Catering Manager

How would you like to get paid for five days, but only work four?

At Outcomes First Group, we believe in better work/life balance — and we’re putting wellbeing first.

That’s why we’re proud to be part of a 4-Day Working Week (4DWW) trial, where you can work one day less each week (or equivalent hours), while still receiving your full-time pay.

Many of our schools have already introduced the 4DWW — and others are preparing to roll it out as soon as they reach full staffing. So, whether it’s already in place or just around the corner, now’s the perfect time to join #teamOFG.

Job Title: Catering Manager
Location: Mountfield Heath School, Robertsbridge, TN32 5FA
Salary: £19,000 - £21,000 per annum, depending on experience (not pro rata)
Hours: 30 hours per week | Monday to Friday
Contract: Permanent | Term Time Only
Start: December 2025

UK applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship.

Are you passionate about healthy eating and making a difference in children’s lives? Mountfield Heath School is looking for an enthusiastic and experienced Catering Manager to join our outstanding team. We are a small, nurturing school with 44 pupils, and we pride ourselves on our inclusive ethos and commitment to providing a healthy start for every child.

About the Role

As our Catering Manager, you will:

- Lead the school’s catering provision, preparing nutritious and appealing meals
- Champion healthy eating and support pupils to make positive food choices
- Manage a small, friendly team and ensure compliance with food safety standards
- Play a key role in our successful healthy start and wellbeing initiatives

In addition, you will oversee the daily operation of the kitchen, ensuring a clean, hygienic, and well-presented environment. You’ll manage stock, monitor portion control and waste, and maintain high standards of health, safety, and hygiene across the kitchen and dining areas.

Responsibilities

- Plan menus with reference to dietary needs, nutrition, and budgetary requirements
- Prepare, cook, and serve meals efficiently, maintaining high quality and presentation
- Supervise and support kitchen staff, fostering a collaborative and positive environment
- Maintain kitchen and dining areas, including setup, cleaning, and compliance with COSHH regulations
- Monitor stock, place orders, and manage relationships with suppliers
- Respond flexibly to urgent or last-minute service requirements

Qualifications & Experience

- Experience in catering within a residential, educational, or similar setting
- Menu planning experience with attention to nutrition and budgetary control
- Management experience in a catering environment
- Strong knowledge of health, safety, and food hygiene regulations

This is a rewarding role where your leadership will directly impact the daily experience of pupils and staff. If you are passionate about delivering high-quality meals, managing a dedicated team, and ensuring a welcoming school environment, Mountfield Heath School is the perfect place for your next career step.

About Us

Mountfield Heath School caters for autistic boys and girls aged 5–11, many of whom have additional needs. Our independent special educational needs provision currently supports 44 pupils, increasing to 45 in January, on a spacious site with large classrooms and dedicated outdoor learning areas.

Our aim is simple: to equip every child with the skills, knowledge, and confidence they need to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. We focus on preparing pupils not just for school success but for life beyond, encouraging them to reach high standards in every aspect.

Located in Robertsbridge, East Sussex, the school is within easy commuting distance of Hastings, Royal Tunbridge Wells, and surrounding areas, offering an exciting opportunity to join a nurturing and forward-thinking school community.

For over 19 years Options Autism have provided care and education to pupils, young people and adults with autism, complex needs and learning difficulties. We are a leading provider of education for neurodivergent young people and young adults. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are leading our sector in setting and delivering new approaches that provide measurable outcomes for those in our care.

We are really proud to say that in 2024, Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the fifth year running.

Why join Options Autism?

We place the outcomes of the pupils and vulnerable young adults in our services at the heart of everything we do, so you’ll wake every day in the knowledge that your role will have a significant positive impact on the lives of others.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.

Benefits

Your health and wellbeing are important to us, so you’ll get an exceptional reward package including:

- Life Assurance
- Pension scheme with options to increase your contributions
- “Your Wellbeing Matters” – access to a wide range of first-class mental health support services and physical health checks

And a market-leading benefit offering through our Flexible Benefits Platform, Vista, enables you to choose the package that’s right for you, including:

- A wide range of health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits
- 100’s of discount options valid in the UK and abroad
- Cycle to Work Schemes
- Electric Car Purchase Scheme
- Critical illness cover
- Family Growth Support - inclusive benefits package covering enhanced maternity and paternity leave, along with paid fertility treatment support.

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

*You’ll work 80% of your contractual hours for 100% of your pay, giving you more time to do the things that make you happy. 4DWW is subject to successful completion of probation and is not a contractual benefit

Outcomes First Group is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. Whilst we aim to keep applicants informed throughout, Outcomes First Group does not accept liability for any loss of earnings or other associated costs incurred by applicants as a result of delays or changes in the compliance process. All stages of the compliance process are subject to necessary safeguarding checks and compliance with statutory requirements, which may affect timescales.

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