.

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it reaches us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company there. We can’t wait to hear from you!

How to prepare for a job interview at Holroyd Howe

✨Know Your Menu Inside Out

Before the interview, take some time to research and think about menu planning. Be ready to discuss how you would create nutritious and balanced meals that cater to students' dietary needs. Show your passion for food and how you can innovate within the role.

✨Demonstrate Your Leadership Skills

As a Catering Manager, you'll need to lead a team effectively. Prepare examples of how you've motivated and developed teams in the past. Think about specific challenges you've faced and how you overcame them to maintain a positive working environment.

✨Showcase Your Knowledge of Food Safety

Familiarise yourself with food safety regulations and best practices, including HACCP. Be prepared to discuss how you ensure high standards of hygiene and safety in the kitchen. This will show that you take the responsibility of managing a kitchen seriously.

✨Ask Thoughtful Questions

At the end of the interview, have a few questions ready to ask about the company culture, training opportunities, or how they approach food education. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.

Catering Manager in Watford
Holroyd Howe
Location: Watford

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