Catering Assistant

Are you an experienced and motivated catering professional looking for your next supporting leadership role? We are seeking an Assistant Catering Manager to lead our busy in-house catering service and support the delivery of high-quality, nutritious meals for our students, staff, and external clients. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is passionate about excellent food, strong operational management, and driving service improvements within a thriving academy environment.

About the Role

As our Assistant Catering Manager, you will: Oversee the day-to-day catering operations, ensuring all meals meet National Nutritional Standards. Support the catering manager in leading, supporting, and supervising catering staff. Support the catering manager in managing stock, resources, budgeting and cost control to deliver a value-for-money service without compromising quality. Support in developing menus, maintaining high standards of food presentation, and ensure a welcoming dining experience. Ensure full compliance with Health & Safety, food hygiene, COSHH and safeguarding procedures. Build strong relationships with external clients and help grow the department’s commercial opportunities. Promote the academy and Trust values in all areas of your practice.

Key Responsibilities

Oversee food preparation, cooking and service. Support with management of catering finances, including revenue, expenditure, stock control and financial reporting. Ensure safe operation and maintenance of all kitchen equipment. Support managing catering delivery arrangements to external academies during term time. Conduct risk assessments, maintain cleanliness, and uphold high hygiene standards. Support marketing efforts, create promotional materials and liaise with potential new clients. About You

We are looking for someone who:

Has proven experience in catering leadership or kitchen management. Demonstrates strong organisational, communication and people-management skills. Is committed to providing high-quality, nutritious meals. Understands financial management in a catering setting. Is proactive, reliable and able to work under pressure. Shares our values and is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our students.

What We have to Offer:

A visible and approachable senior leadership team and an enthusiastic and committed team of teachers and support staff. A strong support network both within the school and across Authentic Education. All staff are part of a professional learning community in which evidence-informed CPD is designed to meet individual needs. Strong potential for career progression. A culture that respects work-life balance and an ongoing commitment to wellbeing with a dedicated Wellbeing Champion. An Employee Assistance Programme including in the moment support and counselling sessions with an external provider. Staff benefits include free eye testing for DSE users through Specsavers, free will writing through Dunham McCarthy Solicitors and reduced-price corporate gym membership through BH Live. A competitive pension through Teachers’ Pensions or The Local Government Pension Scheme for support staff.

Should you wish to arrange a visit or an informal discussion regarding the role, please contact Shelley Morris, HR Academy Lead at shelley.morris@oa.weareauthentic.education Together we are Courageous, Innovative, Excellent