Catering Manager in Chelmsford

An exciting opportunity has arisen at our two form entry Junior school for a Catering Manager who has a passion for cooking and providing high quality meals. We are looking for a self-motivated, friendly, experienced, and enthusiastic Catering Manager who has a passion for cooking and providing high quality meals for our pupils at St Michael's C of E (VA) Junior School.

Your role will include delivering the catering service, planning, preparation and presentation of food to the required standard. Start Date: 1 September 2026 or as soon as possible after 27.5 hours per week; Monday - Friday: 8.00 am - 1.30pm, Term time only plus one INSET day.

Candidates should hold the Level 3 Food Safety Certificate, although training will be given. Ideally, applicants should have experience of working in a similar environment, be computer literate and be capable of managing and motivating staff.

Duties include:

• Preparing an average of 120 meals per day (this may increase due to the new FSM entitlements from September 2026)
• Food ordering
• Monthly stock takes
• Budget control
• Completing Food Hygiene paperwork
• Catering daily, weekly, monthly checklists
• Maintaining the cleanliness of the kitchen

The successful candidate will become part of our friendly and hard-working team, which is dedicated to ensuring our children are safe, learn well and are well cared for.

We would be delighted to hear from you if you:

• Have a passion for producing good and healthy food
• Have a 'can do' attitude
• Have excellent literacy and numeracy skills
• Are computer literate including working knowledge of Microsoft Excel and Word
• Are educated to Level 3 in Food Safety or hold equivalent qualifications or experience
• Can ensure the operational efficiency, planning, preparation and presentation of food to the required standard within the budget limitations as agreed with the school management
• Have an understanding of budgetary control and keeping a very close eye on costs
• Have extensive knowledge of hygiene and health and safety
• Have good organisational and interpersonal skills
• Have the ability to work on your own initiative and to remain calm under pressure
• Able to cook delicious healthy balanced meals in accordance with our menus
• Have experience in managing and motivating staff
• Have experience in menu planning and costing
• Able to complete food safety records
• Have experience of stock control
• Are able to ensure the kitchen is clean and tidy at all times

You will be expected to:

• Understand budget control
• Undertake training as required
• Keep up to date with changes and developments in the catering industry
• Work in collaboration with other colleagues

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if enough suitable applications have been received. Visits to the school are welcome and encouraged. Please contact Romy Barnes, Business Manager via email on finance@st-michaels-jun.essex.sch.uk to arrange a visit or for further information.

St Michael's C of E (VA) Junior School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be required to undertake an enhanced Disclosure and Barring check. Please note that the school will conduct searches for information on shortlisted candidates which is publicly available online. 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.