At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead catering teams to deliver exceptional dining services for students.
- Company: Wellspring Academy Trust, dedicated to student welfare and community impact.
- Benefits: Supportive management team, professional development, and a focus on healthy eating.
- Other info: Opportunity to work in a dynamic environment with a commitment to diversity.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives through delicious, nutritious meals.
- Qualifications: Experience in catering management and a passion for food and service.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
We are seeking a passionate Catering Operations Manager to lead our catering teams in the West Region – predominantly covering Leeds and Barnsley. The successful candidate will have the drive, determination and enthusiasm to provide exceptional service, using creativity, innovation and an eye for detail to develop and deliver an exceptional dining service across the Wellspring community, ensuring every child receives wholesome, delicious meals. The role involves travel around the Trust academies in the West Region.
Responsibilities
- Put the needs of our learners, identified through their direct feedback, at the heart of the service.
- Provide empathetic leadership of our catering teams, including recruitment, training and development.
- Work in partnership with academy leaders to identify and deliver a bespoke strategic and operational catering strategy.
- Lead catering process improvement.
- Manage catering related procurement exercises with a focus on quality, value and sustainability.
- Support catering capability and capacity development, nurturing and empowering talented colleagues.
- Actively promote healthy eating and wellbeing.
- Ensure all food is prepared with due care and attention, with particular regard to special dietary requirements, calorie and allergen management.
- Drive reduction in food waste and sustainability focus.
- Meet HSE and food safety compliance.
Reporting & Team
The successful candidate will work within an experienced and supportive management team, comprising the Trust Catering Manager, Compliance Manager, Operations Manager, Head of Services and Business Support Officer within the wider Operations function.
Legal & Equal Opportunity
Wellspring Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our pupils. All posts are offered subject to enhanced DBS checks. This role involves working with children and vulnerable adults in regulated activity; it is an offense to apply if barred from engaging in regulated activity with children or vulnerable adults. We are committed to equal opportunities and to promoting diversity; we welcome applications from people from all backgrounds, especially from under‑represented groups, including those from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities.
Important Application Information
If you are currently living overseas or have lived / worked overseas in the last five years, you will be required to provide an overseas criminal records check from the country or countries you have resided in, if you are the preferred candidate for the post.
Catering Operations Manager (MAT Cover) Fixed Term in Leeds employer: Wellspring Academy Trust
Wellspring Academy Trust is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and development of its staff while fostering a supportive and inclusive work culture. As a Catering Operations Manager, you will have the opportunity to lead passionate teams in delivering nutritious meals to children, with a strong emphasis on creativity, sustainability, and professional growth. Located in the vibrant West Region, including Leeds and Barnsley, this role offers a unique chance to make a meaningful impact within the community while enjoying a collaborative environment that values diversity and innovation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Catering Operations Manager (MAT Cover) Fixed Term in Leeds
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the catering industry, especially those who might know about opportunities at Wellspring Academy Trust. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to a foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion for food and service! When you get the chance to meet potential employers, share your ideas on how to improve dining experiences. They’ll love your creativity and enthusiasm!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the latest trends in healthy eating and sustainability in catering. Being knowledgeable will help you stand out and show that you’re committed to the role.
✨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 proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Catering Operations Manager (MAT Cover) Fixed Term in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for catering shine through in your application. We want to see how much you care about providing exceptional service and creating delicious meals for our learners.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills. We’re looking for someone who can lead our teams and improve our catering processes, so show us how you fit the bill!
Be Specific About Your Experience:When detailing your past roles, focus on specific achievements and how they relate to the responsibilities of this position. We love numbers and results, so if you’ve improved service quality or reduced waste, let us know!
Apply Through Our Website:For a smooth application process, make sure to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and keep everything organised!
How to prepare for a job interview at Wellspring Academy Trust
✨Know Your Audience
Before the interview, take some time to research the Wellspring Academy Trust and their catering philosophy. Understanding their commitment to healthy eating and sustainability will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in their mission.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Catering Operations Manager, you'll need to lead teams effectively. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past, focusing on recruitment, training, and development. Highlight any innovative strategies you've implemented to improve service delivery.
✨Emphasise Empathy and Communication
This role requires empathetic leadership. Be ready to discuss how you’ve put the needs of learners at the heart of your service. Share specific instances where you’ve gathered feedback and made changes based on that input, demonstrating your commitment to exceptional service.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
Expect questions about food safety compliance, dietary requirements, and sustainability practices. Brush up on relevant regulations and be prepared to discuss how you would manage procurement exercises while ensuring quality and value. This will show your readiness to tackle the challenges of the role.
