Job Description

Catering Manager - Wickford Centre

Hours: 25 hours per week (9:00am - 2:00pm)
Salary: Scale 5, Point 10-13
Contract: Permanent, Term Time Plus 1 week INSET
Start Date: ASAP

Make a real difference with great food.

Bring your passion and creativity to children and young people who need it most. This is more than catering - it's about creating a welcoming food experience that supports wellbeing and development.

Lead our beautifully refurbished café at our Wickford site, delivering high-quality, nutritious meals for our community. You'll manage day-to-day kitchen operations, maintain the highest standards of food quality, hygiene and service, and keep everything running smoothly within budget.

We're looking for someone who's passionate about food, committed to healthy eating, and ready to lead and motivate a in warm and friendly environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the daily operation of the school catering service.
• Lead, supervise and support catering staff, ensuring high standards of performance and customer service.
• Plan nutritious and appealing menus that meet School Food Standards and cater for a range of dietary requirements.
• Monitor stock levels, place orders and manage supplier relationships.
• Ensure compliance with all food hygiene, health and safety and allergen regulations.
• Manage the catering budget and maintain accurate records.
• Promote healthy eating initiatives across the school.
• Monitor meal uptake and identify opportunities to enhance the catering offer.
• Ensure the kitchen and dining areas are maintained to a high standard of cleanliness and organisation.
• Work collaboratively with school leaders to support school events and functions.

We Are Looking For Someone Who:

• Has experience of managing a catering operation, ideally within an educational setting.
• Holds a Level 3 Food Safety qualification or is willing to obtain one.
• Has excellent knowledge of food hygiene, allergen management and health and safety requirements.
• Can lead, motivate and develop a team.
• Demonstrates strong organisational and financial management skills.
• Has a passion for providing high-quality meals and promoting healthy lifestyles.
• Is approachable, flexible and committed to excellent customer service.

We Offer:

• A supportive and welcoming school community.
• Opportunities for professional development and training.
• A rewarding role making a positive impact on young people's wellbeing and healthy eating habits.
• Access to staff wellbeing support and employee benefits.

Closing Date: 13/09/2026

Interview Date: Week Commencing 14/09/2026

Please note: We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should a sufficient number of suitable applications be received.

Safeguarding Statement

The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and all other pre-employment checks in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education.

Information about the School

The Children’s Support Service is a short stay alternative provision in Essex. We educate and support children from KS1 - KS4 as well as providing an outreach service which works to support students, staff and schools in the local area. Our schools are based in Basildon (secondary) and Wickford (primary and secondary).

Our Medical Education Team work across South and West Essex and focus on not only educating children and young people but crucially reintegrating our students back into their mainstream school.

We now offer, in partnership with Essex Local Authority Education Access Team, an education and reintegration programme for students who have been permanently excluded from any part of Essex back to their local mainstream school.

Most of our students are referred to us due to challenges they may have faced in school; many come with additional needs and require academic, emotional and social support. We pride ourselves on overcoming these challenges and ensuring every student is successful.

We offer a wide range of subjects and match a mainstream setting through our core curriculum offer. At the same time, as a 'needs -led' provision we offer extensive enrichment opportunities to our students.

We collaborate with schools and professionals who need our support, and aim to reintegrate students back into mainstream education or prepare them for other lifelong learning opportunities.

Our staff create positive, safe, caring and supportive learning environments, helping to inspire every child to 'be the best they can be.'

CSS staff benefit from flexible working arrangements, our subscription to an Employee Assistance Programme, which provides mental health and well-being support services for all staff, including 24/7 access to advice, support and counselling for our whole team.

Please note that car insurance including "business use" is required.