Catering Manager in Manchester

Role Overview

As Catering Manager, you will oversee all aspects of the school\’s catering service, from managing staff and ensuring compliance with food safety legislation, to overseeing finances and delivering high quality, nutritious meals that support a healthy learning environment. You will report to the Trust\’s Catering Managers and manage the school-based catering team, working closely with the school’s leadership team, catering colleagues across the Trust, and external contractors. We are seeking a Catering Manager to be responsible for the safe, effective and efficient operation of all aspects of the catering service in a high school setting, including management of the team, cash reconciliation and the completion of all financial returns. You will report to the Head of Catering and manage catering staff within the school. You will work closely with school leadership colleagues and catering colleagues across the Trust as well as external contractors.

Responsibilities

• Leading a quality, cost‑effective catering service in line with agreed service level agreements (SLAs), health regulations and Trust policies.
• Adhering to pre‑planned menus that meet both nutritional standards and customer expectations.
• Managing financial tasks, including cash reconciliation, ordering, and completing returns in line with Trust financial procedures.
• Line‑managing the catering team, including training and development, attendance, performance management and payroll returns.
• Delivering a courteous, responsive and inclusive catering service to scholars, staff and visitors.
• Ensuring full compliance with food hygiene, COSHH and health & safety regulations.
• Playing an active role in service improvements, including trialling new menu ideas and seeking feedback.
• Supporting the Trust\’s values and safeguarding responsibilities.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Catering qualifications such as NVQ Level 2 in Food Preparation and Cooking (or working towards it), plus a Foundation Food Hygiene Certificate.
• Operational experience of managing a high‑volume catering service where quality, service and detail are prioritised.
• Strong people management skills and the ability to lead and develop a diverse team.
• Excellent literacy and numeracy skills for accurate administration and record‑keeping.
• Knowledge of food safety, health and safety, and allergen regulations.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to converse at ease in accurate spoken English.
• A commitment to safeguarding, equality and professional development.

We are currently seeking a committed and experienced Catering Manager to lead the delivery of an outstanding, efficient and customer‑focused catering service at MEA Central.

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK; we do not sponsor visa applications. If you have 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.

Working for Prospere Learning Trust

Great schools thrive because of the great people in them. We invest in our staff to achieve their full potential and offer a range of benefits including:

• High quality CPD for all roles
• Bupa Level 1 Health Plan – annual cash back allowance for a range of everyday health care expenses
• Generous Pension Contribution – over 26% for teachers and over 17% for support staff
• Good holidays for teachers as per School Teachers Pay and Conditions Document; non‑teachers receive 26 days annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing to 31 days with 5 years\’ service
• Cycle scheme – save up to 39% on a bike and accessories and get Strava for free
• Employee Assistance Programmes – including access to free counselling and 24/7 helplines
• Credit Union – regular savings, Christmas saving scheme and access to affordable loans
• Flexible working options – we\’re happy to talk flexible working where possible
• Mental Health First Aid in every school
• Blue Light Card – discounts on holidays, cars, days out, fashion, gifts, insurance, phones, and many more
• Beyond cashback card – spend smarter with a prepaid cashback card for your everyday purchases

MEA Central is a thriving 11-16 secondary school in South Manchester, driven by the mission: “A fantastic future for all.” We focus on removing barriers to student success, combining high expectations with warmth and encouragement. Our values of Citizenship, Achievement, and Participation, along with a belief in the power of language, help develop confident, socially responsible young adults. We offer a challenging, knowledge-rich curriculum to prepare students for GCSEs, further education, and life beyond. Our high expectations are matched by efforts to ignite intellectual passions, fostering autonomous, fulfilled learners. Beyond academics, our exceptional pastoral care and extensive extra‑curricular programme ensure students gain cultural capital and succeed in areas like sport, music, drama, and community activities. MEA Central has been graded as good by Ofsted.

This is a Grade 5, permanent post working 35 hours per week, term time only plus 5 INSET days. The starting salary is 24,998 and the full time equivalent is 29,064.