Job Introduction
Make a Difference Every Day as a Relief Catering Manager – Lead, Inspire and Deliver Exceptional School Catering
Location: Covering Primary & Secondary Schools across Manchester
Salary: £29,500 per annum + Sodexo Benefits
Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Working Pattern: Monday – Friday
Contract: Permanent
Requirement: Full UK driving licence and access to your own vehicle is essential due to the mobile nature of this role.
At Sodexo, we believe exceptional school meals create positive experiences that help children thrive. We are looking for a passionate and experienced Relief Catering Manager to support our schools across Manchester, ensuring high-quality food service, excellent customer experiences and strong operational standards.
This is a fantastic opportunity for a Catering Manager who enjoys variety, working across different school environments, supporting teams and making a real impact. You will provide leadership and operational support across multiple primary and secondary schools, ensuring each site delivers an outstanding catering service.
Join Sodexo and be part of something greater. You’ll belong in a team where you can act with purpose and thrive in your own way.
About the Role
As a Relief Catering Manager, you will support schools across Manchester by stepping into catering operations when required, ensuring a smooth and consistent service for students, staff and clients.
You will lead kitchen teams, maintain excellent food standards, manage budgets and ensure compliance with Sodexo and client expectations. Working closely with Area Managers and school stakeholders, you will help drive customer satisfaction, increase meal uptake and deliver an exceptional catering experience.
This role is ideal for someone who enjoys variety, building relationships and using their catering expertise to support different teams and locations.
What You'll Be Do
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Support and manage catering operations across primary and secondary schools throughout Manchester
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Lead, motivate and engage kitchen teams to deliver excellent food and service standards
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Ensure meals are prepared and served to Sodexo standards and client expectations
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Support menu delivery, food presentation and service quality
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Increase uptake of free school meals and paid meals through excellent customer service and engagement activities
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Build strong relationships with schools, clients, students and colleagues
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Manage food costs, budgets, stock control and financial performance
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Complete audits, checks and documentation to maintain compliance standards
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Ensure allergen management, food safety and hygiene standards are maintained at all times
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Support themed events, parent tasters, food activities and engagement initiatives
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Ensure Food for Life standards are maintained and successfully achieved
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Support sites with training, coaching and development of catering teams
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Complete administration tasks including cashless systems, reporting and operational checks
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Provide support and cover across different schools when required
What We’re Looking For
Essential:
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Previous catering management or supervisory experience
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Strong passion for food, customer service and team engagement
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Previous experience working within catering, ideally within education, contract catering or a high-volume environment
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NVQ Level 2 Catering qualification (706/2 or equivalent) or equivalent experience
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Intermediate Food Hygiene Certificate
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Strong literacy and numeracy skills
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Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
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Ability to manage teams and work effectively with clients and customers
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Good organisational skills with the ability to prioritise workloads
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Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
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Computer literacy and confidence using digital systems
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Enhanced DBS clearance (or willingness to complete one)
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Full UK driving licence and access to your own vehicle
Desirable:
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NVQ Level 3 Catering qualification (706/3 or equivalent)
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Experience managing catering teams within an educational environment
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Experience managing budgets, gross margins and food costs
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Experience delivering training and coaching teams
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Strong commercial awareness and financial understanding
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Experience supporting change and improving catering services
What We Offer
Working with Sodexo is more than a job — it’s an opportunity to be part of something greater. You’ll join a team where your contribution is valued, your development is supported and your work makes a real difference every day.
You’ll receive:
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Competitive salary of £29,500 per annum
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Permanent Monday-Friday working pattern
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Opportunities for career progression and development
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Full training and support from an experienced team
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Access to wellbeing and mental health support
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Employee Assistance Programme including legal and financial guidance
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24/7 virtual GP access and wellbeing rewards
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Sodexo Discounts Scheme for you, your family and friends
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Financial wellbeing support through Salary Finance
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Sodexo Retirement Plan
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Life assurance benefits
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Learning and development opportunities
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Cycle to Work Scheme
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Volunteering opportunities
Ready to Make an Impact?
If you are an experienced catering professional who enjoys variety, leadership and delivering exceptional service, we want to hear from you.
Join Sodexo and help us create outstanding dining experiences across schools throughout the North West.
Apply today and start your journey with Sodexo.
Safeguarding & Inclusion
Sodexo and our clients are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Certain roles require applicants to undergo appropriate screening, including enhanced DBS checks and employment history verification.
Sodexo reserves the right to close this advert early if we receive a high number of applications.
