General Catering Manager

Job Title: General Catering Manager

Location: Bethany School (Cranbrook TN17 1LB)

Contract Type: 52 weeks, permanent

About the role

We are seeking an experienced and visionary General Catering Manager to lead the catering services at Bethany School. You will be responsible for strategic leadership, financial management, and the continuous development of exceptional food and hospitality offerings. This role requires strong commercial acumen, inspirational leadership, and a passion for delivering outstanding culinary experiences.

You will be joining Holroyd Howe, one of the UK’s leading contract caterers, providing fresh innovative food services solely to independent schools and colleges. We are a team of experienced professionals who tailor our catering service provision specifically to suit children of all ages in order to meet the bespoke requirements of each school.

The safety and wellbeing of the people we serve is at the heart of everything we do. A key element is effective allergen management; achieved through training, communication, and care, we create mealtimes where every pupil has a safe experience. Our mission is simple: to provide our teams with the right skills to succeed in their job and our exceptional teams of seasoned specialists customise our catering services to fit children of all ages and satisfy the unique needs of our clients.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement strategic plans for catering operations aligned with organisational goals.; Lead and inspire multi-site teams, ensuring high standards of food quality, service, and hygiene.; Oversee budgeting, forecasting, and financial performance across all catering operations.; Drive innovation in menu planning, sourcing, and sustainability initiatives.; Ensure compliance with all relevant food safety, health and safety, and safeguarding policies.; Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, suppliers, and stakeholders.; Champion staff development, training, and wellbeing; Accountability for following and championing allergen controls

Requirements

Proven leadership experience in a senior catering or hospitality role, ideally in an independent or B&I environment.; Strong financial management and budget control skills.; Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management abilities.; Ability to drive operational excellence and continuous improvement.; Knowledge of current trends in food, nutrition, and sustainability.; Passion for delivering exceptional customer experiences.

Benefits

28 days holiday (including bank holidays); 3 volunteering days to give back to causes you care about; 3 days grandparent leave for those special family moments; 24 weeks enhanced maternity leave; Bespoke training & development opportunities; Pension & life insurance; Discounts on high street brands, cinema & holidays via the Perkbox App; Wellbeing hub & access to employee assistance programme; Free meals while at work; Career development through apprenticeships for all experience levels.