At a Glance
- Tasks: Create innovative menus and ensure high-quality food service across our catering operations.
- Company: Join Vertas, a leading facilities management company with a focus on quality and customer care.
- Benefits: Earn up to £14.27/hour with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Other info: Dynamic role with a commitment to safeguarding and promoting welfare.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on food quality and innovation while engaging with the community.
- Qualifications: Experience in catering, strong knowledge of food standards, and excellent communication skills.
Are you passionate about food innovation, quality, and delivering exceptional service? Vertas is looking for a dedicated Food Development Officer to join our Catering team.
Who are Vertas? Vertas delivers trusted, integrated facilities management solutions across Great Britain. Our team of 5,000 colleagues provides a comprehensive range of facilities services, including cleaning, catering, property design, recruitment, transport, and environmental management. You'll find us putting the customer at the heart of everything we do, while prioritising our colleagues' health, safety and wellbeing.
About the Role: Based at Rainworth, NG21 0HJ, you will be working 37 hours a week. You'll play a key role in supporting the delivery of a high quality, compliant and commercially effective food offer across Vertas catering operations, ensuring menus are innovative, nutritionally balanced and meet School Food Standards.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Supporting the development, implementation and continuous improvement of menus across catering operations
- Assisting with recipe and food development, ensuring meals are nutritionally balanced and cost effective
- Supporting allergen management and medical diet provision, ensuring compliance with legislation and accurate record keeping
- Maintaining digital food systems including recipes, allergen and nutritional platforms
- Liaising with procurement teams and suppliers to source quality, sustainable products
- Researching, trialling and evaluating new dishes and products
- Carrying out quality audits of food standards, service and presentation across sites
- Supporting catering teams with training, guidance and best practice
- Supporting pupil engagement activities such as tastings and menu initiatives
- Supporting the planning and delivery of innovative food initiatives and events, including pop ups, themed catering, community engagement activities and promotional campaigns to enhance the food offer and drive uptake
Who are we looking for?
- Previous experience within catering or food services environments, schools experience desirable
- Strong knowledge of food standards, allergen legislation and school food requirements
- Experience of menu and recipe development with cost control awareness
- Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities
- Strong communication skills with the ability to engage a range of stakeholders
- A team player providing an excellent service across the Vertas Group
- The ability to make the best decisions with Vertas in mind
- The ability to adapt and respond to change in a growing organisation
What You'll Bring:
- A passion for food quality, innovation and customer service
- Excellent organisational and time-management skills
- Strong IT skills including Microsoft Excel
- NVQ Level 3 or equivalent
- The right to work in the UK
Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all employees to share this commitment. Offers of employment are subject to appropriate pre-employment checks, which may include:
- Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
- Children's Barred List check (where applicable)
- Right to Work checks
- Satisfactory references
- Verification of qualifications and professional registrations (where applicable)
- Occupational Health and medical clearance (where applicable)
- Assessment of suitability to work with children
This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975. As this role is eligible for an Enhanced DBS check, applicants are required to declare any cautions and convictions that are not protected under current filtering rules.
Hospitality & Catering Food Development Officer Mansfield, Nottinghamshire Up to £14.27 / hour in Rainworth employer: Schools Choice
Schools’ Choice is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that values teamwork and dedication. Located at the North Wales Police HQ Canteen in Colwyn Bay, employees benefit from a friendly environment and the opportunity to contribute to the community through quality food service. With flexible part-time hours and a focus on employee growth, this role is perfect for those looking to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a balanced work-life schedule.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Hospitality & Catering Food Development Officer Mansfield, Nottinghamshire Up to £14.27 / hour in Rainworth
✨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 Schools Choice. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Schools Choice
Don't be shy about reaching out to Schools Choice 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 Hospitality & Catering Food Development Officer Mansfield, Nottinghamshire Up to £14.27 / hour in Rainworth
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 Schools Choice 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 Schools Choice
✨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!
