Catering Lead


Company:	eTeach UK Limited
Salary:	Grade 5
Hours:	Part-time
Location:	Leicester, LE19 3YP
Working pattern:	On-site
Job type:	Permanent
Posting date:	10 Aug 2026
Closing date:	22 Aug 2026

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Summary

Catering LeadGrade 5.7 , 22.5 hours per week, Term Time Only, 39 weeks per year*

Hours perfect to fit around school drop off an pick up: Mon - Fri 9:30am - 2pm.

Starting salary £25,191 FTE The Pastures Primary School is looking to appoint a committed Catering Lead to work with the support of our Finance Officer to oversee our catering service and ensure our children and staff enjoy delicious, high quality meals. You will line manage a small team, help plan menus, generate orders, prepare and serve food whilst maintaining food safety standards, and creating an enjoyable dining experience for everyone.If you’re organised, creative, and thrive in a fast-paced environment, we’d love to hear from you!Purpose of Role:To manage the school’s catering service, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, nutritious meals that meet the dietary needs of pupils and staff. The role involves overseeing all aspects of kitchen operations, including food preparation, staff supervision and compliance with health and safety standards.Key Responsibilities:Operational Management• Plan, prepare, and deliver daily meals in accordance with school nutritional standards.

• Ensure meals cater to a variety of dietary needs, including allergies, religious requirements, and vegetarian/vegan options.

• Maintain high standards of food presentation and portion control. Leadership• Line manage catering assistants, including rotas/timesheets, training, and performance monitoring.

• Foster a positive and collaborative team environment, promoting high morale and professional development.

• Conduct regular team briefings and ensure all staff adhere to hygiene and safety protocols. Procurement & Stock Control• Order food, cleaning supplies, and kitchen equipment.

• Monitor stock levels, conduct regular inventory checks, and ensure proper storage and rotation of goods.

• Liaise with suppliers to ensure timely delivery and quality of produce. Compliance & Safety• Ensure full compliance with food hygiene regulations, food in schools regulations, allergen legislation, and health & safety standards.

• Maintain accurate records for inspections, including temperature logs, cleaning schedules, and training certificates.

• Prepare for and participate in environmental health inspections and audits. Menu Planning & Innovation• Design seasonal menus that are appealing, cost-effective, and nutritionally balanced.

• Incorporate pupil feedback and promote healthy eating initiatives in collaboration with school leadership.

• Support themed days, school events, and special functions. Budget & Financial Oversight• Work with the School Finance Officer to manage the catering budget effectively.

• Monitor income and expenditure, identify cost-saving opportunities, and ensure value for money.

• Produce reports on meal uptake, wastage, and financial performance as required. Closing date: Friday 21st August 2026, shortlisting and interviews will take place soon after this date.Reason to Join Us:- Part time hours around the school day and term-time only.

- Free on-site parking and various health and wellbeing resources and benefit schemes including focus on Staff Wellbeing.

- We offer automatic enrolment to the Local Government Pension Scheme with employer pension contribution.

- Our School is a fun and happy place.

- Our core values are at the heart of everything we do. Staff and students behave with respect, integrity and kindness.

- We invest in our people and offer a range of training & career opportunities for all staff.

- Our shared purpose: We believe in the value of education for a successful future and we want the best for our learners and our staff. Commitment to SafeguardingThis post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and as part of our safeguarding commitment we undertake DBS checks as part of our pre-employment procedures on all potential new employeesThe Pastures Primary School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.Recruitment Agencies: We are not utilising the service of recruitment agencies for this vacancy and will accept direct applications only.

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