At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead our school catering service and create delicious, healthy meals for children.
- Company: William Morris Primary & Nursery School, a friendly and welcoming community.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, term-time only hours, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a supportive team and enjoy a collaborative working environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference to children's health and wellbeing through quality food.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing a busy kitchen and a passion for healthy eating.
The predicted salary is between 18.27 - 18.27 £ per hour.
William Morris Primary & Nursery School is seeking to appoint an enthusiastic, experienced and dedicated Catering Manager to lead our successful in-house catering provision.
Our school kitchen is at the heart of school life, providing delicious and nutritious meals for our nursery and primary-aged children.
We currently prepare and serve between 280 and 320 school lunches every day, as well as supplying food for our popular Breakfast Club and After School Club.
We are proud of the quality of our meals, our commitment to healthy eating and the positive reputation our catering service enjoys within the school community.
We are a friendly, welcoming school where every member of staff is valued.
Our catering team is very much an integral part of the wider school team, working closely with pupils, parents and colleagues to support the wellbeing of our children.., As Catering Manager, you will:
- Lead and manage our school catering service, catering team and kitchen operations.
- Plan, prepare and oversee the delivery of healthy, nutritious meals that meet School Food Standards.
- Manage budgets, menu planning, stock control and food ordering.
- Ensure the highest standards of food hygiene, allergen management, health and safety, and regulatory compliance.
- Lead on food allergy management and act as the key point of contact for staff, pupils and parents regarding dietary requirements.
- Develop exciting menus, promotions and themed food days that encourage children to enjoy healthy eating.
- Monitor customer satisfaction and continually seek ways to improve the service.
- Promote healthy eating and help maintain our excellent reputation for quality school meals.
- Work closely with the Headteacher, School Business Manager and wider school team to ensure an outstanding catering service.
- A supportive and friendly working environment.
- A successful and well-established in-house catering operation.
- The opportunity to make a real difference to children's health and wellbeing.
- A welcoming and collaborative staff team where catering staff are valued as an integral part of the whole school community.
- Ongoing professional development and training opportunities.
- The opportunity to develop and shape our catering provision.
- Membership of The Blue Kite Academy Trust family of schools.
Above all, we are looking for someone who shares our passion for providing a high-quality food service to children, takes pride in maintaining excellent standards, and can foster a culture of healthy eating and a love of food across our school community.
Previous experience within a school catering environment would be advantageous but is not essential.
- Has significant experience of managing a busy catering operation and leading a kitchen team.
- Holds an NVQ Level 3 in Catering (or equivalent) and a Food Hygiene qualification.
- Has strong knowledge of food safety, HACCP procedures and allergen management.
- Has experience of budget management, stock control and menu planning.
- Has experience of managing health and safety, including COSHH, risk assessments and manual handling.
- Is organised, proactive and able to work effectively under pressure.
- Has excellent communication and leadership skills.
- Enjoys working as part of a team and building positive relationships with children, families and colleagues.
- Is passionate about delivering outstanding food and promoting healthy eating.
- Brings energy, enthusiasm and a positive can-do attitude to the role.
- NJC Grade M - currently £16.14 - £18.27 per hour (depending on experience)
- Actual Salary: £26,783 - £30,318 per annum
- Term Time Only plus INSET Days (39 working weeks per year)
- Paid for 44.85 weeks per year, with salary spread equally across 12 monthly payments
- Working Hours
- 37 hours per week
- Monday to Thursday: 7:30am to 3:30pm (including a 30-minute unpaid lunch break)
- Friday: 7:30am to 3:00pm
However, we are happy to discuss alternative working patterns with the successful candidate to meet the needs of both the school and the individual.
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Catering Manager in Swindon employer: William Morris Primary School
William Morris Primary & Nursery School is an excellent employer, offering a supportive and friendly work environment where every staff member is valued. As a Catering Manager, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on children's health and wellbeing while working within a collaborative team that prioritises professional development and training. Located in a welcoming community, our school prides itself on its commitment to healthy eating and quality meals, making it a rewarding place to contribute your skills and passion for food service.
Contact Details:
William Morris Primary School Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Catering Manager in Swindon
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
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Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
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Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like William Morris Primary School. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to William Morris Primary School
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We think you need these skills to ace Catering Manager in Swindon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about William Morris Primary School and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at William Morris Primary School
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
