Assistant Head of Catering

Reporting To:
Head of Catering

• Catering Assistants
• Food Service Assistants
• Hospitality and Event Catering Teams where applicable
• Supporting the leadership and management of approximately 25 catering staff across all School catering operations.

The Deputy Head of Catering is the second-in-command within the Catering Department and is responsible for supporting the Head of Catering in the operational delivery of all catering services across The Grange School.

The post holder will lead day-to-day catering operations, ensuring consistently high standards of food production, service delivery, cleanliness, customer experience, compliance and staff performance across all catering sites, including the Junior School, Senior School, Sixth Form Centre, Dining Hall, Pavilion and Boathouse.

The Deputy Head of Catering will play a key role in developing and implementing new catering initiatives, supporting hospitality and commercial events, and ensuring the service delivers excellent value, operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.

In the absence of the Head of Catering, the Deputy Head of Catering will assume operational responsibility for the entire catering service.

• Support the Head of Catering in the delivery of all catering services across the School.
• Provide visible day-to-day leadership across all catering locations.
• Ensure all food service operations run efficiently and effectively.
• Monitor food quality, presentation and customer service standards.
• Ensure service areas, kitchens and dining facilities are maintained to exceptional standards.
• Coordinate staffing and operational resources to meet changing requirements.
• Act as Duty Manager for catering operations as required.
• Deputise fully for the Head of Catering during periods of absence.

• Monitor food quality and presentation standards across all locations.
• Ensure menus are delivered consistently and in accordance with agreed specifications.
• Support the introduction of new menu concepts and service innovations.
• Assist in developing improved food offers for:
• Sixth Form students
• Year 10 and 11 kiosk provision
• Hospitality and event catering
• Gather feedback from pupils, staff and visitors and implement service improvements.
• Promote healthy eating and sustainability initiatives.

• Support the operational delivery of catering for:
• School events
• Open Days
• Sports fixtures
• Alumni events
• Conferences
• External lettings
• Commercial activities
• Work alongside the Head of Events to ensure hospitality standards exceed client expectations.
• Ensure event catering is delivered efficiently, professionally and profitably.
• Help identify opportunities to improve commercial income generation.

• Support the Head of Catering in the effective management of catering budgets.
• Monitor food costs, labour costs and operational expenditure.
• Assist with ordering, stock management and procurement processes.
• Monitor stock levels and minimise wastage.
• Ensure robust stock control and inventory management systems are maintained.
• Contribute to budget planning and financial reporting.
• Support supplier relationships and value-for-money purchasing decisions.

• Ensure all catering operations are fully compliant with:
• Food Safety legislation
• HACCP requirements
• Allergen management regulations
• COSHH
• Health and Safety legislation
• Environmental Health requirements
• Conduct regular inspections and audits.
• Monitor completion of food safety records and compliance documentation.
• Ensure corrective actions are implemented when issues are identified.
• Support preparation for external audits and inspections.
• Promote a strong culture of health, safety and food hygiene.

• Supervise and support Catering Supervisors and operational teams.
• Assist with recruitment, induction and training of staff.
• Support performance management and staff development processes.
• Deliver ongoing coaching and mentoring.
• Develop effective staff rotas that provide efficient operational cover.
• Promote positive employee engagement and wellbeing.
• Foster a culture of teamwork, accountability and customer service excellence.

• Build positive relationships with pupils, staff, parents and visitors.
• Respond professionally to customer feedback and service issues.
• Work collaboratively with operational leaders across the School.
• Support departmental communications and service improvement initiatives.

• Fulfil responsibilities in accordance with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE).
• Promote and safeguard the welfare of children and young people.
• Support equality, diversity and inclusion throughout the School community.
• Comply with all School policies and procedures.
• Undertake any duties commensurate with the grade and responsibility of the post.

• Food Safety qualification at Level 3 or above.
• GCSE (or equivalent) in English…