Area Catering Manager

Area Catering Operations Manager

Gradepa 36 hours per week

London Borough of Havering Childrens Services (Traded Services)

About the role

We are looking for an experienced and motivated Area Catering Operations Manager to lead and deliver a high-quality compliant and financially sustainable school meals service across a designated group of schools.

You will play a key role in ensuring nutritious tasty meals are delivered to children and young people while driving customer satisfaction operational excellence and value for money. Managing Kitchen Managers across multiple sites you will balance people leadership budget management and service development to support the continued growth of Haverings Catering Service.

About the service

Haverings Catering Service is part of the Councils traded services portfolio and currently provides over 15000 meals per day to more than 50 schools within and outside the borough. The service is growing and prides itself on fresh cook food strong customer relationships and high compliance standards.

Key responsibilities

Manage and deliver an excellent school meals service across allocated sites maximising meal take-up and customer satisfaction
Ensure full compliance with food safety health & safety nutrition standards HACCP COSHH and safeguarding requirements
Lead motivate and develop Kitchen Managers and catering teams
Manage budgets income generation and resource allocation
Work closely with the Executive Development & Training Chef on menu and recipe development
Implement and monitor quality assurance processes and audits
Build strong relationships with schools stakeholders and partners
Produce management and performance reports
Deputise for the Catering Operations Manager and lead projects as required

What were looking for

Essential:
Proven management experience in large-scale catering ideally in an educational setting
Strong leadership communication and people management skills
In-depth knowledge of food safety and catering legislation
Experience of menu and recipe development
Sound understanding of budget management and reporting
OND/HND in Catering or equivalent experience
Level 3/4 Advanced Food Hygiene qualification
Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle

Desirable:
Nutrition qualification
Training or coaching qualifications
Marketing or sales experience

Benefits and perks

Competitive local government salary (Grade 7)
Local Government Pension Scheme with generous employer contributions
Generous annual leave entitlement plus bank holidays
Flexible working arrangements where service delivery allows
Access to learning development and professional training opportunities
Employee Assistance Programme providing confidential advice and support
Cycle to Work scheme and salary sacrifice options
Staff discounts platform offering savings on shopping leisure and travel
Opportunity to make a real difference to children and young people across Havering

This role involves travel between sites and occasional evening or weekend work. The post holder must demonstrate a strong commitment to safeguarding equality health and safety and confidentiality in line with council policies.

Please view Job Profile here

For an informal discussion about the post please contact

The closing date for the receipt of applications is 14/5/26 however interest in this job may be high and we therefore reserve the right to close the vacancy early.

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

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.

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