Catering Manager
Ramsden Hall Academy, Billericay, Essex, CM11 1HN14 days remaining to apply
Job start date
5 January 2026
Closing date
9 October 2025 at 12pm (midday)
Date listed
25 September 2025
Job details
Job role
- Catering, cleaning and site management
Visa sponsorship
- Visas cannot be sponsored
Working pattern
- Full time: 37 hours per working week, term time + inset days + 2 weeks (working 41 weeks per year). Monday to Thursday 6am to 2.30pm and Friday 6am to 11.30am Friday.
Contract type
- Permanent
Full-time equivalent salary
- £32,061-£35 412. Actual Salary: : £29,269.34-£32,464.40 PA.
Pay scale
- Pay Scale 7, Spine Points 19-24.
What skills and experience we're looking for
- Proven experience in catering management, ideally within a school or similar environment.
- Level 3 Food Safety qualification.
- Strong leadership, organisational and financial management skills.
- Knowledge of food hygiene, health & safety and school catering standards.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Commitment to delivering high-quality service and continuous improvement.
What the school offers its staff
- A welcoming and collaborative atmosphere where your contributions are valued
- Automatic enrolment into the Local Government Pension Scheme
- Continuous Professional Development (CPD) opportunities to help you grow
- Access to the Blue Light Card scheme — offering over 15,000 discounts online and in-store for those in the NHS, emergency services, social care, armed forces, and education sectors
- Free provision of required PPE and uniform to wear whilst working
- Free onsite car and bicycle parking
- Access to our Employee Assistance Programme for wellbeing and support
- Excellent on-site facilities, including catering services when operational
- A chance to work in a Residential Academy dedicated to nurturing every pupil’s potential
Further information about the job
Are you an experienced catering professional with a passion for delivering high-quality food services in an educational setting? We are seeking a dynamic and organised Catering Manager to lead our school’s catering provision, ensuring excellence in food preparation, service and team leadership.
Key Responsibilities
- Oversee the operational efficiency of the school’s catering service, including planning, preparation, cooking and presentation of food and beverages.
- Develop and manage catering provision for pupils, staff and special events.
- Maintain the highest standards of hygiene, health & safety and personnel management.
- Ensure compliance with recognised catering standards and school policies.
- Manage stock control, supplier relationships and budget adherence.
- Lead menu planning, implement promotions/theme days, and respond to feedback.
- Organise special functions and ensure timely service of meals and refreshments.
Financial Management
- Ensure compliance with school finance regulations.
- Collaborate with the HR Operations Manager to develop and monitor business and operational plans.
- Maintain fully costed menus and portion control systems.
- Monitor customer satisfaction and value for money.
- Review purchasing procedures to ensure best value.
Communication & Leadership
- Maintain regular contact with senior managers.
- Lead team briefings and staff meetings.
- Report staff absences promptly and manage performance, training and discipline.
- Recruit, induct and support catering staff development.
Health & Safety
- Ensure full compliance with health & safety legislation.
- Report accidents and food safety concerns.
- Maintain and follow cleaning schedules.
Additional Duties
- Promote and market the catering service.
- Ensure security of kitchen supplies, equipment and finances.
- Recommend service improvements and cost-saving measures.
Commitment to safeguarding
Safeguarding Statement
Ramsden Hall Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all pupils attending the Academy and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All appointments require an Enhanced DBS disclosure, medical clearance and references and are subject to safer recruitment requirements to ensure the safeguarding of children and young people. We will also carry out an online search on shortlisted candidates to help identify any incidents or issues that are publicly available online. All positions will involve appropriate checks and clearances.
Applying for the job
This job requires you to download an application form, you will be able to upload the application once complete.
CVs will not be accepted for this application.
Upload additional documents
If you need these documents in an accessible format, please contact the school.
About Ramsden Hall Academy
- School type
- Academy, ages 10 to 16
- School size
- 99 pupils enrolled
- Age range
- 10 to 16
- Ofsted report
- View Ofsted report
- School website
- Ramsden Hall Academy website
- Email address
- jquilter@ramsdenhall.org.uk
- Phone number
- 01277 624580
Ramsden Hall Academy works with over 100 secondary-age and Year 6 male students who have an Educational Health Care Plan (EHCP) for Social Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs offering a residential provision.
The Academy aims to support all students with their specific needs and barriers to learning to enable them to reach their full potential both academically and in terms of managing their behaviour. This is achieved by providing high quality teaching and learning and by using assessment, engagement and developing educational programmes. The Academy works actively with students and their parents/carers to ensure positive outcomes for all.
Arranging a visit to Ramsden Hall Academy
To arrange a visit and increase the chance of a successful application email jquilter@ramsdenhall.org.uk.
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