Catering Manager

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is passionate about excellent food, strong operational management, and driving service improvements within a thriving academy environment. This is a Fixed Term Contract for 6 months.

About the Role

As our Catering Manager, you will:

• Oversee the day-to-day catering operations, ensuring all meals meet National Nutritional Standards.
• Lead, support, and supervise catering staff, including rota management, appraisals and staff development.
• Manage stock, resources, budgeting and cost control to deliver a value-for-money service without compromising quality.
• Develop menus, maintain high standards of food presentation, and ensure a welcoming dining experience.
• Ensure full compliance with Health & Safety, food hygiene, COSHH and safeguarding procedures.
• Build strong relationships with external clients and help grow the department’s commercial opportunities.
• Promote the academy and Trust values in all areas of your practice.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee food preparation, cooking and service.
• Negotiate with authorised suppliers to secure best value contracts.
• Manage catering finances, including revenue, expenditure, stock control and financial reporting.
• Ensure safe operation and maintenance of all kitchen equipment.
• Manage catering delivery arrangements to external academies during term time.
• Conduct risk assessments, maintain cleanliness, and uphold high hygiene standards.
• Support marketing efforts, create promotional materials and liaise with potential new clients.

About You

We are looking for someone who:

• Has proven experience in catering leadership or kitchen management.
• Demonstrates strong organisational, communication and people-management skills.
• Is committed to providing high-quality, nutritious meals.
• Understands financial management in a catering setting.
• Is proactive, reliable and able to work under pressure.
• Shares our values and is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our students.

What We have to Offer:

• A visible and approachable senior leadership team and an enthusiastic and committed team of teachers and support staff.
• A strong support network both within the school and across Authentic Education.
• All staff are part of a professional learning community in which evidence-informed CPD is designed to meet individual needs.
• Strong potential for career progression.
• A culture that respects work-life balance and an ongoing commitment to wellbeing with a dedicated Wellbeing Champion.
• An Employee Assistance Programme including in the moment support and counselling sessions with an external provider.
• Staff benefits include free eye testing for DSE users through Specsavers, free will writing through Dunham McCarthy Solicitors and reduced-price corporate gym membership through BH Live.
• A competitive pension through Teachers’ Pensions or The Local Government Pension Scheme for support staff.

We reserve the right to bring forward the closing date and/or interview where interest and applications are high, therefore we encourage early applications.