Catering Manager

Catering Manager – Lead, Inspire and Drive Excellence

Location

: The Deanery CE Academy School, Peglars Way, Swindon, SN1 7DA (with responsibility for Kingfisher School located opposite)
Days/Shift Pattern: Monday – Friday
Working Hours: 7:30am – 3:00pm (including a 30-minute unpaid break)
Total Hours Per Week: 37.5 Hours
Salary: £17.00 per hour (£26,007 per annum) + Sodexo Benefits
Contract Type: Permanent – Full Time, Term Time Only

At Sodexo, we believe in delivering exceptional dining experiences, fostering meaningful relationships, and empowering our teams to thrive. We are seeking an experienced and passionate Catering Manager to lead our catering operations across The Deanery CE Academy and Kingfisher School in Swindon.

About the Opportunity

This is an exciting opportunity for a confident and organised Catering Manager to oversee two school catering operations, ensuring students receive nutritious, high-quality meals whilst delivering excellent customer service and maintaining strong financial performance.

Based at The Deanery CE Academy, you will also hold responsibility for the catering provision at Kingfisher School, located opposite the main site. You will work closely with school leadership teams, Sodexo management, and your catering colleagues to deliver a service that exceeds expectations.

This role would suit an experienced Catering Manager, Cook Manager, School Chef Manager, or an ambitious chef looking to take the next step into management.

What You'll Be Doing

You will be responsible for leading the catering operation across both schools, including:

• Organising and overseeing the preparation, presentation, and service of all meals to agreed service standards
• Supporting and developing a team across 2 sites ,1 x Primary and 1 x secondary including 1 x Cook Supervisor , 1 x Kitchen Supervisor and 4 x Food Service Assistants
• Driving meal uptake and enhancing the customer dining experience
• Creating engaging food offers, themed events, and seasonal promotions
• Supporting curriculum-based food activities, including Discovery Tables and classroom tastings
• Implementing marketing campaigns and promotional activities in line with Sodexo's marketing calendar
• Managing stock control, ordering, deliveries, and supplier relationships
• Monitoring labour costs, food costs, and overall financial performance against budget
• Maintaining accurate payroll, administration, and weekly reporting
• Conducting daily service reviews and monitoring key performance indicators
• Building strong relationships with school leadership teams, staff, students, and Sodexo colleagues
• Ensuring full compliance with Food for Life standards and supporting annual audits
• Maintaining the highest standards of food safety, allergen management, health & safety, COSHH, and hygiene compliance
• Leading recruitment, induction, training, coaching, and performance management of team members
• Organising hospitality and special events where required

What We’re Looking For

We are looking for someone who is passionate about food, customer service, and developing people whilst maintaining exceptional operational standards.

Essential:

• Previous catering management, supervisory, or senior chef experience
• NVQ Level 2 Chef Qualification (or equivalent)
• Intermediate Food Hygiene Certificate
• Enhanced DBS clearance
• Previous catering experience with a genuine passion for food and team engagement
• Strong literacy and numeracy skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Good time management and organisational skills
• Ability to work well under pressure
• Computer literacy
• Ability to achieve and maintain high operational standards, particularly regarding hygiene and compliance
• Positive approach to learning and self-development
• Self-motivated with strong initiative and the ability to meet deadlines
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team and successfully implement change

Desirable:

• NVQ Level 3 Chef Qualification (or equivalent)
• Previous experience managing catering operations within an educational environment
• Experience managing budgets and financial performance
• Experience developing, motivating, and training teams
• Good financial and commercial awareness
• Experience delivering customer engagement activities and increasing meal uptake

What We Offer

At Sodexo, this is more than just a job—it’s your chance to be part of something greater. We celebrate individuality, encourage purpose-driven work, and empower you to succeed on your own terms. Here’s what you can expect when you join us:

• A competitive salary & excellent benefits package

• Opportunities for career growth and development

• A diverse, supportive, and inclusive workplace

• A chance to make a tangible impact on [specific area, e.g., client satisfaction, sustainability, operational excellence].

Additional Perks & Benefits

• Unlimited access to an online mental health and wellbeing support platform.

• An Employee Assistance Programme for legal, financial, and personal support.

• 24/7 access to a virtual GP service.

• Exclusive discounts for you, your family, and friends through the Sodexo Discounts Scheme.

• Membership in the Mercer Aspire Pension Plan to help you save for your future.

• Learning and development opportunities to enhance your career growth.

• A Bike to Work Scheme, supporting both your fitness and the environment.

Ready to Be Part of Something Greater?

If you're looking for an opportunity where you can bring your passion, skills, and ambition to a company that truly values you, then this is it. Apply today and take the next step in your Sodexo journey.

Friendly customers. Vibrant communities. Exciting careers.

Please note: Sodexo reserves the right to close this advert early if we receive a high number of applications.

File Downloads

• HR-5933_Benefits UK Brochure V9.pdf
• Catering Manager JD.docx