Overview
Job Title: Head of Catering & Food Services
Hours: 40 hours per week
Salary: £32,000 – £42,000 per year (depending on experience)
Location: Multi-site role with home-based working as the main base
Make a difference with your culinary skills
We are looking for a Catering Manager with Executive Chef qualities to lead our central catering service, delivering healthy, delicious meals to our early years settings. This is a rare opportunity to combine high-level culinary expertise with leadership, innovation, and a family-friendly work schedule.
Why join us?
* Monday–Friday, 40 hours per week – no evening shifts
* The chance to influence children’s nutrition and wellbeing from an early age
* Work in a values-driven organisation with a strong sustainability ethos
* Opportunities for Continuous Professional Development (CPD)
* Supportive, collaborative working environment
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.
You will also:
* 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
About you
* 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)
If you are looking for a role where your culinary expertise can make a real difference – and where you can enjoy a healthy work-life balance – we would love to hear from you.
Apply today to join our mission to inspire children and shape a sustainable future through great food.
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