Catering Manager in Braintree

Job Ref No. ECC4420-656S Position Type: Catering Pay Range: Scale 7, Points 19 – 24

Position Start Date: Immediate Contract Type: Full-time/Part-time Contract Term: Permanent

Application Close: 11/10/2026 Midnight Date of Interviews: Wednesday 15th October 2026

About the role:

Lead a Catering Service That Makes a Difference Every Day

Are you passionate about food, leadership, and creating a positive experience for young people?

We are seeking an enthusiastic and motivated Catering Manager to lead our busy school catering provision. This is an exciting and operational opportunity to shape and develop a service that sits at the heart of our school community, providing nutritious, high-quality meals that support the wellbeing and success of our students.

As Catering Manager, you will lead a dedicated team, oversee menu planning and food provision, manage budgets and suppliers, and ensure the highest standards of food safety and customer service. You will play a key role in promoting healthy eating whilst creating an enjoyable dining experience for students and staff.

Whether you already work in an educational setting or are an experienced catering professional looking for your next challenge, we would love to hear from you.

Why Join Notley High School & Braintree Sixth Form?

At Notley High School, we are proud of the culture we have created for both students and staff. In our May 2026 Ofsted inspection recognised the strengths of our school community, describing:

• "Leaders and staff at all levels are determined that every child thrives."
• Leaders listen to the views of staff and pupils.
• Staff are highly positive about working here.
• Staff benefit from a"range of high-quality professional development opportunities."

We are part of Bridge Academy Trust, a family of schools committed to ensuring every child flourishes through high-quality education, exceptional care and ambition for all.

The Role:

• Lead and inspire the catering team
• Plan and deliver nutritious, appealing menus
• Manage food purchasing, stock control and budgets
• Ensure compliance with food safety, hygiene and allergen regulations
• Support healthy eating initiatives across the school
• Create a welcoming dining experience for students and staff
• Drive continuous improvement and innovation within the catering provision

We Are Looking for Someone Who:

• Has experience in catering management or a similar leadership role
• Holds a Level 3 Food Safety qualification (or equivalent)
• Has strong organisational and budget management skills
• Understands food hygiene, allergens and catering compliance
• Enjoys working with young people and within a school community
• Can motivate and develop a team to deliver excellent service
• Shares our commitment to safeguarding and the welfare of children

What We Offer:

• A supportive and welcoming school community
• An opportunity to lead and shape our catering provision
• Access to high-quality professional development
• Employee wellbeing support
• Membership of a successful and growing multi-academy trust
• A chance to make a genuine difference to the daily experience of our students

Join Us

If you are passionate about providing excellent food and leading a successful team, we would love to hear from you.

Come and be part of a school where students and staff are supported to Enjoy, Enrich, Achieve and Aspire.

Bridge Academy Trust may close this advert early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

Work Schedule:

37 hours per week, Monday - Friday

40 working weeks; Term time, plus inset days, plus 5 additional working days.

Informal enquiries regarding the role can be made to the school office via email to enquiries@notleyhigh.com

Further details are available from t: 01376556300 e: enquiries@notleyhigh.com w: notleyhigh.com

This trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. If successful, an enhanced DBS check would be sought. The Bridge Academy trust welcomes applications from those of all backgrounds, faiths and ethnic groups.

Information about the School

At Notley High School and Braintree Sixth Form, we are an ambitious inclusive 11-19 mixed comprehensive school that places the journey of the child at the centre of everything we do - learning together and succeeding together to be the best that we can be.

Notley High School and Braintree Sixth Form is part of the Bridge Academy Trust: a collegiate and collaborative Trust, where, first and foremost, each school is a place of (high quality) learning, where young people ENJOY, ENRICH, ACHIEVE, ASPIRE. The core purpose is to provide high quality continuity of every child’s journey through education from 3 to 19, with a community and school-led school improvement approach and long-term sustainable strategy.

Please find below a link to the May 2026 full Ofsted inspection report:

https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/provider/23/137013

This Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All successful applicants will be subject to an enhanced DBS check, medical clearance and satisfactory references. Bridge Academy Trust welcomes applications from those of all backgrounds, faiths and ethnic groups.

All appointments are subject to safer recruitment requirements to ensure the safeguarding of children and young people. All positions will involve appropriate checks and clearances.

Documents

Please be aware that some uploaded documents may require special software such as Microsoft Word or Adobe Acrobat Reader to view.

Human Resources Department
Notley High School & Braintree Sixth Form
Notley Road, Braintree
Essex, CM7 1WY Telephone: 01376 556300
Email: enquiries@notleyhigh.com

#J-18808-Ljbffr