Assistant Catering Manager
Band F SCP 7 - 10 (£22,608.86 - £24,097.97 Actual Salary)
Full Time – Permanent (37 hours per week, 6.30am/7.00am - 2.30pm/3.00pm Monday - Friday (hours negotiable) (39 weeks per annum: TTO plus teacher training days)
Job Start: May/June 2026
Are you a talented and experienced catering professional with a passion for providing high-quality, nutritious food in a busy, friendly environment? Do you have the leadership skills to motivate a team and the drive to help take our school's catering service to the next level?
THE OPPORTUNITY
The Avon Valley School is seeking to appoint a dedicated and enthusiastic Assistant Catering Manager. This is a fantastic opportunity for a skilled professional to play a pivotal role in shaping the culinary experience for our school community. Working closely with the Catering Manager, you will help lead our team in delivering delicious, healthy, and appealing meals that cater to a diverse range of needs.
WHY JOIN US?
At The Avon Valley School, we are committed to nurturing every student’s potential, both academically and personally. Our ethos is built on Ambition, Respect and Care, fostering a learning environment where students feel valued, supported and empowered to achieve their aspirations.
Avon Valley School offers a welcoming and collaborative environment where every member of staff is valued. We are committed to providing exceptional professional development opportunities and a supportive culture where you can thrive. You will have the chance to work with a fantastic team of staff and students who are all dedicated to building a safe, happy, and successful school.
THE ROLE & RESPONSIBILITIES
Supporting the Catering Manager, you will assist with the day-to-day supervision and development of our school's catering provision. This is a hands-on role that requires both culinary expertise and strong supervisory skills. The successful candidate will be hardworking, friendly, organised, possessing excellent customer service and communication skills.
Key Responsibilities:
• Team Supervision: Assist in leading, managing, and motivating the catering team to ensure a positive and productive working environment.
• Operational Support: oversee kitchen operations in the absence of the Catering Manager, including food preparation, service and cleaning.
• Menu & Quality Control: Help implement exciting, balanced menus that meet school food standards and dietary requirements (including allergens and cultural needs).
• Financial Awareness: Assist with stock ordering, waste management, and cost control to ensure value for money.
• Health & Safety: Maintain the highest standards of food hygiene, health, and safety, strictly adhering to all regulations (e.g., HACCP, COSHH), ensuring all records are accurate and up to date.
• Customer Service: Engage with students and staff to ensure a friendly service and gather feedback for continuous improvement.
• Compliance: Ensure all catering activities comply with statutory requirements and school policies.
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
The ideal candidate will be:
• Have previous experience of working in a similar catering environment, preferably in school catering.
• Possess a strong knowledge of food safety and hygiene regulations, with a relevant qualification (e.g., Level 3 Food Hygiene).
• Demonstrate excellent supervisory and communication skills.
• Be organised, reliable, and able to remain calm under pressure during busy service times.
• Have a positive, can-do attitude and a passion for providing exceptional service.
WHAT WE OFFER
Joining The Avon Valley School means becoming part of a supportive and forward-thinking community. You will join a school that values professional development and personal growth. Whatever your career aspirations, we offer a supportive environment where you can gain valuable experience while playing a vital role in the school’s daily success.
Our staff enjoy:
• Tailored career development with annual personal development opportunities.
• Flexible working arrangements for support staff, including 2 flexible working days.
• A generous absence request policy, for example, do you want to watch your child’s primary school sports day, or attend your best friend’s wedding? Not a problem if you work for us.
• A proactive staff wellbeing programme to support work-life balance.
• A committed and collaborative Senior Leadership Team.
• A thriving school community with engaged students and supportive parents/carers.
• Lunch provided for anyone offering student facing activities during lunchtimes.
• Paid duties for anyone joining our lunchtime duty team.
• Employee benefits, including a cycle-to-work scheme, employee assistance programme, free on-site parking, and catering facilities.
TO APPLY:
If you want to be part of a school where you can truly make a difference, we encourage you to apply by clicking the link below which will take you to our online application form.
Please visit our website to find out more about the school: https://www.avonvalleyschool.uk/ Application Deadline: 9am on Monday 18th May 2026
(We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role).
Interviews: Shortly after closing date.
For further information, email: chearne@avonvalleyschool.uk or telephone: 01788 542355.
Safeguarding and Compliance
Please note:
● We do not accept CVs without an application form.
● We do not provide working visas.
● If shortlisted, you will be required to complete a declaration regarding any relevant criminal offences as part of our safeguarding duties.
● Avon Valley School conducts online searches (including social media) as per KCSIE 2025.
● We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. This post is subject to an Enhanced DBS check (child workforce) via the Disclosure and Barring Service.