Job Description

Grade 5- 34,416-37,536pro rata (School term time plus 3 weeks 0.833 approx salary 27,160pa)

Location:

Flexible approach involving working remotely and regular in-person and onsite internal meetings at various locations.

About the role

The Commercial Operations Officer provides essential operational and administrative support to the Catering Service and wider Traded Services. This includes ensuring the effective delivery of commercial activities, particularly the provision of school meals across 50+ kitchen, by coordinating processes, resolving issues, and maintaining accurate records.


This role is varied and will involve working closely with internal management teams, external service providers, suppliers, and school customers. Flexibility is key, as you will support a wide range of business-critical functions, adapting to service needs as required.

Duties and Responsibilities

Administering the process of charging schools for the provision of school meals, validating online cashless transactions. This includes liaising with schools, catering staff, and the Catering Management team to ensure all charges are correct Working with the Catering Service management team and kitchen supervisors to coordinate both planned preventative maintenance (PPM) and urgent reactive repairs for kitchen equipment, ensuring uninterrupted and compliant meal provision Supporting the Help Desk for the Catering Service and wider Traded Services, acting as a key contact for staff, schools, customers, and suppliers. This includes managing telephone and email enquiries, logging issues, and ensuring information is passed on to the correct person promptly Support the Catering Service management team with the setup of the school menu including, updating allergy and special dietary information across relevant systems Undertake any other reasonable duties appropriate to the role as required

About You

Ideally the successful candidate will have a background in the education suppliers' market and experience of schools traded services You will be someone who thrives in a collaborative environment, shows initiative and is committed to delivering consistently excellent customer service You are a confident communicator, able to convey information clearly both in writing and verbally Understand the importance of developing and maintaining positive relationships with stakeholders You are aware of GDPR requirements and experienced in handling sensitive information with care and confidentiality

This advert will close at 23:59 on 8th August 2025

, however interest in the job may be high and we reserve the right to close this vacancy early.

Additional Information

We want everyone to choose Havering. When you apply for a job with us, your application is considered on its merits regardless of your age, disability, ethnicity, faith, gender identity or sexual orientation. Our residents and service users come from all walks of life, and so do our employees. Find out what it means to Choose Havering .


The London Borough of Havering has important responsibilities for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. If you are appointed to a job that involves working with these groups, you may be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Please make sure to include a CV and separate supporting statement, explaining in no more than x2 A4 sides why and how you meet the criteria for this role.

We practice anonymised recruitment. Please ensure that you remove all personal information from any documents that you upload

Should you require any help or advice with your online application, please contact the Recruitment Helpdesk on 01708 432770



*About Us

With its excellent transport links into central London, extensive town centre regeneration and the highest concentration of green space anywhere in London, Havering has a unique offer as a place to live, work and visit. By making the most of its position and opportunities, Havering is becoming a hub for start-ups and expanding businesses, as well as construction, logistics, engineering and manufacturing industries.
Find out why you should work for Havering Council .