At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage daily kitchen operations and create nutritious menus for students.
- Company: Join Park House School, a vibrant community focused on student success.
- Benefits: Enjoy professional development, pension scheme, gym discounts, and more.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team in a thriving educational environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives through healthy, delicious meals.
- Qualifications: Experience in catering management and a passion for great food.
The predicted salary is between 29700 - 36300 £ per year.
Do you believe healthy food helps children thrive? A healthy, enjoyable lunchtime experience is an important part of every school day, giving pupils the energy they need to learn, grow and thrive. As a Catering Manager at Park House School, you'll play a key role in preparing and serving nutritious meals, maintaining high food hygiene standards and creating a positive dining environment where every pupil feels welcome.
About the Role
You'll oversee the day to day operations of the brand new kitchen facility, to provide new, distinctive and nutritionally balanced menus. You'll track food costs and sales trends, monitoring of the budget for the kitchen to ensure financial targets are met. You will manage the Catering Assistants, developing a strong and effective team to support the smooth running of the kitchen, provide a welcoming service to pupils and staff, and create a positive and healthy dining experience. This is a rewarding opportunity for someone who takes pride in delivering excellent customer service and is passionate about providing high quality school meals in a friendly and supportive environment.
Key aspects of the role include:
- Responsibility for the day to day management and running of the Catering Department
- Ensuring compliance with all statutory requirements in respect of hygiene, health & safety, finance, school policies, procedures and regulations, and Catering Services Codes of Practice
- Empowering the Catering Team to produce and deliver food to a high standard
- Meeting all financial targets set by the Regional Catering Manager
We're Looking For Someone Who:
- Has a passion for delivering great food and attention to detail, ensuring that every dish leaves the diner satisfied
- Displays a creative and confident approach to cooking
- Has proven team management experience
- Has experience in successfully managing the financial operation of a Catering Department
About Park House School
At Park House School, we have built our ethos on a strong set of core values which underpin everything that we do - Work Hard, Be Kind, Take responsibility. Our aim is to give students at Park House School a better chance of success than if they attended any other school in the country. We are based in Newbury in Berkshire which in itself is in a beautiful area of the country and provides good access to Oxford and London. The area we serve is diverse, and therefore our catchment and students offer a range of expectations and challenges, being able to drive ambitions is key. Our ambition for our students to have the best chance of success is central to our drive and vision. This is best evidenced by our incredible results in the summer exams of 2023 and 2024. Whilst the nation's results plummeted back to pre-pandemic levels, Park House has had two years of significant improvements and in 2024 attained their best results ever at both GCSE and A-Level. Furthermore, the school has attained the highest grades at both GCSE and A-Level in West Berkshire. Progress 8 is again well above the national average this year at +0.6. Working hard, Being Kind, and Taking responsibility underpin the standards that all staff and students work to meet every day, and run through all aspects of school life.
Why Join Greenshaw Learning Trust?
At Greenshaw Learning Trust, collaboration sits at the heart of everything we do. As part of our family of schools, you'll benefit from shared expertise, high-quality professional development and opportunities to grow your career across the Trust. We offer our staff:
- Professional development and career progression
- Generous pension scheme
- Blue Light Card
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Gym discounts
- Free eye tests
- Cycle to work scheme
- Being part of a supportive and ambitious organisation
The closing date for receipt of applications is Thursday 27th August 2026. We reserve the right to appoint before the closing date. We are committed to building an inclusive, diverse workplace where everyone can thrive. If you require any support or adjustments to interact with us, please let us know. Greenshaw Learning Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
Catering Manager in Newbury employer: Park House School
At Park House School, we pride ourselves on fostering a supportive and collaborative work environment where our staff can thrive. As a Catering Manager, you'll not only play a vital role in enhancing the lunchtime experience for our pupils but also benefit from professional development opportunities, a generous pension scheme, and a strong commitment to employee well-being. Located in the beautiful area of Newbury, you will be part of a team dedicated to delivering high-quality meals while contributing to the success of our diverse student body.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Catering Manager in Newbury
✨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 Park House School. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Park House School
Don't be shy about reaching out to Park House School 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 Manager in Newbury
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 Park House School 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 Park House School
✨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!
