Catering Manager

School Catering Manager • Annual Salary: £28,598 - £30,024 (pro rata) • Location: Blackburn • Job Type: Part-time, Term Time (Plus 1 week during school closure periods) • Temp to Perm (after 12 weeks) • Working Hours: Monday to Friday, 7:30 am - 2:30 pm (negotiable) • Start Date: September 2026 • Enhanced DBS on the update service is essential or willing for one to be obtained via Reed We are seeking a dedicated School Catering Manager to oversee the safe, effective, and efficient operation of our school kitchen. This role involves planning, preparing, and cooking nutritious and balanced meals daily, ensuring compliance with school catering health and safety standards, and promoting healthy eating among pupils and staff. Day-to-day of the role: • Plan, prepare, and cook high-quality meals that meet the dietary needs of all pupils, adhering to government guidelines on school nutrition standards. • Create and revise varied and nutritious menus in collaboration with pupils and the School Business Manager. • Manage kitchen staff, ensuring their welfare, performance, and professional development. • Negotiate contracts with suppliers to ensure cost-effectiveness and manage food stocks to align with the catering budget. • Maintain exemplary kitchen hygiene and cleanliness, adhering to a 5-star standard. • Cater to special dietary requirements, ensuring clear communication and labelling of allergy information. • Support school events with creative catering solutions and provide breakfast for all classes. Required Skills & Qualifications: • Proven experience in a similar role, ideally within an educational setting. • Strong leadership skills with experience in staff management and performance evaluation. • Knowledge of health and safety regulations, food safety policies, and allergen management. • Ability to plan and execute meal programs that cater to diverse dietary needs. • Excellent organisational and communication skills. • Commitment to promoting healthy eating and maintaining high standards of food hygiene and safety. Benefits: • Competitive salary within the specified range, pro-rated based on term-time work. • Access to Reeds Discount Club • A supportive and dynamic work environment. To apply for the School Catering Manager position, please submit your CV and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and why you are interested in this role.