Catering Manager

Hillary Primary School is a large, vibrant, and inclusive primary school committed to providing the very best experiences for our pupils. We recognise the important role that healthy, nutritious meals play in supporting children's wellbeing, learning, and achievement. Serving approximately 450-500 meals each day, our catering operation is a significant and highly valued part of school life. This role presents an exciting opportunity for an experienced catering professional to lead a successful service, manage a large-scale catering operation, and make a genuine difference to the daily lives of our pupils.

Leadership and Management:

• Lead the development of the school's catering strategy to increase meal uptake, promote healthy eating, and ensure long-term financial sustainability.
• Provide professional leadership and direction for the catering team, creating a positive and high-performing culture.
• Lead, supervise, motivate, and develop catering staff through effective coaching, support, and performance management.
• Organise staff rotas and deploy staffing resources efficiently to meet operational needs.
• Ensure all team members receive appropriate induction, training, and development opportunities.
• Promote a culture of high expectations, customer service, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Identify and implement service improvements to enhance efficiency, food quality, and customer satisfaction.

Catering Operations:

• Plan, prepare, and oversee the delivery of high-quality, nutritious meals in line with School Food Standards.
• Ensure food is prepared, cooked, and presented to consistently high standards.
• Develop attractive and innovative menus which encourage healthy eating and maximise meal uptake.
• Ensure safe and effective management of dietary requirements, allergens, and medical needs.
• Monitor customer feedback and introduce improvements where appropriate.
• Support special events, theme days, celebrations, and other school activities through catering provision.

Financial and Resource Management:

• Manage the catering budget effectively, ensuring value for money and financial sustainability.
• Monitor expenditure and income against agreed budgets and targets.
• Produce regular budget monitoring information and identify opportunities for efficiencies and cost savings.
• Manage purchasing, stock control, and supplier relationships effectively.
• Minimise waste through effective stock rotation, portion control, and procurement practices.
• Ensure resources, equipment, and supplies are used efficiently.

Food Safety and Compliance:

• Maintain the highest standards of food safety, hygiene, and cleanliness throughout the catering operation.
• Ensure full compliance with Food Safety legislation, HACCP requirements, COSHH regulations, and Health and Safety legislation.
• Maintain all required records, including temperature monitoring, cleaning schedules, deliveries, and safety checks.
• Prepare for and support inspections, audits, and monitoring visits.
• Ensure all kitchen equipment is maintained, serviced, and operated safely.

Administration and Reporting:

• Maintain accurate catering, financial, and compliance records.
• Utilise catering management and IT systems effectively.
• Produce reports relating to catering performance, meal uptake, budget management, and service improvements.
• Contribute to whole-school operational planning where required.

General Responsibilities:

• Support the vision, values, and strategic priorities of the school.
• Promote equality, diversity, inclusion, and respect for all.
• Maintain confidentiality and comply with GDPR and data protection requirements.
• Participate in training and professional development.
• Undertake any other duties commensurate with the grade and responsibilities of the post.

Safeguarding:

The postholder is responsible for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and must comply with all safeguarding policies and procedures. The postholder is expected to contribute to a culture of vigilance, maintain professional standards, and report concerns in line with statutory guidance and school procedures.

Qualifications:

• Food Safety Level 3 Certificate (or willingness to obtain within six months of appointment).
• Relevant catering qualification or substantial equivalent experience.
• Evidence of continuing professional development.
• Supervisory, leadership, or management qualification (Desirable).
• HACCP qualification (Desirable).

Experience:

• Significant experience working within a busy catering environment.
• Experience of preparing and serving food on a large scale.
• Experience of managing or supervising staff.
• Experience of managing budgets and monitoring expenditure.
• Experience of stock control, purchasing, and supplier management.
• Experience of implementing food safety and hygiene standards.
• Previous experience within a school catering environment (Desirable).
• Experience of menu development and increasing customer engagement (Desirable).
• Experience of leading service improvements (Desirable).

Knowledge and Understanding:

• Knowledge of food hygiene legislation and HACCP procedures.
• Knowledge of Health and Safety and COSHH requirements.
• Understanding of allergens, dietary requirements, and food safety management.
• Knowledge of effective catering budget management.
• Understanding of high-quality customer service principles.
• Knowledge of School Food Standards (Desirable).
• Understanding of sustainability and reducing food waste within catering operations (Desirable).

Skills and Abilities:

• Excellent food preparation and cooking skills.
• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Excellent organisational and time management skills.
• Ability to prioritise workload and meet deadlines.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to analyse information and solve problems effectively.
• Competent IT skills.
• Experience of using catering management software (Desirable).
• Experience of using Arbor MIS (Desirable).
• Ability to plan and deliver promotional catering initiatives (Desirable).
• Ability to work calmly and effectively under pressure.

Personal Qualities:

• Professional, reliable, and trustworthy.
• Positive, proactive, and solution-focused.
• High standards of cleanliness and attention to detail.
• Commitment to continuous improvement.
• Strong customer focus.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a wider school team.
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.

At The Forge Brook Trust, we know that when our people feel supported, valued and connected, they are able to make the greatest difference to the children and communities we serve. That's why staff wellbeing is more than a programme—it's part of our culture. We are committed to creating a positive working environment where colleagues can thrive both professionally and personally. Our wellbeing offer continues to grow, shaped by staff feedback and designed to support every member of our Trust family. A culture of listening, where staff feedback shapes our wellbeing priorities and drives meaningful improvements across the Trust. Enhanced Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) offering free, confidential advice and support, available to you and your immediate family. In-house Trust Counsellor, providing accessible emotional wellbeing support whenever you need it. Family-friendly policies that support colleagues through different stages of life, helping to promote a healthy work-life balance. A strong partnership with recognised trade unions, working collaboratively through our Joint Consultative and Negotiating Committee (JCNC) to ensure staff voice, consultation and wellbeing remain central to Trust decision-making. Free annual flu vaccinations, helping you stay healthy throughout the winter months. Wellbeing activities throughout the year, including staff-led groups such as running, yoga, walking and crafting clubs. Retail discount platform, giving access to savings and exclusive offers from a wide range of national retailers, supermarkets and leisure providers. High-quality professional development, with opportunities to grow your career, develop new skills and progress within our family of schools. An inclusive and supportive workplace, where diversity is celebrated, achievements are recognised and every colleague is valued. A true collaborative community, where colleagues work together, support one another, take collective responsibility when things don't go to plan, and celebrate successes together across the Trust. Because when our people thrive, our pupils thrive too.

Hours of Work: 32.5 Hours per week Term Time plus 2 weeks Monday to Friday – 7:00am – 2:00pm

Reporting to: Head Teacher and School Business Manager

Responsible for: Deputy Catering Manager, Food Preparation Assistant

The successful postholder will:

• Maintain a Food Hygiene Rating of 5.
• Deliver a safe, efficient, and fully compliant catering operation.
• Manage the catering budget within agreed parameters.
• Demonstrate effective stock control and minimisation of food waste.
• Achieve high levels of customer satisfaction from pupils and staff.
• Maintain accurate financial, compliance, and catering records.
• Lead a motivated, well-trained, and high-performing catering team.
• Increase or maintain strong school meal uptake through an attractive and high-quality catering offer.