Catering Manager Job Description & Person Specification Monday - Friday (Term Time Only), 40 hours per week +125 hours of ‘spring’ cleaning during holidays September 2025 Responsible to: Director of Finance & Operations Line manages: Head Chef, full catering team, and Housekeeping Supervisor Job Overview Duties and Responsibilities: To manage the day-to-day operation of the school kitchen, ensuring the provision of high- quality, nutritious meals that meet school standards, comply with health and safety regulations, and accommodate a range of dietary needs. The Catering Manager is responsible for food preparation, staff supervision, budgeting, ordering supplies, and maintaining a clean, safe kitchen environment. Kitchen Management Plan and prepare menus in line with school food standards and nutritional guidelines Oversee the preparation, cooking and service of meals to pupils, staff and visitors Ensure meals are prepared and served on time and to a high standard Oversee stock control, ordering, and deliveries Monitor food quality, presentation, and portion control Staff Supervision Lead, motivate and manage catering staff including cooks and catering assistants Organise rotas, delegate tasks, and ensure appropriate training is provided Monitor performance and appraisals and encourage a positive, efficient team environment Health & Safety / Compliance Maintain strict hygiene and cleanliness standards at all times Ensure compliance with Food Hygiene, COSHH, and Health & Safety regulations, allergen laws and school policies Maintain accurate records for temperature checks, cleaning schedules, and allergen information Prepare for and manage Environmental Health inspections Budgeting & Administration Work within agreed budgets and monitor cost controls Maintain accurate records of stock, orders, and expenses This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties. You may also be required to undertake such other comparable duties as required from time to time. Keys Skills & Knowledge: Personal Competencies & Qualities: Report to senior management on kitchen performance, needs, and issues Support planning of special events or theme days (e.g. Christmas lunch, healthy eating week) Essential: Food Hygiene Level 2 or higher (Level 3 preferred) Proven experience in a busy catering/kitchen management role Good knowledge of nutritional standards, food safety, and allergy awareness Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines Basic IT skills for stock and budget tracking Strong leadership, communication, and organisational skills Desirable: First Aid training Experience in a school or educational catering setting Understanding of safeguarding and child protection responsibilities Experience catering for special dietary requirements (e.g. allergies, religious diets) Leads by example, motivating and supporting kitchen staff Delegates tasks effectively and ensures high team performance Handles staffing issues professionally and fairly Plan and prioritise tasks to ensure smooth meal service Manage rotas, stock control, and ordering efficiently Keep accurate records and meets compliance deadlines Communicates clearly with staff, pupils, teachers, and suppliers Listens actively and responds to feedback constructively Can explain dietary needs, allergens, or procedures clearly Maintains high standards in food quality, hygiene, and presentation Monitors portion control and food safety meticulously Ensures compliance with legal and school-specific guidelines Understands the importance of providing a positive mealtime experience Responds well to pupil preferences and special dietary needs Promotes healthy eating and supports school food initiatives Handles busy service periods calmly and efficiently Adapts quickly to unexpected changes or challenges Solves staffing, supply, or equipment issues proactively Maintains confidentiality and acts with honesty and responsibility Follows safeguarding and health & safety protocols at all times Acts as a positive role model for pupils and staff Commitment to Safeguarding and Welfare The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. At all times the person in role will: This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties. You may also be required to undertake such other comparable duties as required from time to time. Help to safeguard the children’s wellbeing and maintain public trust in the teaching profession. Help to provide a safe environment in which the children can learn. Help to identify children who may be in need of extra support or who are suffering, or are likely to suffer, significant harm. Promptly raise any concerns to the School’s Designated Safeguarding Lead and work with other services as needed. Attend the relevant child safeguarding training and other mandatory induction training as required by the School. Promoting the Health, Safety and Wellbeing of Pupils and Staff At all times the person in role will: Maintain awareness of, and comply with, the School’s H&S policy. Where appropriate, conduct and document risk assessments in their area of responsibility. Probationary Period This role is subject to a probationary period of 12 months from the start of employment, and may be extended at the School’s discretion. Performance and suitability for continued employment will be reviewed throughout the probationary period. This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties. You may also be required to undertake such other comparable duties as required from time to time.