Trust Catering Manager

About this role

Are you ready to shape and lead an exceptional
catering service across a high performing multi academy trust? The GORSE
Academies Trust is seeking an experienced, forward thinking Trust Catering
Manager to provide strategic leadership and operational excellence across all
our academies. For many of our pupils, the meal they receive at school is the
most important meal of the day. This is a unique opportunity to take ownership
of a trust wide service where your impact will be seen, felt, and appreciated by
thousands of pupils, staff, and visitors every day.

The postholder will have the opportunity to shape
and recruit their own central catering support team, enabling a trust-wide
model that delivers consistency, quality and continuous improvement.

This role is perfect for someone who:

• Is passionate about delivering high quality,
  nutritious and appealing food to children and young people.
• Has the leadership presence and confidence to
  inspire catering teams across multiple settings.
• Is commercially aware, financially astute and
  driven to secure outstanding value for money.
• Thrives in a varied, fast paced environment where
  strategic oversight and hands on guidance go hand in hand.
• Wants to play a crucial part in enhancing the daily
  experience of pupils, staff and visitors across the trust.

The successful candidate will lead catering
operations across the trust, developing a cohesive catering strategy and
ensuring high‑quality, nutritious and inclusive menus. You’ll maintain
consistent standards across all academies, support and manage catering
managers, and oversee budgets, procurement and cost control. You will also
ensure full compliance with food safety and health and safety regulations,
including HACCP, while building strong relationships with trust and academy
leaders, staff, suppliers and external partners. Experience in education or the
public sector is desirable but not essential.

What we’re looking for:

We are seeking an individual who can demonstrate:

• Experience managing large‑scale or multi‑site
  catering operations.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to
  motivate and develop diverse teams.
• Excellent knowledge of food safety
  legislation, hygiene standards and allergen management.
• Strong organisational, communication and
  problem‑solving skills.
• Financial management experience, including
  budgeting and procurement.
• A commitment to promoting healthy eating and a
  positive food culture.
• A willingness to travel across multiple sites
  and engage regularly with kitchen teams.