Overview
This is a Term time plus 2 weeks position covering Maternity for approximately 10 months from approximately the end of September 2026 until approximately July 2027
BASIC JOB PURPOSE To supervise the catering unit to ensure that the service provided meets required standards.
Duties
Responsible for planning and cooking of meals, portion control, amendment of menus (where appropriate) and provision of special diets (where advised).
Supervise and train kitchen staff in the methods of production and service and standard required at the unit including organisation of work rotas, transportation of meals, completion of timesheets and assist the School Business Manager with any related recruitment.
Maintain accurate records as required by the school e.g. stock control, sickness reporting, food orders, checklists, and work schedules.
Monitor food costs and productivity, taking appropriate action to achieve and maintain targets, under the guidance of the School Business Manager.
Actively market the service e.g. encourage and provide other catering when required outside the current contract. Promote and maintain good relationships with all customers – teachers, parents, students.
Maintain appropriate levels of hygiene, health and safety standards and security in the kitchen area in accordance with the Code of Practice and Legislation.
Report requirements for repair/maintenance of heavy kitchen equipment to the Site Manager.
Notwithstanding the detail in this job description, in accordance with the School's/Trust’s Flexibility Policy the job holder will undertake such work as may be determined by the Head Teacher/Governing Body from time to time, up to or at a level consistent with the Main Responsibilities of the job.
Skills
GCSE Maths and English Grade C or above, or equivalent - Essential
An appropriate Catering qualification - At least Level 3 - Essential
Experience of working in a Catering environment (at least 2 years) - Essential
Experience of cooking and catering, including occasional functions - Essential
Able to supervise a team of staff, delegating as required - Essential
Knowledge of current legislation and requirements included in DFE guidelines for the provision of school meals - Essential
Knowledge of the importance of health and safety and food hygiene in a catering environment - Essential
Able to communicate effectively with people of all ages and levels - Essential
Ability to ensure a high-quality service, which meets appropriate standards - Essential
Effective numeracy skills to support Finance related tasks, e.g. reports to Governors - Essential
Able to form good relationships with students, staff, and service users - Essential
Able to work flexibly to meet deadlines and respond to unplanned situations - Essential
Initiative and ability to prioritise one’s own work - Essential
Desire to enhance and develop skills and knowledge through CPD - Essential
Commitment to the highest standards of child protection and safeguarding - Essential
Recognition of the importance of personal responsibility for health and safety - Essential
Commitment to the school’s ethos, aims and its whole community - Essential
Further Education qualifications relevant to the field - Desirable
Experience of working in a school or similar establishment -Desirable
Line Management of staff - Desirable
Promoting the catering service and healthy eating options to its customers - Desirable
Dealing with catering suppliers both for produce and equipment - Desirable
Effective ICT skills - Desirable
Ability to cater for specific individual needs - Desirable
Liaising with outside agencies regarding catering legislation and guidance - Desirable
Effective administrative skills to support appropriate tasks e.g., completion of records - Desirable
Pay: From £13.47 per hour
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Employee assistance programme
- Health & wellbeing programme
- On-site parking
- Sick pay
Education:
- Certificate of Higher Education (preferred)
Experience:
- Catering : 1 year (preferred)
Work Location: In person
