At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a busy school kitchen, creating tasty and healthy meals for pupils.
- Company: Join a supportive school environment focused on nutrition and wellbeing.
- Benefits: Part-time hours, competitive pay, and a chance to make a difference.
- Other info: Enjoy a dynamic role with opportunities for personal growth and development.
- Why this job: Perfect for food lovers wanting to inspire young minds with nutritious meals.
- Qualifications: Experience in catering or food preparation; Level 3 Food Safety Certificate preferred.
The predicted salary is between 6451 - 10155 £ per year.
We are looking for a friendly, organised Catering Manager to run our busy school kitchen and provide tasty, healthy meals for our pupils.
Hours: 15 hours per week, Three days per week, 8.30am to 1.30pm
Contract: Term time only, plus one INSET day
Salary: Scale 5, points 10-13, Actual £6450.66 to £10154.58
We would love to hear from you if you enjoy cooking nutritious food, are confident in a busy kitchen and can lead a small team. You may already be a Catering Manager, or an experienced Catering Assistant ready for the next step.
You will lead the catering service, from menu planning and food preparation to ordering, stock control and supporting kitchen staff. We currently prepare around 90 meals per day, with numbers expected to rise during the autumn term.
You will be reliable, organised and calm under pressure, with a positive approach and a commitment to high standards.
- Experience in catering, food preparation or a similar environment.
- Level 3 Food Safety Certificate, or equivalent qualification or experience; training may be provided.
- Good understanding of food hygiene, allergy regulations, health and safety, stock control and budget management.
- Ability to plan menus, cost meals and cook healthy, balanced meals.
- Experience of supporting, motivating or supervising staff.
- Good literacy, numeracy and IT skills, including Microsoft Excel and Word.
- A positive, can-do attitude and the ability to work on your own initiative.
We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if enough suitable applications have been received. 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.
Catering Manager in Colchester employer: Shorefields
Shorefields in Chelmsford is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for both staff and students. With a focus on professional development, we offer numerous growth opportunities and a collaborative work culture that values innovation and compassion in caring for children with complex needs. Our new purpose-built school provides a unique setting where you can make a meaningful impact in the lives of young people while enjoying the benefits of working in a vibrant community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Catering Manager in Colchester
✨Get Involved in Local Events
Check out foodie festivals, farmers' markets, and local fairs in your area. These are perfect opportunities to meet restaurant owners and managers face-to-face, and they often look for part-time help during busy seasons.
✨Join Hospitality Groups
Connect with local hospitality groups on social media platforms like Facebook or Instagram. These communities frequently post about part-time job openings that aren’t advertised elsewhere, plus it’s a great way to engage with the food scene in your area!
✨Show Up in Person
For part-time roles in the hospitality sector, don't underestimate the power of a walk-in. Grab your best smile and pop into local cafés or restaurants with your CV in hand. It shows initiative and can really make you stand out!
✨Apply Through Our Website!
Don’t forget to check out the openings at Shorefields and apply directly through our website! We love seeing friendly faces and you’ll be surprised how many part-time roles pop up that may not be listed on job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Catering Manager in Colchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Skills:In the hospitality and food service industry, showcasing your customer service experience is key. Be sure to highlight relevant roles in your CV or cover letter where you’ve directly engaged with customers—this could be from previous waitressing, barista jobs, or any roles that involved teamwork and communication. You want to convince us at Shorefields that you can keep it cool under pressure!
Certifications Matter:If you’ve got any hospitality-related certifications—like food safety or first aid—definitely mention those! Including these credentials can set you apart from other applicants. It shows us that you're serious about the health and safety standards we maintain here at Shorefields.
Flexibility is Your Friend:Since this is a part-time role, we’re looking for someone who can work various shifts. In your application, it’s useful to outline your availability clearly. Make it easy for us to see when you can jump in and help out—this shows that you’re committed and ready to adapt!
Let Your Personality Shine:In hospitality, personality plays a vital role. Use your cover letter to share why you’re passionate about food service and what brings you joy in helping customers. A personal touch can make your application memorable and help us at Shorefields get a sense of who you are beyond your experience!
How to prepare for a job interview at Shorefields
✨Show Off Your People Skills
In hospitality, your ability to work with customers and team members is crucial. Be prepared to share stories that highlight your experience in handling customer service situations, especially any tricky ones. We want to hear how you turned a potentially negative experience into a positive one!
✨Know the Menu Inside Out
You might get quizzed on the menu items or asked about your favourite dishes. Brush up on any special offerings at Shorefields and demonstrate genuine enthusiasm for their food. This shows you’re not just looking for any job, but you’re genuinely excited about working with their team.
✨Flexibility is Key
As you're going for a part-time role, emphasise your availability and willingness to work various shifts. Mention any instances where you've gone above and beyond for scheduling or helped out during busy times. This flexibility can make you stand out from the crowd!
✨Role-Play Scenarios
Be ready for role-play scenarios during your interview! Employers love to see how you handle on-the-spot situations, like dealing with a dissatisfied customer or managing a specific request from a patron. Practising these scenarios with friends can help boost your confidence.