Catering Manager

Lead Our Successful School Catering Service!

Are you passionate about providing nutritious, high-quality food for children? Do you have the leadership skills to manage a busy catering operation while promoting healthy eating, food safety and exceptional customer service? If so, we would love to hear from you.

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..

About the Role

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.

We Are Looking For Someone Who:

• 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.

Previous experience within a school catering environment would be advantageous but is not essential.

In Return We Offer:

• 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.

Salary:

• 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

Our proposed working pattern is:

• 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.

How to Apply

For further information and an application form, please visit our website or contact the school office.

Closing Date: 9am on 25/9/26
Interview Date: Week commencing 28/9/26

William Morris Primary & Nursery School and The Blue Kite Academy Trust are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references and all other pre-employment checks.

Join us and help make mealtimes the highlight of our pupils' day!