At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage catering operations, ensuring nutritious meals for students and staff.
- Company: Join a compassionate and inclusive trust dedicated to student wellbeing.
- Benefits: Enjoy employee benefits, Cycle to Work scheme, and a local government pension.
- Other info: Opportunity for personal growth in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Shape a healthy catering service that positively impacts the school community.
- Qualifications: Experience in catering management and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
We are looking for a Catering Manager to oversee all aspects of food provision at Neale-Wade Academy, ensuring an efficient, safe and welcoming service for pupils and staff each day. This role combines hands‑on leadership with strategic oversight, from planning nutritious menus and driving uptake, to managing budgets, suppliers and a committed catering team. With a strong focus on compliance, food safety and allergen management, the postholder will maintain high standards while continually improving the service. It is an opportunity to shape a catering offer that promotes healthy choices, reflects student needs and contributes positively to the wider school community.
- Lead and manage the day‑to‑day catering operation, including food preparation, service delivery and team supervision.
- Plan and develop menus that meet nutritional standards and support healthy eating for pupils.
- Ensure full compliance with food safety, hygiene, allergen regulations and Trust policies.
- Manage budgets, stock control and supplier relationships to deliver value for money.
- Monitor service performance, customer satisfaction and uptake, implementing improvements where needed.
Why Join Our Trust? Belong to a compassionate and inclusive trust that values you and the role you play. Join an experienced group of people that are fully dedicated to delivering the best for our children. Gain access to our VivUp employee benefit system, Cycle to Work scheme and local government pension.
Catering Manager employer: The Active Learning Trust
At Neale-Wade Academy, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that fosters a compassionate and inclusive work environment. As a Catering Manager, you will not only lead a dedicated team in providing nutritious meals but also enjoy access to valuable employee benefits such as the VivUp system and a local government pension. Our commitment to your professional growth and the positive impact you can make within the school community makes this an incredibly rewarding opportunity.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Catering Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the catering industry, especially those connected to schools or educational institutions. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that might not even be advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you have the chance, organise a small event or showcase your menu planning abilities. This hands-on approach can really impress potential employers and demonstrate your passion for catering.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the school’s current catering services. Bring ideas to the table on how you could enhance their offerings, focusing on nutrition and student satisfaction. This shows you're proactive and genuinely interested!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are keen to join our compassionate and inclusive trust.
We think you need these skills to ace Catering Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Catering:Let us see your enthusiasm for food and service! Share your experiences in catering, especially any hands-on leadership roles you've had. We want to know how you can bring that passion to Neale-Wade Academy.
Highlight Your Compliance Knowledge:Since compliance is key in this role, make sure to mention your understanding of food safety, hygiene, and allergen management. We’re looking for someone who can keep our standards high and ensure a safe environment for everyone.
Demonstrate Budget Management Skills:Talk about your experience with managing budgets and supplier relationships. We need someone who can deliver value for money while maintaining quality, so share any relevant examples that showcase your skills in this area.
Tailor Your Application:Make your application stand out by tailoring it to the job description. Use keywords from the listing and show us how your skills align with what we’re looking for. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Active Learning Trust
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Make sure you’re familiar with the types of menus you’ll be planning. Research current trends in healthy eating and be ready to discuss how you can incorporate these into your offerings at Neale-Wade Academy.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a team in the past. Highlight your hands-on approach and how you motivate your team to deliver excellent service while maintaining high standards.
✨Understand Compliance and Safety Standards
Brush up on food safety regulations, allergen management, and hygiene practices. Be prepared to discuss how you ensure compliance in your previous roles and how you would implement these standards at the academy.
✨Demonstrate Budget Management Experience
Be ready to talk about your experience with managing budgets and supplier relationships. Share specific examples of how you’ve maximised value for money while ensuring quality service in your catering operations.
