Catering Manager in Bath

We are seeking an experienced, hands-on Catering Manager to lead the strategic direction, day-to-day delivery and continuous development of our catering provision across the School. You will oversee multiple kitchens and catering outlets, ensuring consistently high standards of food quality, customer service, hygiene and compliance, while delivering a nutritious, attractive and cost-effective offering for pupils, staff and visitors.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the catering team, including recruitment, induction, training, appraisal and performance management, creating a positive and inclusive working culture.
• Oversee catering operations across all sites, ensuring consistent quality, service and customer care for pupils, staff and visitors.
• Manage allergens and dietary requirements, ensuring safe and sensitive provision for all dietary needs.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, hygiene, allergen and health & safety legislation, maintaining strong standards of cleanliness, record-keeping and inspection readiness.
• Manage budgets and procurement, monitoring food costs, stock, waste and supplier performance to achieve best value and efficiency.
• Deliver core catering services including daily lunches, breakfast provision, sports teas/matchday catering, buffets, working lunches, refreshments and hospitality for formal events & functions.
• Develop and improve the catering offering, driving innovation and continuous service improvement in line with the School’s ethos and community.
• Lead menu planning ensuring meals are appealing, nutritious, balanced and age-appropriate, reflecting current food trends and pupil wellbeing.
• Support sustainability through practical initiatives such as waste reduction and responsible sourcing, where appropriate.
• Maintain a hands-on presence within the catering operation, including cooking alongside the team when required, covering absence and supporting busy services.
• Work collaboratively with pupils, staff and stakeholders to gather feedback and continuously improve the catering service.

Skills, Knowledge & Expertise

• Professional catering qualifications, including Level 3 Professional Cookery (City & Guilds or equivalent), Food Safety & Hygiene Level 3, HACCP Level 2, GCSE English and Mathematics (A*-C/9-4) or equivalent.
• Strategic catering leadership experience (minimum 2 years) within a medium/large catering establishment.
• Confident communication skills, able to build positive relationships with pupils, staff, contractors and stakeholders.
• IT proficiency (e.g. Word and Excel) and confidence with record-keeping and reporting.
• Personal qualities: calm under pressure, proactive, adaptable and flexible, approachable and professional, with a positive attitude to training and development.
• Desirable: experience of working in an education setting.

Benefits

• Free refreshments, fruit and a 3-course lunch during term time.
• Employee assistance packages – AIG SmartHealth and L&G Sparks.
• Recently refurbished gym on-site and access to gym membership offer for the University of Bath.
• Generous and competitive school fee remission.
• Tax-efficient Cycle to Work Scheme.
• Pilates classes & running club.
• Support towards prescription glasses and eye tests.
• If applicable, mandatory enrollment into the King Edward’s School, Bath Group Personal Pension Plan with an employer’s contribution of 6% of salary, matched by a 2% employee contribution.