Job Description

Across our Eastern Education Group sites 1 FTE - 37 hours per week, 52 weeks per year - Permanent Salary: 42,591 (subject to annual review)
We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Group Head of Catering to lead the delivery of high-quality catering and hospitality services across our nine schools and Further Education provision. You will play a key role in shaping a modern, customer-focused, and sustainable catering offer that enhances the experience of students, staff, and visitors while supporting the strategic direction of the Eastern Education Group.

In this pivotal role, you will provide inspirational leadership to catering and hospitality teams, ensuring exceptional service standards, operational efficiency, and strong commercial performance. You will oversee both inhouse and outsourced provision, manage budgets and procurement, introduce innovative approaches to food service, and ensure full compliance with food safety and health and safety regulations. A commitment to sustainability, healthy eating, inclusivity, and continuous improvement will be central to your approach, along with the ability to support events, generate income, and build strong stakeholder relationships.

The successful candidate will bring substantial experience in catering and hospitality management, ideally across multi-site operations, with strong financial acumen, excellent communication skills, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment. You will demonstrate a collaborative leadership style, confidence in decision-making, and a commitment to professional development, both for yourself and your team. This is an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact across a diverse and forward-thinking education group.

We offer a wide range of staff benefits including:

Membership into Local Government Pension Scheme Family friendly policies and flexible working Access to our Employee Assistance Programme Employee wellbeing initiatives Free parking Canteen Company events Access to various memberships and discount schemes Learning and development opportunities, including staff development days Funded subject course development for your role Range of staff communities, including EDI and neurodiverse communities Career progression opportunities
Eastern Education Group is a dynamic and forward-thinking education provider committed to delivering high-quality learning experiences across multiple institutions. Our group encompasses a diverse range of educational settings, including schools, further education colleges, and specialist learning provisions, ensuring that learners of all ages and backgrounds receive the support and opportunities they need to succeed.

At the heart of our mission is a dedication to excellence, inclusivity, and innovation in education. We strive to create an environment where students can thrive academically, socially, and professionally. Through strong partnerships with local communities, businesses, and industry leaders, we ensure our curriculum remains relevant, equipping students with the skills and knowledge required for future careers.

Our group also prioritises supporting students with additional learning needs, offering specialist provisions for those with SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities), SEMH (Social, Emotional, and Mental Health needs), and vocational training to empower every learner. We take a holistic approach to education, combining academic excellence with pastoral care, safeguarding, and wellbeing initiatives to foster a safe and supportive learning environment.

As a collective, Eastern Education Group is committed to continuous improvement, innovation, and maintaining high standards across all our institutions. We work closely with regulatory bodies, including Ofsted, to ensure compliance and the highest quality of teaching, learning, and student support. Our leadership team, educators, and support staff are dedicated to shaping the future of education, driving positive change, and enabling learners to realise their full potential.

As a Group, our Character Strengths and Mission Statement underpin our expectations of all our students and employees. Please familiarise yourself with these and incorporate them into your personal statement; this will be of benefit if you are invited to attend for an interview.

This is an opportunity to join a hugely supportive organisation where we value, support and facilitate your professional development, as well as offering many other benefits including an attractive pension scheme, staff wellbeing initiatives and employee assistance.

The Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

For further information please contact our recruitment team at: recruitment@easterneducationgroup.ac.uk

TO APPLY FOR THIS ROLE PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE AND APPLY DIRECTLY VIA OUR PORTAL. WE CANNOT ACCEPT INDEED APPLICATIONS OR CVS AS A FORMAL APPLICATION, THANK YOU.

Completed application forms should be made via our recruitment portal. If you have not heard from a member of the HR Team within 14 working days of the closing date, please presume your application has not been successful on this occasion.

Closing Date:

8.00am on Wednesday 3rd December

Interviews:

To be held shortly thereafter

We reserve the right to appoint prior to listed closing date, early applications are encouraged. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, gender, gender reassignment, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age in accordance with the requirements of the Equality Act 2010.

The Group is committed to safeguarding children and safer recruitment practices and will undertake all the required pre-employment checks on the successful candidate including an enhanced DBS Disclosure.

All data will be processed in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018. For more information about how we access and use your information please visit our website.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 42,591.00 per year

Work Location: In person