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- Tasks: Lead a dynamic kitchen team, ensuring top-notch food quality and service.
- Company: Join Prospere Learning Trust, a forward-thinking organisation dedicated to inclusive education.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous holidays, and health perks like Bupa and mental health support.
- Why this job: Be part of a new school that empowers students with significant learning difficulties in a nurturing environment.
- Qualifications: NVQ Level 2 in Food Preparation and Cooking or equivalent experience required.
- Other info: Work across various sites until the new school opens in October 2025.
The predicted salary is between 17992 - 24404 £ per year.
Overview
We currently have an exciting opportunity for a Cook Manager to join our fantastic team at Chorlton High School. This is a permanent post working 35 hours per week, term time only plus 5 INSET days. The starting salary is £24,998 per annum and the full time equivalent is £29,064, Grade 5.
Role and Requirements
Were Looking For A suitably qualified Cook Manager to join our dedicated school catering team. You will hold or be working towards an NVQ Level 2 in Food Preparation and Cooking (or equivalent), and have experience working in a professional catering environment where quality, safety, and attention to detail are paramount.
You will be responsible for overseeing the daily running of the school kitchen, ensuring that high standards of food quality and service are maintained, while supporting the Trust Catering Support Managers in supervising the team. Your role will also involve aspects of human resource management, including training and development, managing attendance, and completing payroll returns.
A strong customer focus is essential, we are looking for someone who is courteous, professional, and responsive to the needs of the school community.
Main Purpose Of The Job
Reporting to the School Operations Manager and the Head of Catering, you will work closely with the catering team and lunchtime organisers to ensure the safe, effective, and efficient operation of all aspects of the catering service.
Key Responsibilities
- Deliver a high-quality, cost-effective catering service in line with Service Level Agreements (SLAs), contracts, and legal requirements
- Follow pre-planned menus to ensure compliance with nutritional standards, legislative requirements, and customer needs
- Maintain accurate and efficient financial administration, in accordance with Prospere Trust financial regulations (or equivalent)
- Provide a customer-focused service that is responsive and professional
- Support the Catering Manager in leading and managing the catering team, ensuring equality, inclusivity, and accessibility in service delivery
- Promote high standards of food hygiene, health and safety, and cleanliness in all aspects of kitchen operation
- Contribute to training, development, and performance management of kitchen staff
Applicants Must Have
- NVQ Level 2 in Food Preparation and Cooking (or working towards)
- Operational experience in a catering environment, ideally within education or public service
- Excellent leadership and team supervision skills
- Strong understanding of food safety regulations and allergen management
- Good communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage competing priorities
How To Apply
Please follow the online application process to be considered. Interviews are scheduled to take place in person on 6th February 2026. To find out more about the full responsibilities of the role and/or to ensure you meet the essential criteria, please review the attached job description.
All school staff are expected to share the Trusts commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Specific safeguarding responsibilities are detailed in the attached job description.
About Chorlton High School
Chorlton High School (CHS) is a diverse and innovative secondary academy committed to providing outstanding education. We are a mixed, multi-cultural, and multi-faith community with strong links to local primary schools, sixth form providers, further education colleges, and businesses. Our Students Thrive On An Exciting Learning Journey Underpinned By Academic Rigour And Creative Flair. Driven By Our Core Values, Our Dedicated Staff Ensure Creativity, Happiness, And Success Are Central To Every Students Experience. We Aim To Develop
- SUCCESSFUL learners with foundations for lifelong success.
- CREATIVE learners who are imaginative risk-takers.
- HAPPY learners whose confidence comes from within.
CHS is recognised locally and nationally for educational excellence. Our ambitious and cutting-edge practices provide exemplary learning opportunities. Our Ofsted reports (2011, 2016, 2021) highlight many Outstanding features and our focus on nurturing and inspiring students; Pupils enjoy coming to school because it is a caring and supportive environment where they flourish. Leaders and teachers collaborate across the Prospere Learning Trust to bring about purposeful, evidence-based change. Ofsted 2021
Visit our website to learn more: Chorlton High School.
Job Application Information
Please apply using the online application form; incomplete applications may not be considered. CVs are not accepted. Early applications are encouraged, and we reserve the right to close the vacancy early. As per Keeping Children Safe in Education, we conduct online searches on shortlisted candidates to identify any relevant issues for interview discussion. Shortlisted candidates will be required to submit a self-disclosure declaration, declaring any relevant convictions, adult cautions or other matters which may affect your suitability to work with children. Information will be provided on where to seek guidance on whether certain offences are now protected and should not be disclosed within the self-disclosure form. Under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 all positions within the School are exempt. Therefore, we are entitled to carry out Enhanced Disclosure checks for all staff and volunteers. It is an offence to apply for the role if the applicant is barred from engaging in regulated activity relating to children. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK; we do not sponsor visa applications. If youve lived or worked outside the UK in the last five years, additional information will be required. Job offers are contingent on satisfactory pre-employment checks, including references.
Safeguarding Commitment
All schools within the Trust are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment.
Equality Statement
Prospere Learning Trust values diversity and welcomes applications from all candidates, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marital status, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation.
For application support please contact us on 0161 527 7953 or email LNKD1_UKTJ
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Cook Manager employer: Prospere Learning Trust
Contact Detail:
Prospere Learning Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Cook Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific dietary needs and preferences of students with Significant Learning Difficulties (SLD) and/or Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties (PMLD). Understanding these requirements will help you demonstrate your commitment to providing a customer-focused service during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight any previous experience in managing a catering team, especially in educational settings. Be prepared to discuss how you've successfully trained and developed staff, as this is a key responsibility of the Cook Manager role.
✨Tip Number 3
Research Prospere Learning Trust and its values thoroughly. Be ready to explain how your personal values align with their commitment to inclusion, excellence, and collaboration, which will show that you're a great cultural fit for the team.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare examples of how you've adhered to food safety regulations and managed financial administration in previous roles. This will demonstrate your operational experience and attention to detail, both of which are crucial for the Cook Manager position.
We think you need these skills to ace Cook Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and qualifications required for the Cook Manager position. Highlight key skills and experiences that align with what Prospere Learning Trust is looking for.
Tailor Your Application: Customise your application to reflect your relevant experience in catering management, food preparation, and team supervision. Use specific examples from your past roles to demonstrate how you meet the essential criteria outlined in the job description.
Highlight Qualifications: Make sure to clearly mention your qualifications, especially if you hold or are working towards NVQ Level 2 in Food Preparation and Cooking. This is a key requirement for the role, so emphasise it prominently in your application.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A well-presented application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for a role that requires high standards of food quality and service.
How to prepare for a job interview at Prospere Learning Trust
✨Know Your Qualifications
Make sure you can confidently discuss your NVQ Level 2 Food Preparation and Cooking or any equivalent qualifications. Be prepared to explain how your operational experience aligns with the high standards expected in a catering facility.
✨Understand the Role
Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities of a Cook Manager, such as managing a quality catering service and adhering to pre-planned menus. This will help you demonstrate your understanding of the role during the interview.
✨Showcase Team Management Skills
Be ready to discuss your experience in managing teams, including training and development. Highlight any specific examples where you've successfully led a team in a catering environment, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Emphasise Customer Focus
Prepare to share examples of how you've provided excellent customer service in previous roles. The ability to meet client needs and maintain a courteous service is essential, so be sure to convey your commitment to this aspect.
