Wellspring is an established and growing Multi-Academy Trust with a difference.  We operate Primary, Secondary, Special and Alternative Academies across Yorkshire, Lincolnshire and the Humber. We are committed to making a difference to the lives and life chances of the young people and the communities we serve.

As the Trust continues to grow our roles offer pathways for ambitious and dynamic individuals who are determined to make a difference. We value our people; collegial working at all levels is central to our culture. High quality induction training and ongoing professional development support are guaranteed. There will be a broad range of opportunities for you to realise your professional vision and ambitions within the Trust.

This is an exciting time for the Catering Services team as we continue with our ambitious Catering Vision, more information can be found in the information pack for this vacancy. 

We are seeking a passionate Catering Operations Manager to lead our catering teams in the West Region - predominantly covering Leeds and Barnsley. The successful candidate will have the drive, determination and enthusiasm to provide exceptional service. Using creativity, innovation and an eye for detail to develop and deliver an exceptional dining service across the Wellspring community, ensuring every child receives wholesome, delicious meals.

The role involves travel around the Trust academies in the West Region.

Examples of the type of work the postholder will lead:

• Putting the needs of our learners, identified through their direct feedback, at the heart of the service.

• Empathetic leadership of our catering teams, including recruitment, training and development.

• Working in partnership with academy leaders to identify and deliver a bespoke strategic and operational catering strategy.

• Lead catering process improvement.

• Manage catering related procurement exercises with a focus on quality, value and sustainability.

• Support catering capability and capacity development, nurturing and empowering talented colleagues.

• Actively promote healthy eating and wellbeing.

• Ensure all food is prepared with due care and attention, with particular regard to special dietary requirements, calorie and allergen management.

• Drive reduction in food waste & sustainability focus.

• Meet HSE and food safety compliance.

The successful candidate would be working within an experienced and supportive management team, comprising Trust Catering Manager, Compliance Manager, Operations Manager, Head of Services, Business Support Officer within the wider Operations function.

Wellspring is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. We are keen to hear from applicants from underrepresented backgrounds and those with identified protected characteristics.

Wellspring Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our pupils. All posts are offered subject to enhanced DBS checks. As this role involves working with children and vulnerable adults in regulated activity, please note that it is an offense to apply for the role if barred from engaging in regulated activity with children and vulnerable adults. 

References will be requested and an online search carried out for shortlisted candidates, prior to attendance at interview. Further pre-employment checks, including prohibition from teaching, childcare disqualification and section 128 checks, if deemed relevant for the role, will be completed for the successful candidate upon acceptance of the post.

We are committed to equal opportunities and to promoting diversity. We want our people to reflect the diversity of our communities, and we welcome applications from people from all backgrounds, especially from under-represented groups, including those from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities.

If you are currently living overseas or have lived / worked overseas in the last five years please be aware that you will be required to provide an overseas criminal records check from the country/countries you have resided in, if you are the preferred candidate for the post.