Job Description

St Michael's CofE Junior School in Galleywood, CM2 8RR

An exciting opportunity has arisen at our two form entry Junior school for a Catering Manager who has a passion for cooking and providing high quality meals. We are looking for a self-motivated, friendly, experienced, and enthusiastic Catering Manager who has a passion for cooking and providing high quality meals for our pupils at St Michael's C of E (VA) Junior School.

Are you already a Catering Manager or an experienced Catering Assistant, who has stood in for the Catering Manager, looking for a new role? Then we would like to hear from you.

Your role will include delivering the catering service, planning, preparation and presentation of food to the required standard.

Start Date: 5 January 2026 or as soon as possible afterwards taking any notice period into consideration

27.5 hours per week; Monday - Friday: 8.00 am - 1.30pm, Term time only plus one INSET day.

Salary: Scale 5: Point 9 - 12 (16,977.42 - 17,814.64 pro rata, Full Time Equivalent 27,254 - 28,598) depending on experience

Candidates should hold the Level 3 Food Safety Certificate, although training will be given. Ideally, applicants should have experience of working in a similar environment, be computer literate and be capable of managing and motivating staff.

Duties include preparing an average of 90-100 meals per day, food ordering, monthly stock takes, budget control, completing Food Hygiene paperwork, catering daily, weekly, monthly checklists and maintaining the cleanliness of the kitchen

The successful candidate will become part of our friendly and hard-working team, which is dedicated to ensuring our children are safe, learn well and are well cared for.

We would be delighted to hear from you if you:

Have a passion for producing good and healthy food

Have a "can do" attitude

Have excellent literacy and numeracy skills

Are computer literate including working knowledge of Microsoft Excel and Word

Are educated to Level 3 in Food Safety or hold equivalent qualifications or experience

Can ensure the operational efficiency, planning, preparation and presentation of food to the required standard within the budget limitations as agreed with the school management

Have an understanding of budgetary control and keeping a very close eye on costs

Have extensive knowledge of hygiene and health and safety.

Have good organisational and interpersonal skills

Have the ability to work on your own initiative and to remain calm under pressure

Able to cook delicious healthy balanced meals in accordance with our menus

Have experience in managing and motivating staff

Have experience in menu planning and costing

Able to Complete food safety records

Has experience of stock control

Are able to ensure the kitchen is clean and tidy at all times

You will be expected to

Understand budget control

Undertake training as required

Keep up to date with changes and developments in the catering industry

Work in collaboration with other colleagues

If you are shortlisted here on Indeed, I will email you the Essex County Council Application form. You are required to complete this form due to safeguarding legislation.

Please ensure you complete all sections of the application form in full, as incomplete application forms will not be considered.

Visits to the school are welcome and encouraged. Please contact Romy Barnes, Business Manager via email on finance@st-michaels-jun.essex.sch.uk to arrange a visit or for further information.

St Michael's C of E (VA) Junior School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be required to undertake an enhanced Disclosure and Barring check. Please note that the school will conduct searches for information on shortlisted candidates which is publicly available on-line

Job Types: Part-time, Permanent

Pay: 16,977.42-17,814.64 per year

Expected hours: 27.5 per week

Benefits:

Company pension On-site parking
Application question(s):

Why would you like to work in a school kitchen? What previous catering experience do you have?
Experience:

Catering: 3 years (required)
Language:

English fluently (required)
Licence/Certification:

Food Hygiene Level 2 certificate as a minimum (required)
Work Location: In person