At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead initiatives to enhance secondary school food standards and improve student experiences.
- Company: Join School Food Matters, a charity transforming school food for healthier futures.
- Benefits: Enjoy 31 days holiday, flexible hours, and a 7% pension contribution.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for collaboration and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's health and food education across schools.
- Qualifications: Experience in project management and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 29700 - 36300 £ per year.
Based at: Blackfriars Settlement, 9 Rushworth Street, London, SE1 0RB
Working Hours: 5 days a week, 9am-5pm (flexible)
Pension: School Food Matters pays contributions at 7% of pensionable earnings
Holiday: 31 days including bank holidays that fall on working days
Contract: Fixed term, 18 months
Background to School Food Matters
School Food Matters is a national charity delivering school food transformation and food education to children and young people across the country. We believe that school food can unlock a happier, healthier, more sustainable future for every child. We want a school food system that delivers for all children, so they can enjoy nutritious, delicious and sustainable school food and leave school with an informed and positive relationship with food. For nearly 20 years, we’ve worked alongside schools across England to improve school food and food education. Through our cooking, growing and school food transformation programmes, we’ve learned what schools need to create lasting change. We use our experience and evidence to shape local and national policy, bringing the voices of children, families and teachers to decision-makers.
Job Purpose
Lead School Food Matters' work to strengthen support for secondary schools during implementation of the new school food standards, developing and embedding an evidence-based approach to secondary school food improvement. Develop, test and disseminate practical support, resources and guidance that help schools move beyond compliance to achieve meaningful improvements in meal uptake, student experience and food culture.
Key Responsibilities
- Review and synthesise learning from School Food Matters' Nourish and food education programmes in secondary schools, including the School Food Project
- Develop and refine School Food Matters' approach to supporting secondary schools across Nourish and food education programmes
- Line-manage the Nourish Secondaries Project Officer, supporting them to deliver the programme in secondary schools in London
- Facilitate learning sessions across School Food Matters' teams and embed learning into programme delivery
- Convene learning sessions, workshops and communities of practice with partners working to improve secondary school food and food culture including Bite Back, Chefs in Schools and Sustain
- Develop and manage the budget and distribution plan of the partner ‘learning and activities’ fund
- Work with schools, young people, Multi Academy Trusts, local authorities and partners to identify practical implementation challenges and evidence-based solutions
- Develop materials and practical support for secondary schools implementing the school food standards to be distributed to schools via the School Food Project Hub
- Create resources that address common secondary school challenges, including meal uptake, student engagement, menu changes, dining environments and food culture
- Work directly with secondary schools (through existing School Food Matters-funded work) to test and refine approaches and joint resource development
- Develop written and digital case studies from schools and partners showcasing effective practice, including practical solutions
- Share learning through webinars, events, online platforms and sector networks including the School Food Project Hub
- Work closely with our Impact and Strategy Manager to complete all monitoring and evaluation
- Maintain an excellent relationship with the Nutritional Wellbeing Foundation and support with written and verbal reports
- Keep line manager updated on progress
- Contribute to the smooth running of School Food Matters
- Stay up to date with safeguarding requirements and reporting procedures
- Maintain the ethos of the charity and positively promote our work at all times
The Secondary School Food Development Manager will also undertake any other tasks relevant to the affairs of School Food Matters that may arise from time to time. Therefore, being flexible and approaching the job with an open and positive mindset is essential!
Person specification
Essential
- Proven experience of managing and delivering complex projects involving multiple organisations and workstreams
- Experience of building and maintaining effective partnerships, coalitions or networks across organisations and sectors
- Strong facilitation and relationship-building skills, with the ability to engage a wide range of sectors including schools, funders, charities, local authorities and young people
- Excellent written communication skills, including producing reports, guidance, case studies or resources for different audiences
- Excellent administrative and organisational skills with great attention to detail and ability to manage deadlines
- Ability to work independently, prioritise workload and take initiative
- Strong interest in our mission to improve children and young people’s health through better food and food education in schools
- A positive, collaborative and solution-focused approach
Desirable
- Experience of working directly with schools, particularly secondary schools
- Experience of working for a charity, public or education sectors
- Knowledge of school food, food education, public health, youth engagement or related fields
- Understanding of the secondary school system, academy trusts and/or local authority education settings
Secondary School Food Development Manager in London employer: School Food Matters
At School Food Matters, we are dedicated to creating a happier and healthier future for children through engaging food education programmes. As a Project Officer/Gardener for Young Marketeers in Knowsley, you will enjoy a supportive work culture that values collaboration and community impact, while also benefiting from flexible working arrangements and the opportunity to inspire young minds. Join us in making a meaningful difference in children's lives and fostering their relationship with food in a vibrant local setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Secondary School Food Development Manager in London
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We think you need these skills to ace Secondary School Food Development Manager in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Impact:In the world of nonprofits, it's all about the passion and commitment to making a difference. Make sure your cover letter speaks genuinely about why you're excited about this role at School Food Matters. Share any experiences you've had with social impact projects or volunteering — it shows you live and breathe the cause!
Highlight Relevant Experience and Skills:For a temporary position in the nonprofit sector, focus on showcasing any specific skills or experience related to project management, community engagement, or fundraising. List any relevant work or volunteer roles on your CV, and consider including quantifiable achievements that demonstrate your impact in previous positions.
References from the Sector:Including references from previous roles in the nonprofit world can really bolster your application. If you've worked on similar social-impact projects before, ask those colleagues or supervisors if they'd be willing to vouch for your skills. This adds credibility and shows you're trusted in the sector, which can be a big plus for School Food Matters.
Be Ready for a Quick Turnaround:Since this role is temporary, let your interest shine through in your application! Mention in your cover letter your availability to start immediately or at short notice. It shows you're keen and ready to dive right into the exciting work at School Food Matters!
How to prepare for a job interview at School Food Matters
✨Show Your Passion for the Cause
When interviewing for a role in the non-profit sector, especially for a temporary position, it's crucial to convey your genuine passion for social impact. Discuss why the mission of School Food Matters resonates with you and share personal experiences that reflect your commitment to similar causes.
✨Demonstrate Your Flexibility and Adaptability
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✨Know Your Community Tools
Familiarise yourself with any tools or platforms that are widely used in the non-profit sector like project management software or stakeholder engagement tools. Show your readiness to hit the ground running in your temporary role by discussing any experience you have with these or similar platforms.
✨Be Prepared for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to field scenario-based questions during your interview to assess your problem-solving skills in real-world situations. Think about how you would handle challenges typical of the non-profit sector, such as engaging with diverse stakeholders or managing project timelines effectively.
