At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead teams to deliver 90,000 meals daily while ensuring high standards and compliance.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking organisation focused on quality catering in schools.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Be part of a Disability Confident employer committed to inclusivity.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives through quality food and service.
- Qualifications: Experience in catering management and strong people skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
We are looking for a people‑focused leader who will work closely with school stakeholders and internal teams. You will drive continuous improvement and uphold Food for Life Catering Mark standards while supporting teams delivering roughly 90,000 meals every day across accredited UK sites.
Responsibilities
- Ensure full compliance with Health & Safety, food safety, audits, risk assessments, and Special Diet policies
- Maintain high standards of food quality, service, presentation and menu compliance
- Build strong relationships with schools and stakeholders through regular site visits and engagement
- Ensure safeguarding requirements and training are understood and followed at all sites
- Lead, recruit, train, and develop teams in line with ISS people and HR policies
- Deliver financial targets including meal uptake, labour, stock control and budgets
- Monitor customer satisfaction and implement initiatives to drive engagement and uptake
- Lead and embed change, sharing best practice and supporting continuous improvement
Qualifications
- Experience managing catering or service sites, ideally within an education or regulated environment
- Strong knowledge of Health & Safety, food safety, audits, risk assessments and special diet compliance
- Demonstrated ability to maintain high food quality, service standards and menu compliance
- Confident people manager with experience of recruitment, training, performance management and payroll oversight
- Strong financial awareness, with experience managing budgets, labour, stock control and meal uptake targets
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build effective client relationships
- Understanding of safeguarding requirements and the importance of compliance within school environments
- Ability to lead and embed change, promoting continuous improvement and best practice
We are a Disability Confident employer and will offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer.
Area Manager in Wakefield employer: ISS
As an Area Manager with us, you will join a dynamic and supportive work culture that prioritises people and continuous improvement. We offer comprehensive training and development opportunities to help you grow in your career while ensuring you play a vital role in delivering high-quality meals to schools across the UK. Our commitment to health and safety, alongside our status as a Disability Confident employer, makes us an excellent choice for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Area Manager in Wakefield
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education and catering sectors. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Show up and shine! Attend industry events or local meet-ups related to catering and education. It’s a great way to meet potential employers and showcase your passion for food quality and service.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job openings; approach schools directly. Share how you can help them improve their meal services and compliance with Food for Life Catering Mark standards.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining us. Tailor your application to highlight your experience in managing catering sites and building strong relationships with stakeholders.
We think you need these skills to ace Area Manager in Wakefield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Area Manager role. Highlight your experience in managing catering or service sites, especially in education, and don’t forget to mention your knowledge of Health & Safety and food safety standards.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to showcase your people management skills and how you’ve successfully built relationships with stakeholders in the past. Be sure to mention your commitment to continuous improvement and how you can drive engagement.
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your previous roles, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to meet financial targets and improve customer satisfaction. Numbers speak volumes, so if you’ve increased meal uptake or managed budgets effectively, let us know!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s super easy, and you’ll be able to submit all your documents in one go. Plus, we love seeing applications come through our own platform!
How to prepare for a job interview at ISS
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Health & Safety, food safety, and compliance standards. Familiarise yourself with the Food for Life Catering Mark and be ready to discuss how you would uphold these standards in your role.
✨Showcase Your People Skills
As a people-focused leader, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to build relationships. Prepare examples of how you've engaged with stakeholders or led teams in the past. Think about specific situations where your communication skills made a difference.
✨Be Financially Savvy
Since you'll be responsible for financial targets, come prepared to discuss your experience with budgets, stock control, and meal uptake. Have some numbers ready to showcase your past successes in managing finances effectively.
✨Embrace Change
Highlight your experience in leading change and continuous improvement initiatives. Be ready to share examples of how you've implemented best practices in previous roles and how you plan to do the same in this position.
