Catering Manager

Grade 6 SCP 17-22, 35 hours per week, Term Time Only, 39 weeks per year*

Starting salary £24,829

The Governing Body of St Joseph's Catholic School & Sixth Form Centre is looking to appoint a skilled and enthusiastic Catering Manager to oversee our catering service and ensure pupils and staff enjoy nutritious, high-quality meals every day.  You will manage a small team, plan menus, maintain food safety standards, and help create a welcoming dining experience. 

If you’re organised, creative, and thrive in a fast-paced environment, we’d love to hear from you!

Purpose of Role:

To lead and manage the school’s catering service, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, nutritious meals that meet the dietary needs of pupils and staff. The role involves overseeing all aspects of kitchen operations, including food preparation, staff supervision, compliance with health and safety standards, and budget management.

Key Responsibilities:

🍽 Operational Management

• Plan, prepare, and deliver daily meals in accordance with school nutritional standards.

• Ensure meals cater to a variety of dietary needs, including allergies, religious requirements, and vegetarian/vegan options.

• Maintain high standards of food presentation, taste, and portion control.

👩‍🍳 Staff Leadership

• Line manage catering assistants, including rotas/timesheets, training, and performance monitoring.

• Foster a positive and collaborative team environment, promoting high morale and professional development.

• Conduct regular team briefings and ensure all staff adhere to hygiene and safety protocols.

📦 Procurement & Stock Control

• Order food, cleaning supplies, and kitchen equipment in line with budgetary constraints.

• Monitor stock levels, conduct regular inventory checks, and ensure proper storage and rotation of goods.

• Liaise with suppliers to ensure timely delivery and quality of produce.

📊 Compliance & Safety

• Ensure full compliance with food hygiene regulations, food in schools regulations, allergen legislation, and health & safety standards.

• Maintain accurate records for inspections, including temperature logs, cleaning schedules, and training certificates.

• Prepare for and participate in environmental health inspections and audits.

📅 Menu Planning & Innovation

• Design seasonal menus that are appealing, cost-effective, and nutritionally balanced.

• Incorporate pupil feedback and promote healthy eating initiatives in collaboration with school leadership.

• Support themed days, school events, and special functions with bespoke catering.

💰 Budget & Financial Oversight

• Work with the School Business Manager to manage the catering budget effectively.

• Monitor income and expenditure, identify cost-saving opportunities, and ensure value for money.

• Produce reports on meal uptake, wastage, and financial performance as required.

Closing date: Midday, Wednesday 19th August 2026, shortlisting and interviews will take place soon after this date.

* The salary stated will be subject to a term time only adjustment for the commencement of employment outside of the start date of 1st September.

This post is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service check. St Joseph’s Comprehensive and Neath Port Talbot Council are totally committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Our schools are equally committed to ensuring the safety and protection of all children and young people and will take action to safeguard their wellbeing. The recruitment process for this post will be underpinned by rigorous safer recruitment assessment to ensure that children and young people are protected.