At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a passionate catering team to deliver delicious meals for students every day.
- Company: Join Gateshead Council, a forward-thinking organisation dedicated to community wellbeing.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, excellent pension, and health support, plus discounts and development opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible working options and a supportive environment for personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives through healthy eating and positive dining experiences.
- Qualifications: Experience in catering and strong leadership skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 27709 - 29071 £ per year.
Salary £27,709 - £29,071 pro rata to hours and term time working, actual Salary £17,878 - £19,098. Salary amounts quoted are from the 1 September to 31 August and therefore if you commence employment part way through the academic year they are subject to an equated salary adjustment.
Vacancy at St Mary's Catholic Primary School.
Who we are & what we stand for:
Do you want to help make Gateshead a place where everyone thrives? If that sounds like you, keep reading - we might be the perfect match. We’re delighted that you’re interested in working with us. You’d be joining us at a very exciting time. We pride ourselves on our ambitious and forward-thinking approach to taking care of Gateshead and its people, and we passionately believe that our employees reflect that spirit in truly enabling Gateshead to thrive.
At Gateshead Council you’d be a highly valued member of a team that recognises and respects the skills that you bring to your role, encourages creativity and passionately advocates a great work / life balance. Our actions speak louder than words, and with flexi-time and hybrid working available across many of our roles, as well as a full suite of outstanding employee benefits, we’re confident that it isn’t just the salary that attracts our staff.
Lead with passion. Serve with pride. Make every mealtime count.
You’ll be joining a dedicated, enthusiastic and hardworking catering team committed to delivering high-quality meals and a positive dining experience for children. Serving around 200–220 pupils daily, the team plays a vital role in school life—supporting healthy choices, engaging with the school community, and continuously developing the service. Collaboration, pride in standards, and a passion for customer care sit at the heart of everything the team does.
What you will get to do:
- Lead, supervise and support a small catering team to deliver a high-quality two-course mid-day meal service.
- Oversee food preparation, cooking, service, ordering, stock control, and storage within budget.
- Ensure full compliance with food safety, health & safety, and HACCP systems and standards.
- Manage kitchen and dining cleanliness to the highest standards.
- Plan staff rotas, allocate duties, and support training, development, and safe working practices.
- Monitor and manage food and labour costs effectively within set budgets.
- Work collaboratively to develop and improve the service, increasing meal uptake.
- Deliver excellent customer care and build strong relationships with pupils, parents, and school stakeholders.
- Participate in promotional activities such as parents’ evenings, events, and themed days.
- Ensure dietary, allergen, and medical requirements are handled safely and in line with policy.
- Respond to feedback, complaints, and service requests promptly and professionally.
- Contribute to menu development and continuous service improvement.
- Inspire, develop and deliver excellence in school catering.
What you will bring (Essential Criteria):
- Strong knowledge of food safety and health & safety legislation with relevant Level 2 qualifications (Food Safety, H&S, Allergen Awareness, Professional Cookery or equivalent).
- Experience delivering high-quality catering services in a similar environment, ideally within schools or large-scale catering.
- Proven ability to lead, motivate and manage a team effectively.
- Excellent communication and organisational skills with a customer-focused approach.
- Ability to manage budgets, control costs, and maintain service standards.
- Flexible, proactive approach with a commitment to continuous improvement.
- Strong teamwork skills with the ability to build positive relationships across a diverse school community.
What’s in it for you:
- Competitive Salary: We offer fair and transparent pay that reflects your skills and experience.
- Outstanding Pension Scheme: We don’t just offer a great salary – we invest in your future too.
- Learning & Development: Access a wide range of training, development, and progression opportunities to help you grow your career.
- Health & Wellbeing Support: From discounted gym memberships through our partner GLL to mental health resources, we care about your wellbeing.
- Cycle to Work Scheme: Save money and stay active with our tax-efficient cycle to work programme.
- Electric & Hybrid Car Scheme: Get behind the wheel of a brand-new electric or hybrid vehicle through our salary sacrifice car scheme in partnership with NHS Fleet Solutions – a cost-effective, environmentally friendly way to drive (after 12 months service).
- Exclusive Discounts & Salary Sacrifice: Through our VIVUP employee benefits platform, enjoy discounts on shopping, travel, and services – plus salary sacrifice options on white goods, electronics, and more, helping you spread the cost of essential purchases (after 6 months service).
Our commitment to you:
We are an equal opportunities employer and aim to have a culture and a workplace where our people feel a sense of belonging, are respected and empowered to do their best work. We know that we deliver better services when our workforce reflects the full range of backgrounds and experiences in the society we serve. We welcome applications from suitably qualified people from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.
Catering Unit Manager - St Mary's Catholic Primary School in Gateshead employer: North East Combined Authority
Northumberland County Council is an excellent employer for those seeking flexible and meaningful work opportunities within the community. As part of the Staff Bank, you will enjoy a supportive work culture that values diversity and offers training to enhance your skills, all while contributing to the maintenance of local housing. With a focus on employee growth and a commitment to equal opportunities, this role provides a unique chance to make a positive impact in the Blyth area.
Contact Details:
North East Combined Authority Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Catering Unit Manager - St Mary's Catholic Primary School in Gateshead
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like North East Combined Authority. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to North East Combined Authority
Don't be shy about reaching out to North East Combined Authority directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Catering Unit Manager - St Mary's Catholic Primary School in Gateshead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about North East Combined Authority and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at North East Combined Authority
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
