Catering Team Leader

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Job title: Catering Team Leader
Salary: B1 £25,185 – £25,989 pro rata
Hours: 25 – 30 hours
Contract: Permanent Term Time Only

As a Catering Team Leader you’ll be eager to take forward the catering provision across Catering Leeds. This is a varied and interesting role which involves working closely with school staff and liaising with parents and children on a regular basis.

Leeds City Council is one of the largest employers in the region with over 14,000 employees. We seek to recruit and develop talented individuals who embody our council values and ambitions.

About You

• confident communicator
• demonstrate a can‑do approach
• have excellent organisation skills
• possess practical catering skills
• have a passion and a flair for detail

About The Role

At Catering Leeds, we provide a school meals service covering everything from arranging special diets to maintaining the catering equipment. We specialise in Food Education with over 25 years’ experience, focusing on customer experience and developing true partnerships for children of Leeds.

You will be responsible for the operational efficiency of the kitchen, meal preparation and day‑to‑day running of the kitchen. You will supervise a small team, ensuring required service standards are achieved and lead on the ordering of food and stock, completing all kitchen paperwork timely.

Previous catering experience is preferred. This term‑time only role requires 39 weeks of work per year, plus 3 cleaning days and 2 training days.

What We Offer You

• a competitive salary and annual leave entitlement plus statutory holidays
• membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions
• flexible working arrangements subject to service requirements
• a clear career pathway and continuing professional development opportunities
• a range of staff benefits to help you boost your wellbeing and make your money go further

How To Apply

Apply for this job online. Please complete the online application form. Read our guidance for further advice and check your information carefully before submitting.

If you have any queries or would like an informal chat about the role, please contact our dedicated recruitment team on 0113 3782323.

A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check against the Children’s or Adults’ barred list will be carried out on preferred candidates. Read our recruitment of ex‑offenders policy.

We welcome applications from everyone and actively seek a diverse range of applicants from all backgrounds and cultures. We particularly encourage applications from women, carers, veterans, LGBT+, ethnically diverse, disabled and care‑experienced people.

This role is based in the UK. Candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK prior to commencing employment. Sponsorship eligibility details can be found in the job description.

Job Purpose

To coordinate the provision of a high‑quality catering service with excellent customer service and to meet the Catering Leeds vision to be the best caterer in Leeds.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for the timely preparation and service of meals that are well‑cooked and appetising, ensuring the Catering Leeds ‘Service Standards’ are achieved.
• Provide effective leadership within a kitchen and supervise kitchen staff daily.
• Ensure cleanliness of the kitchen and servery areas.
• Carry out on‑the‑job training as directed.
• Supervise employee performance, conduct appraisals and development reviews timely.
• Encourage team development through open and honest feedback.
• Develop a competent and motivated team.
• Ensure financial targets are met regarding food cost, taking remedial action where necessary.
• Supervise staffing to meet productivity targets.
• Maintain service standards and recommended procedures.
• Assist in implementing Catering Leeds staff development policies.
• Adhere to food hygiene and HACCP standards, raw meat handling, Health & Safety and ISO 9002 quality procedures.
• Complete all appropriate documentation and returns.
• Order and control all stock on site.
• Promote the objectives of the Catering Service through a quality service.
• Comply with Leeds City Council’s Sickness Absence Policy regarding return‑to‑work interviews and documentation.
• Use initiative, welcome change and new ideas, aiming to be the best with customer service as a top priority.
• Demonstrate a positive can‑do attitude, enthusiasm and commitment to the LCC values.
• Take responsibility for personal development and undertake training as requested.

Essential Requirements

• Supervise staff, work as part of a team and organise workload/rotas.
• Communicate effectively in person and on the telephone.
• Work under pressure; meet deadlines and targets.
• Plan and work within financial targets.
• Prepare and produce meals to contract specifications.
• Communicate with staff and children.
• Knowledge of electrical and kitchen equipment, safety procedures and kitchen procedures.
• Knowledge of Health and Hygiene Regulations and Health & Safety.
• Experience working within a catering organisation.
• Perform physical duties such as bending, lifting and carrying.
• Possess a satisfactory DBS certificate.
• Adaptable to working in other establishments; willing to work school holidays if required.
• Abide by the Council’s Equal Opportunities Policy.
• Understand the needs of customers; attend refresher training and CIC training as required.

Desirable Requirements

• Hold a recognised catering qualification.
• Knowledge of clerical procedures and documentation.
• Experience of administration and accurate record‑keeping.
• Experience of ordering and controlling stock and food costings.
• Knowledge of ISO 9000 quality standard.

Seniority level

• Mid‑Senior level

Employment type

• Other

Job function

• Management and Manufacturing
• Government Administration

Relocation and in‑local relocation support may be available.