Tops Day Nurseries – Catering Manager
Location: 3 Wollaston Road, Dorset
Job type: Full Time Permanent
Salary: £42,000 Annum
Contracted Hours: 40 hours per week
Why Join Tops Day Nurseries
We have been shaping futures since 1990. As the UK’s largest employee‑owned childcare group, we know that valuing people is the key to success. When you join us, you become a co‑owner with a voice, opportunities to grow, and a share in our success.
With 38 nursery sites across the South of England, we provide outstanding early years education and childcare for babies, toddlers, and preschool children. We offer opportunities for Apprenticeship, Nursery practitioners, Nursery Managers & Casual staff. We’re proud to be recognised as a World’s Happiest Workplace 2025 and one of the Top 10 Apprenticeship Employers in the UK (2024).
About the Role
This is a hands‑on leadership role where you will oversee our catering hubs, inspire your team, and bring creativity to menu planning and food presentation. You will work closely with suppliers, manage budgets, and lead innovative catering projects—all while ensuring the highest standards of quality, compliance, and sustainability.
Key Benefits
* Up to 60% childcare discount at Tops Day Nurseries
* Exclusive discounts & rewards via Blue Light Card and Each Person platform (gyms, cinema, shopping, travel & many more)
* Health & wellbeing support – NHS prescriptions, optical care & dental treatment
* A generous holiday allowance – including your birthday off & a wellbeing day!
Responsibilities
* Develop menus that meet early years nutritional standards, reflect seasonal produce, and align with our sustainability values
* Build strong relationships with suppliers, agencies, and nutrition partnerships
* Lead, coach, and mentor catering staff across multiple sites
* Manage and monitor budgets to deliver quality meals within cost targets
* Oversee compliance with all food hygiene, allergen, and health & safety regulations
* Use and maintain catering software for menu planning, allergen tracking, and supplier management
Qualifications
* Proven experience as a Catering Manager or Executive Chef in a high‑volume or multi‑site environment
* Strong leadership and team development skills
* A passion for healthy, sustainable food and the creativity to deliver it
* Track record in budget management and supplier relationship building
* Project management experience for innovative catering initiatives
* Willingness to undertake CPD
* Desirable: Level 4 Food Hygiene (or willingness to complete)
Important Safeguarding Information
* Hold (or be willing to obtain) an enhanced DBS check registered on the Update Service. If you don’t yet have one, you’ll need to cover the cost.
* Be eligible to work in regulated roles – not on the Children’s Barred List.
* Successfully complete background and reference checks.
At Tops Day Nurseries, we are an equal opportunities employer, committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected.
Apply Now
Excited to make a difference? Take the next step in your career and join Tops Day Nurseries.
#J-18808-Ljbffr