We currently have an exciting opportunity for a Cook Manager to join our fantastic team at our new Orchard House SEN High School.
This is a Grade 3, permanent post working 30 hours per week 8am-2.30pm, term time only plus 5 INSET days. The starting salary is £18,567 and the full time equivalent is £25,185.
About the Role
Reporting to the School Operations Manager and the Trust Catering Managers, you will be responsible for the safe, effective and efficient day-to-day operation of the school catering service. You will work closely with catering staff and lunchtime organisers to ensure a high-quality, customer-focused service for students and staff.
Key Responsibilities
* Manage a quality, cost-effective catering service in line with service level agreements (SLAs), contracts and legislative requirements
* Deliver pre-planned menus that meet nutritional, legislative and client requirements
* Ensure compliance with food hygiene, health & safety and COSHH regulations
* Supervise and line-manage catering staff, including training, attendance management and payroll returns
* Carry out efficient financial administration in line with Prospere Trust financial regulations, including cash reconciliation
* Provide a courteous, responsive and customer-focused service
* Promote equality, diversity and inclusion within the team and service delivery
* Contribute to service improvements and new initiatives
* Actively engage in personal development and training opportunities
* Comply with safeguarding, child protection, confidentiality and data protection requirements at all times
About You
We are looking for a suitably qualified Cook Supervisor/Cook Manager who:
* Holds, or is working towards, NVQ Level 2 in Food Preparation and Cooking (or equivalent)
* Has operational experience within a catering environment where high standards are essential
* Has experience managing or supervising staff
* Is organised, reliable and confident managing both people and processes
* Can communicate clearly and confidently in spoken English
* Understands the importance of safeguarding and working within a school setting
To find out more about the full responsibilities of the role and/or to ensure you meet the essential criteria, please review the attached job description.
How to Apply
Please follow the online application process to be considered, early applications are encouraged. Interviews will take place week commencing 23rd February.
All school staff are expected to share the Trust’s commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Specific safeguarding responsibilities are detailed in the attached job description.
Working for Prospere Learning Trust
Great schools thrive because of the great people in them. We invest in our staff to achieve their full potential and offer a range of benefits including.
* High quality CPD for all roles
* Bupa Level 1 Health Plan - annual cash back allowance for a range of every day health care expenses
* Generous Pension Contribution - over 26% for teachers and over 17% for support staff
* Good holidays teachers as per School Teachers’ Pay and Conditions Document; non-teachers receive 26 days annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing to 31 days with 5 years' service
* Cyclescheme - save up to 39% on a bike and accessories and get Strava for free
* Employee Assistance Programmes - including access to free counselling and 24/7 helplines
* Credit Union - regular savings, Christmas saving scheme and access to affordable loans
* Flexible working options - we're happy to talk flexible working where possible
* Mental Health First Aid in every school
* Blue Light Card - discounts on holidays, cars, days out, fashion, gifts, insurance, phones, and many more
* bYond cashback card - spend smarter with a prepaid cashback card for your everyday purchases
Visit our website to learn more about our Trust: prospere.org.uk
About Orchard House and Prospere Learning Trust
Orchard House is a brand new school which will be dedicated to providing exceptional education and support for students with Significant Learning Difficulties (SLD) and/or Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties (PMLD) from the age of 11- 19 years.
Opening in September 2025, our school is committed to creating a nurturing and inclusive environment where every student can thrive.
We aim to empower our students with the skills and confidence they need to succeed in their educational journey and beyond.
View our prospectus here.
Prospere Learning Trust is a high performing, inclusive and innovative Trust comprising of 9 schools, including 4 mainstream high schools and 5 special needs schools (both primary and secondary) with further schools anticipated across Greater Manchester.
We currently employ over 1000 staff and we believe that our staff play a vital role in achieving our vision of an exceptional education for all. We believe that great schools thrive because of the great people in them.
We are driven by our core values:
* Inclusion - we recognise people need different levels of support to achieve equitable outcomes.
* Comprehensive education we welcome all people from our local community.
* Excellence high standards institutionally, academically and in personal development.
* Expertise great schools thrive because of the great people in them. We invest in all our staff to achieve their potential.
* Collaboration we believe we are stronger together.
* Reflection we are underpinned by thoughtful use of relevant evidence and research.
At Prospere Learning Trust, we pride ourselves in being a great place to learn, work, and grow. We have a resolute focus on developing the quality of education in all of our schools.
To support our staff, we come together as a collaborative learning community, with a strong culture of professional development and mutual support.
Job Application Information
Please apply using the online application form; incomplete applications may not be considered. CVs are not accepted. Early applications are encouraged, and we reserve the right to close the vacancy early.
As per Keeping Children Safe in Education, we conduct online searches on shortlisted candidates to identify any relevant issues for interview discussion. Shortlisted candidates will be required to submit a self-disclosure declaration, declaring any relevant convictions, adult cautions or other matters which may affect your suitability to work with children. Information will be provided on where to seek guidance on whether certain offences are now protected and should not be disclosed within the self-disclosure form.
Under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 all positions within the School are exempt. Therefore, we are entitled to carry out Enhanced Disclosure checks for all staff and volunteers. It is an offence to apply for the role if the applicant is barred from engaging in regulated activity relating to children.
Applicants must have the right to work in the UK; we do not sponsor visa applications. If you’ve lived or worked outside the UK in the last five years, additional information will be required. Job offers are contingent on satisfactory pre-employment checks, including references.
Safeguarding Commitment
All schools within the Trust are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment.
Equality Statement
Prospere Learning Trust values diversity and welcomes applications from all candidates, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marital status, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation.
For application packs or support, contact us at 0161 527 7953 or jobs@prospere.org.uk.