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- Tasks: Lead and manage catering operations, ensuring high-quality meals and hygiene standards across schools.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking Multi Academy Trust focused on student wellbeing and community.
- Benefits: Generous annual leave, local government pension, sick pay, and employee discounts.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and collaboration across multiple sites.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives through nutritious meals and positive dining experiences.
- Qualifications: Experience in large-scale catering, strong leadership skills, and knowledge of food safety regulations.
The predicted salary is between 38220 - 41771 £ per year.
The Midsomer Norton Schools’ Partnership is seeking an experienced and passionate Catering Operations Manager to support the delivery of high-quality, nutritious school meals across our schools. This is an exciting opportunity to join a forward-thinking Multi Academy Trust that places children, wellbeing and community at the heart of everything we do.
The role sits within a wider Trust catering structure led by the Head of Catering, who has overall strategic responsibility for catering across the Trust. Working closely with the Head of Catering, you will help across our schools, ensuring excellent food quality, strong hygiene standards and a positive dining experience for pupils and staff alike. The role is based across Bath, Midsomer Norton and Radstock, with regular travel between Trust schools. You will work alongside another Catering Operations Manager who supports our South Somerset schools, forming part of a collaborative and supportive catering leadership team under the direction of the Head of Catering.
As Catering Operations Manager, you will support the Head of Catering in developing and delivering high-quality catering operations across the Trust’s schools. You will work directly with kitchen teams to ensure menus are delivered to a consistently high standard, staff are well trained and supported, and all kitchens maintain excellent food safety and hygiene practices. This is a varied, hands-on role that combines operational management, training, compliance, business development and staff leadership.
Key responsibilities include:
- Supporting the Head of Catering in the development and delivery of nutritious and cost-effective menus across Trust schools
- Training and supporting kitchen teams in food preparation, presentation and portion control
- Preparing recipe specifications and supporting menu consistency
- Monitoring HACCP and COSHH compliance across all kitchens
- Supporting the development of hospitality and function catering for internal and external events
- Providing operational kitchen cover where required, including occasional working as a chef to support school kitchens during periods of staff absence or operational need
- Helping to maintain high culinary standards and excellent customer service across all schools
- Deputising for the Head of Catering when required
What We’re Looking For
We are looking for a motivated and experienced catering professional who can build strong relationships, lead by example and support teams across multiple sites. The successful candidate will have:
- Experience in a commercial or large-scale catering environment
- Strong leadership and team management skills
- Excellent knowledge of food hygiene, health and safety and HACCP procedures
- Experience delivering high-quality catering services in a customer-focused environment
- Good organisational and communication skills
- A flexible and proactive approach
- A full driving licence and access to their own vehicle
Qualifications such as Food Safety Level 3, catering NVQs or equivalent professional catering qualifications would be advantageous.
There are many advantages to working for us. Included in your actual annual salary is a generous annual leave entitlement, which should be taken during school holiday periods, access to a local government pension scheme, sick pay scheme, cycle-to-work scheme, free eye tests and an employee assistance helpline. Support staff in schools can also benefit from a range of national discount schemes available to education professionals, such as the Blue Light Card, offering savings on shopping, travel and leisure.
We encourage early applications as we reserve the right to close the vacancy prior to the closing date if we receive sufficient applications for the role.
Catering Operations Manager in Radstock employer: Midsomer Norton Schools Partnership
Contact Detail:
Midsomer Norton Schools Partnership Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Catering Operations Manager in Radstock
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the catering industry, especially those who might know someone at Midsomer Norton Schools’ Partnership. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to insider info or even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the Trust’s values and recent initiatives. Show us how your experience aligns with their mission of delivering high-quality meals and supporting student wellbeing. We love candidates who are genuinely passionate about what we do!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, but keep it natural. We want to see your personality shine through! Think about examples from your past roles that demonstrate your leadership and team management skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression. It shows us you’re enthusiastic about the role and appreciate the opportunity to chat with the team.
We think you need these skills to ace Catering Operations Manager in Radstock
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience that match the Catering Operations Manager role. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant qualifications, like Food Safety Level 3, to show us you’re the right fit!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about providing high-quality school meals and how your experience aligns with our mission at Midsomer Norton Schools’ Partnership.
Showcase Your Team Management Skills: We want to see how you lead and support teams! Share examples of how you've trained kitchen staff or improved food safety standards in your previous roles. This will help us understand your hands-on approach.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Midsomer Norton Schools Partnership
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of food hygiene, health and safety, and HACCP procedures. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're serious about maintaining high standards in the kitchens.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in a catering environment. Think about times when you’ve trained staff or improved kitchen operations, as this will demonstrate your ability to manage and inspire others.
✨Understand the Trust's Values
Familiarise yourself with the Midsomer Norton Schools’ Partnership’s mission and values. Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with their commitment to student wellbeing and community focus during the interview.
✨Be Ready for Practical Scenarios
Since the role involves hands-on work, be prepared for practical questions or scenarios. You might be asked how you would handle a specific kitchen challenge or improve menu consistency, so think through your responses ahead of time.