Catering Manager

Salary: Band H SCP 14-17 (Actual Salary: £27,367 - £29,729 starting scale point negotiable dependant on experience)

Full Time – Permanent (37 hours per week, 06.30/7.00 am - 2.30/3.00pm Monday - Friday (hours negotiable) (40 weeks per annum: TTO plus teacher training days, plus 1 week holiday working)

Job Start: ASAP

Are you a talented and experienced catering professional with a passion for providing high-quality, nutritious food in a busy, friendly environment? Do you have the leadership skills to inspire a team and the vision to enhance our school's catering service?

The Avon Valley School is seeking to appoint a dedicated and enthusiastic Catering Manager to lead our catering team and take our food service to the next level.  This is a wonderful opportunity for a skilled manager to shape the culinary experience for our school community, ensuring we offer delicious, healthy, and appealing meals that cater to a diverse range of needs.

Why Join Us?

At The Avon Valley School, we are committed to nurturing every student’s potential, both academically and personally. Our ethos is built on Ambition, Respect and Care, fostering a learning environment where students feel valued, supported and empowered to achieve their aspirations.

About the Role:

Reporting to the School Business Manager, you will be responsible for the day-to-day management and development of our school's catering provision. This is a hands-on role that requires both culinary expertise and strong leadership. The successful candidate will be hardworking, friendly, organised, possessing excellent customer service and communication skills.

Key Responsibilities:

• Management: Lead, manage, and motivate the catering team.
• Menu Planning & Development: Design and implement exciting, balanced, and nutritious menus that meet school food standards and cater to student preferences and dietary requirements (including allergens and cultural needs).
• Operational Excellence: Oversee all aspects of kitchen operations, including food preparation, service, cleaning, and maintenance, ensuring efficiency and high standards.
• Financial Management: Manage the catering budget, control costs, and ensure profitability and value for money, including stock ordering and waste management.
• Health & Safety: Maintain the highest standards of food hygiene, health, and safety, strictly adhering to all regulations (e.g., HACCP, COSHH). Conduct regular risk assessments and maintain accurate records.
• Customer Engagement: Work collaboratively with students, staff, and parents to gather feedback and continuously improve the catering service.
• Compliance: Ensure all catering activities comply with statutory requirements and school policies.

We are looking for candidates who:

• Have previous experience of working in a similar catering environment, preferably in school catering.
• Possess a strong knowledge of food safety and hygiene regulations, with a relevant qualification (e.g., Level 3 Food Hygiene).
• Demonstrate excellent leadership, team-building, and communication skills.
• Have experience with budget management.
• Are creative and innovative with menu planning and food presentation.
• Are reliable, organised, and able to work effectively under pressure.
• Have a positive, can-do attitude and a passion for providing exceptional service.

What We Offer

Joining The Avon Valley School means becoming part of a supportive and forward-thinking community. Our staff enjoy:

• Tailored career development with annual development opportunities.
• Flexible working arrangements for all staff, including biweekly work-from-home option, or a fully paid well-being day.
• A generous absence request policy, for example, do you want to watch your child’s primary school sports day, or attend your best friend’s wedding? Not a problem if you work for us.
• A proactive staff wellbeing programme to support work-life balance.
• A committed and collaborative Senior Leadership Team.
• A thriving school community with engaged students and supportive parents/carers.
• Lunch provided for anyone offering student facing activities during lunchtimes.
• Paid duties for anyone joining our lunchtime duty team.
• Employee benefits, including a cycle-to-work scheme, employee assistance programme, free on-site parking, and catering facilities.

To Apply:

If you are excited by this opportunity and want to be part of a school where you can truly make a difference, we encourage you to apply by clicking the link below which will take you to our online application form.

Please visit our website to find out more about the school: https://www.avonvalleyschool.uk/

Application Deadline: 9am on Monday 8^th September 2025 (We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role).

Interviews: Scheduled shortly after the closing date.

For further information, email: chearne@avonvalleyschool.uk or telephone: 01788 542355.

Safeguarding and Compliance

Please note:

●    We do not accept CVs without an application form.

●    We do not provide working visas.

●    If shortlisted, you will be required to complete a declaration regarding any relevant criminal offences as part of our safeguarding duties.

●    Avon Valley School conducts online searches (including social media) as per KCSIE 2024.

●    We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. This post is subject to an Enhanced DBS check (child workforce) via the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Join us in shaping a future of limitless potential. We look forward to hearing from you!