Cook Manager

Contract Type: Permanent
Working Hours: Full Time, 30 hours per week
Number of Positions: 1
Qualifications Required: NVQ Level 2 food preporation and cooking and Food hygiene certificate 
Start Date: 25th March 2026
Salary: £25,185 - £25,989 per annum

We currently have an exciting opportunity for a Cook Manager to join our fantastic team at our new Orchard House SEN High School.

This is a Grade 3, permanent post working 30 hours per week 8am-2.30pm, term time only plus 5 INSET days. The starting salary is £18,567 and the full time equivalent is £25,185.

About the Role:

Reporting to the School Operations Manager and the Trust Catering Managers, you will be responsible for the safe, effective and efficient day-to-day operation of the school catering service.

You will work closely with catering staff and lunchtime organisers to ensure a high-quality, customer-focused service for students and staff. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage a quality, cost-effective catering service in line with service level agreements (SLAs), contracts and legislative requirements
• Deliver pre-planned menus that meet nutritional, legislative and client requirements
• Ensure compliance with food hygiene, health & safety and COSHH regulations
• Supervise and line-manage catering staff, including training, attendance management and payroll returns
• Carry out efficient financial administration in line with Prospere Trust financial regulations, including cash reconciliation
• Provide a courteous, responsive and customer-focused service
• Promote equality, diversity and inclusion within the team and service delivery
• Contribute to service improvements and new initiatives
• Actively engage in personal development and training opportunities
• Comply with safeguarding, child protection, confidentiality and data protection requirements at all times