Catering Manager

Job Title: Catering Manager

Location: Tendring, Essex

Working Hours: 37 hours per week
Line Management: School catering staff

Tradewind Recruitment is seeking a talented, dependable Catering Manager to work in our wonderful client school!

Role Overview:

We are seeking a proactive and experienced Catering Manager to lead our client school's catering function. This role ensures the efficient delivery of high-quality, nutritious meals within budget and in line with food safety standards. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong leadership, organisational skills, and a passion for providing excellent service to students and staff.

Key Responsibilities:

Catering Operations:

• Oversee day-to-day kitchen operations including meal preparation and presentation
• Maintain food safety standards and ensure compliance with health regulations
• Manage ordering, delivery checks, and storage of food supplies
• Plan and rotate balanced menus that meet nutritional standards
• Monitor food quality, portion control, and customer satisfaction
• Organise and implement themed events and promotional days
• Maintain stock control and supplier relationships

Team Management & Communication:

• Lead, train, and support catering team members
• Conduct staff briefings and address performance or disciplinary matters
• Collaborate with school leadership and respond to feedback
• Report staff absences and coordinate shift coverage

Health, Safety & Compliance:

• Enforce health and safety policies within the kitchen
• Ensure cleanliness and hygiene standards are met consistently
• Report incidents and manage kitchen equipment securely

Administration & Financial Duties:

• Oversee petty cash and reconcile catering-related expenses
• Monitor and manage the catering budget effectively
• Support the marketing and promotion of the catering service

Additional Expectations:

• Participate in performance reviews and training
• Support school values, including equality, safety, and safeguarding
• Be flexible and open to taking on additional tasks within the scope of the role

Why Choose Tradewind Recruitment?

• As a Sunday Times Top 100 employer, we put our candidates and staff first, ensuring you receive exceptional service and support.
• We offer competitive pay rates (typically inclusive of holiday pay, but we can accrue it on request).
• Access to more CPD courses than any other education recruitment agency - free of charge!
• Proud to hold REC Audited Education Gold Standard status and a commitment to being an Equal Opportunities Employer.

To apply for this role, simply click the button below and we'll be in touch. We look forward to supporting you in your next career move! Alternatively, please call Gary on