Catering Manager at The North Halifax Grammar School

Are you driven to deliver high-quality food to 1,200 students within a fast-paced environment? Can you rise to the challenge of creating engaging menus within the legislative framework? Can you lead by example and manage a hardworking catering team? If yes, we want to hear from you. Hours 37 Hours per week 6.30am - 2.30pm Monday to Thursday 6.30am to 2.00pm Friday Term time only + 10 days Main Purpose of the Role Working with students, staff and leading the catering team to develop a nutritious, well-received, and high-quality catering offer across the school. Leading an effective catering team to deliver the above across all outlets and at all required times, in addition to supporting after-school and external events. To constantly evaluate the impact of the current provision against legal standards, value for money, and levels of satisfaction by students and staff, adapting where appropriate. Key responsibilities as a Catering Manager Delivery of a high-quality catering service Develop and implement an innovative and exciting food offer which meets both the required legislative standards and the needs/tastes of students and staff. Ensure the food offer delivers a wide range of options across all outlets and meets the requirements of our diverse range of students, including culturally relevant items. Ensure the menu range caters for appropriate allergies/dietary requirements and lifestyle choices, including meeting labelling requirements. Provide bespoke catering services for additional occasions including internal hospitality, ‘themed' days and external events, liaising with partners on catering requirements where required. Leading an effective and financially viable service Lead and manage an effective and efficient catering team, sharing knowledge and broadening skills whilst ensuring adherence to expected standards, health and safety legislation, food hygiene requirements and student safeguarding. Ensure compliance with all school HR processes and procedures and provide excellent line management to the catering team. Proactively manage the financial viability of the catering service through the continual review of income, sales, product profitability and costs. Review how participation and income/profit can be increased, without compromising the quality of the service and working with students to ensure they have a voice in the catering offer and feel valued in the overall provision. Compliance with legislation and standards Maintain all appropriate schedules and reports to ensure compliance with legislation. This will include checking quality of produce, temperatures, storage and servery temperatures and stock rotation. Work with the Premises Manager in the maintenance, repair and general good care of catering equipment. Constantly check and evaluate the professionalism, cleanliness and attractiveness of all catering areas including the main kitchen and outlets to ensure high expectations are maintained. Support for the School To contribute to the overall ethos and aims of the Academy. To attend meetings and training exercises as directed by your Line Manager. To undertake personal development and improve own practice through training and other learning activities including performance management as required. To work as part of a team and support the role of other people within the team. To act as a role model and to be aware of and to respond appropriately to individual needs. To be aware of and comply with policies relating to child protection, health and safety, confidentiality and data protection, reporting all concerns to a nominated person. This job description is not a comprehensive definition of the post. The list above is neither exhaustive nor prescriptive and duties may vary within this framework to ensure that the post holder's strengths and experience are used most effectively and to ensure that the academy is able to respond to changes in local and/or national priorities as necessary. Please apply through our website: https://www.nhgs.co.uk/ Essential Criteria Qualifications: GCSE English and Maths at Grade C/4 or above, and Level 2 Food Safety/Hygiene Qualification or equivalent. Experience: Relevant catering experience, preferably in a school, education or high-volume catering environment. Experience managing or supervising catering staff, managing budgets effectively and controlling costs. Skills and Knowledge: Strong leadership and team management skills. Knowledge of food safety, hygiene and allergen legislation and procedures. Personal Skills and Attributes: Honesty, excellent communication and interpersonal skills, ability to build relationships across the school community, good attendance and punctuality, teamwork, adaptability and a positive attitude towards personal development. Desirable Criteria Qualifications: Level 3 Food Safety Qualification and Health and Safety/COSHH qualification or relevant training. Experience: Previous experience as a Catering Manager in a secondary school or similar setting. Skills and Knowledge: Ability to use Microsoft Office or similar software for budgeting and reporting. Personal Skills and Attributes: Flexible approach to working hours and covering absences, willingness to develop new skills, and ability to work independently within set boundaries and solve day-to-day problems. Professional Development & Excellence We are committed to professional growth and excellence, offering high-quality CPD, mentoring and tailored development opportunities at every career stage. Through collaborative practice, leadership support and partnerships in Initial Teacher Education we foster a culture of continuous learning. Health and Well-being We believe that "looking after our own" is the foundation of a successful school culture. We provide a comprehensive support system that goes far beyond the classroom: Access to Medicash Health Plan: A health cash plan which reimburses everyday healthcare costs and includes counselling, mental health and well-being support. Annual Well-being Initiatives including flu vaccinations. Free tea and coffee throughout the day to keep your energy levels up. Free toast for all staff two days a week. Free staff water bottle to help you keep hydrated. Free breakfast, break and lunch for all staff on Staff Training Days Use of the school's fitness suite during school time, including before and after school. Financial Benefits As an employee at NHGS you will be part of the West Yorkshire Pension Scheme (for associate staff) and Teachers Pension (for teaching staff) for which the Academy pays a substantial contribution into on your behalf for your retirement. Catering Manager £28,207 - £30,141 Annually (Actual) 3.3% pay award pending 37 hours per week Term time only + 10 days Closing Date: 30th October 2026 - midnight Interview date: w/c 9th November (please note that this will include lunchtime) We warmly welcome prospective applicants to visit our school prior to submitting an application. A visit will give you the chance to experience our ethos first-hand, meet our dedicated team, and see our learning environment in action. To arrange a visit, please do not hesitate to contact 01422 244625. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff to share this commitment. Therefore, this post requires an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check. An online search will be undertaken on all shortlisted candidates. This search does not form part of the shortlisting process, and you will have the opportunity to discuss any issues of concern that may arise from this search at the interview. TPBN1_UKCT