Job Description

Job Details:
Job Reference: HCC 621810
Hourly Rate: 13.16 - 13.60 per hour
Work Location: William Gilpin Primary School, Lymington
Hours per week: 25.00 - Monday - Friday
Contract Type: Permanent, Term Time Only
Closing Date: 31st August 2025
Looking for a catering role that lets you lead a team and still be there for school pick-up?
Join our team at Education Catering!
We're passionate about serving nutritious, freshly prepared meals that help children thrive in the classroom.
As a Catering Unit Manager, you'll work term-time only, during school hours--giving you the work-life balance you've been looking for. This rewarding, term-time only role offers the opportunity to lead a team, make a difference in children's daily lives, and work in a supportive and structured environment. You'll manage a busy kitchen, prepare meals from fresh ingredients, and inspire your team to deliver exceptional service every day. If you're a natural leader with great communication skills and a passion for food, we'd love to hear from you.
Bring your leadership skills to the table--apply today and help shape the future of school catering!
What you'll do:

• Oversee food preparation and cooking, ensuring compliance with nutritional standards and special dietary needs.
• Deliver excellent customer service, building strong relationships with school staff.
• Supervise kitchen operations, including setup, cleaning schedules, and maintaining hygiene standards.
• Manage kitchen administration, including budgeting, ordering, stock control, and cash handling.
• Recruit, train, and lead staff, promoting teamwork and ensuring a safe, compliant working environment.

You will be required to undertake mandatory training on commencement and every 3 years thereafter in Food Safety, Allergen Awareness and Health and Safety Manual Handling.
What we're looking for:

• Previous experience in a similar catering environment
• NVQ Level 2 or equivalent qualification in a relevant subject or C&G 7061/2.
• Level 2 Food Safety certification
• Proven ability to manage and lead a team effectively
• Strong organisational and time management skills
• Positive, can-do attitude with the ability to motivate others
• Capable of working in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment
• Physically able to perform all aspects of the role
• Comfortable working in a hot kitchen with fluctuating temperatures

What we offer:

• Comprehensive new starter induction programme
• Term-time only working - no evenings, weekends, or school holidays
• A friendly supportive team environment with ongoing training and professional development to help you succeed and grow in your role.
• The chance to make a real impact on children's health and wellbeing

To find out more about us, visit our Education Catering work with us page
You will also benefit from a healthy package Including:-

• Uniform
• Full training and opportunities to progress
• A minimum 24 days annual leave entitlement taken in the school holidays, plus bank holidays.
• Interest free travel loans and discounts.
• Employee Support Services.
• Family friendly policies.
• Access to Local Government Pension Scheme.

Additional Information:
We reserve the right to close the vacancy once we have received sufficient applications, so we would advise you to submit your application as early as possible.
Vetting Requirements:
This post is subject to a Criminal Records Check.
As part of the pre-employment checks that are undertaken for this role, you will be asked to complete a Post Offer Medical Questionnaire. The questionnaire is confidential, and is screened by our Occupational Health Department, who will ensure that you are medically fit for this role before being formally offered the position.
Contact Details for an Informal Discussion:
If you'd like to talk to us about the job before you apply or for more information about the position, please call the manager below.
Koryn Hurst, District Manager, on 07718974732
Hampshire County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment.
In order to combat discrimination, no unnecessary conditions or requirements will be applied which could have a disproportionately adverse effect on any one group. All sections of the population will have equal access to jobs. No applicant or employee will receive less favourable treatment because of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership and pregnancy or maternity, unless a Genuine Occupational Requirement (GOR) applies.
We are a Disability Confident Employer - committed to ensuring that our recruitment and selection process is inclusive and accessible.