Area Catering Manager (School Meals)

TL;DR

Area Catering Manager (School Meals): Leading and delivering a high-quality school meals service across multiple sites with an accent on food safety compliance, financial sustainability, and people leadership. Focus on optimizing meal take-up, managing budgets, and driving operational excellence across designated schools.

Location: Must be based in or be able to travel between sites in Romford, United Kingdom

Salary: £43,690 – £48,003 per annum

Company

The hirify.global is a local government authority providing essential services, including a growing traded catering service for over 50 schools.

What you will do

• Manage and deliver school meals services across allocated sites to maximize customer satisfaction and meal take-up.
• Ensure strict compliance with food safety, health & safety, HACCP, COSHH, and safeguarding requirements.
• Lead, motivate, and develop Kitchen Managers and their respective catering teams.
• Manage budgets, income generation, and resource allocation for the service.
• Collaborate with the Executive Development & Training Chef on menu and recipe development.
• Produce management performance reports and deputize for the Catering Operations Manager.

Requirements

• Proven management experience in large-scale catering, preferably within an educational setting.
• In-depth knowledge of food safety and catering legislation.
• Level 3/4 Advanced Food Hygiene qualification.
• OND/HND in Catering or equivalent professional experience.
• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle.
• Commitment to safeguarding and confidentiality in line with council policies.

Nice to have

• Nutrition qualification.
• Training or coaching qualifications.
• Experience in marketing or sales.

Culture & Benefits

• Local Government Pension Scheme with generous employer contributions.
• Generous annual leave entitlement plus bank holidays.
• Flexible working arrangements where service delivery allows.
• Access to professional learning, development, and training opportunities.
• Employee Assistance Programme and Cycle to Work scheme.
• Staff discounts platform for shopping, leisure, and travel.