Job Ref: XS2.1
1 Year Fixed Term Contract to Start September 2026
37 hours per week, Monday to Friday
Hours can be flexible and will be discussed at interview
£23,176 to £25,523 Actual Salary (pro rata) - Pay Award Pending
Term Time only plus 5 Staff Training Days
Ferndown Upper School operates an in‑house catering service for over 1,000 students with provision at breakfast, mid‑morning break and lunch.
Catering Manager
Job Ref: XS2.1
We are looking to recruit a Catering Manager on a 1 year fixed term contract to run our busy kitchen and lead the catering team. The successful applicant will be a natural leader with good communication skills to motivate the team in providing an exceptional and outstanding service to students and staff. You will have responsibility for managing the school’s kitchen including the preparation, cooking and service of freshly cooked food ensuring the highest levels of food hygiene and health and safety are maintained. You will be highly organised and have good leadership and administrative skills.
Key Responsibilities To Include
* Support the day‑to‑day running of the catering service, ensuring high standards of cleanliness, food presentation and customer service within the café and kitchen areas.
* Supervise and support the catering team to ensure a consistent and friendly service is provided to students, staff, and visitors.
* Assist with staff induction, training and ongoing development where required.
* Ensure compliance with Food Safety, Environmental Health and Health & Safety procedures and guidelines.
* Assist with monitoring budgets, controlling costs and maintaining accurate catering records and generating reports.
* Monitor stock levels, support ordering processes and help minimise wastage.
* Maintain positive working relationships with suppliers and support value‑for‑money purchasing.
* Support the School Business Manager in delivering hospitality and catering services across the school.
The successful candidate will have experience working within a busy catering or kitchen environment and be confident supporting the day‑to‑day running of a catering service. You will hold a Level 2 Food Safety Certificate, with a Level 3 qualification desirable. Training and support towards achieving Level 3 will be provided if required.
What Ferndown Can Offer You
* CPD opportunities and training and development programmes.
* Eligibility to join the Local Government Pension Scheme.
* Access to health and wellbeing support.
* Private Healthcare Cash Back Plan including 24/7 access to a GP by phone, gym discounts, cashback for optical, dental and other appointment expenses.
* Access to staff benefits and discounts portal through Dorset Council.
For more details please contact donnamitchell@fernup.dorset.sch.uk
Application Form and Job Description available via Dorset Jobs or our school website.
Close date: midnight Sunday 21st June 2026
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