Permanent, 40 hours per week, 52 weeks per year.

Shifts 5 out of 7, Monday – Sunday, to include 1 day at the weekend. Shifts alternate weekly between 6.30am-3pm and 12-8.30pm.

Salary: £28,500.00 - £29,536.00 per annum

This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced catering professional to step into a leadership role at our school. As Catering Team Leader, you’ll play a key role in ensuring the smooth day-to-day running of our catering operations, supervising a dedicated team and maintaining the highest standards of service, hygiene and safety. If you’re passionate about food service, thrive in a team environment and are ready to make a real impact, this role is for you.

Your own means of transport is essential, as the school is in a rural location with no public transport links.

What you'll be doing

•      Supervising catering assistants during shifts, ensuring tasks are completed to a high standard.

•      Overseeing the preparation and cleanliness of dining rooms, salad counters, and food service areas before each service.

•      Conducting pre-service briefings, including allergen and dietary requirement updates.

•      Ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations, food hygiene standards, and completing all necessary records (e.g., cleaning schedules, temperature logs).

•      Supporting hospitality and school events, ensuring smooth service delivery.

•      Ordering non-food items, including COSHH products, and ensuring proper storage and usage.

•      Assisting with staff induction, training, and implementing new ideas to enhance the catering department.

What we're looking for

•       Previous experience in a similar catering role.

•       Previous supervisory experience.

•       Strong organisational skills and the ability to lead and direct a team.

•       High standards of personal hygiene and a commitment to maintaining a clean, safe working environment.

•       Ability to work unsupervised, using initiative, and remaining calm under pressure.

•       A flexible and proactive approach to work.

•       Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils.

•       Level 2 Food Safety and Level 3 Supervising Food Safety qualifications desirable.

What we offer

  Generous pension scheme with a 9% employer contribution

  25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays.

•       Delicious free meals while on duty.

•       Life insurance and critical illness cover.

•       A supportive induction programme.

•       Access to modern gym and swimming pool facilities at set times.

•       A beautiful working environment in a semi-rural location.

•       A variety of social occasions throughout the year.

Downe House is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All offers of employment are subject to satisfactory references, qualifications, experience checks, medical clearance, enhanced DBS checks, social media checks, and documentary evidence showing your entitlement to work in the UK.

We promote equality of opportunity and support an environment that values and promotes diversity and inclusion.