Catering Manager
Full Time - Permanent
Term Time + 2 weeks
SSP19 £36,564pa FTE. Actual £33,020pa.
Build Something Exceptional
This is not your typical Catering Manager role.
John Leggott College is investing in a brand-new catering facility, coffee shop and confectionery offer, and we're looking for an ambitious, commercially minded leader to transform our catering provision into a thriving £1m+ business.
You'll have the freedom to grow sales, develop new offers, explore commercial opportunities such as pop-up restaurant evenings, and create a vibrant destination at the heart of college life. With genuine autonomy to shape the future of the service, you'll be encouraged to bring new ideas to life, drive innovation and make a visible impact on a business with significant growth potential. Success will be recognised through a performance-related bonus linked to sales growth and service development.
This is a rare opportunity for someone who wants more than just operational management. It's a chance to take ownership of an established service, build something exceptional and leave a lasting legacy within a thriving and ambitious college environment.
About the Role
As Catering Manager, you will be responsible for both the day-to-day leadership and the long-term development of the College’s catering provision.
This is a high-profile role with a direct impact on the daily experience of our students and staff. You will lead and inspire a dedicated team to deliver an efficient, welcoming and high-quality service while continually enhancing the food offer to meet the needs and expectations of a diverse student community.
Alongside operational management, you will play a key strategic role in driving the growth and success of the catering provision. We are looking for someone with the vision and commercial awareness to identify opportunities, respond to changing demands, and develop a service that is innovative, financially sustainable and fit for the future.
Working closely with senior leaders, you will help shape and expand our catering offer, transforming it into a modern, thriving operation that enhances student life, encourages greater engagement and becomes a valued part of the wider College experience.
What You Will Bring
We are looking for more than just strong operational management; we are seeking an individual who can bring vision, enthusiasm and a genuine sense of ownership to this opportunity.
You will have experience within a catering, hospitality or food service environment, together with the leadership skills needed to motivate a team and deliver consistently high standards. You will understand the key ingredients of a successful catering operation, recognising how quality, efficiency and an excellent customer experience work together to drive engagement and success.
Just as importantly, you will have a forward-thinking approach and the confidence to identify opportunities for improvement and growth. You'll enjoy bringing new ideas to the table, embracing innovation, and taking an active role in developing both the service and the people within it.
We are looking for someone who leads by example, takes pride in what they do, and approaches challenges with a positive, practical and solutions-focused mindset. With energy, ambition and a commitment to excellence, you will play a key role in shaping a catering provision that becomes a standout feature of life at John Leggott College.
Why This Role Stands Out
With investment in a brand-new catering facility, coffee shop and social space, this is a rare opportunity to create, develop and grow a modern catering operation with significant commercial potential. You will have the platform to introduce new concepts, drive innovation and build a service that students actively choose to use every day.
Whether you are developing new retail offers, growing footfall, introducing out-of-hours hospitality events or creating new income streams, you'll have the freedom and support to make things happen. Your ideas won't sit on a shelf; you'll be trusted to shape the future of the service and see the results first-hand.
For the right individual, this role offers genuine ownership, professional growth and the opportunity to build a successful business within a supportive and ambitious college environment. Success will be recognised through a performance-related bonus linked to sales growth, innovation and service development.
We can only shortlist candidates who have completed an application form and submitted the application to [email protected] If you have any questions or need any further information, please feel free to contact the HR Team on 01724 700195 or email [email protected]
The closing date for applications is Monday 24th August 2026
Interviews date TBC
John Leggott College has a strong commitment to Equal Opportunities, Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and expect all staff to share this commitment. All posts are subject to an enhanced check by the Enhanced Disclosure clearance through the DBS and other checks may be required.
Pay: £33,020.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
