Catering Manager

‘CAT employs rolling recruitment methodologies, with shortlisting and interviews for some roles taking place as and when applications are received. This may mean that some roles are recruited to before the closing date, we therefore advise that applications are made without undue delay’. 

Oulton Academy is an Ofsted rated ‘Outstanding’ mixed secondary school catering to over 1,000 students aged between 11 and 16. Located in the picturesque village of Oulton, South Leeds the school is rapidly becoming the school of choice in the area, with student numbers increasing year on year. In December 2022 we were selected for the governments School Rebuild Programme and plans are well underway with this exciting project.  

Oulton Academy joined Carlton Academy Trust (CAT) in April 2024, which proudly oversees three secondary schools, three primary schools, and three special schools, collectively educating nearly 5,000 students and employing almost 1,000 members of staff. All CAT schools are rated either Outstanding or Good by Ofsted.

The school has been on a remarkable improvement journey over the last four years and in a historic milestone, Oulton Academy proudly secured its first Ofsted ‘Outstanding’ rating after 20 years and is the only ‘Outstanding’ secondary school in the local area. Outcomes at the school have significantly improved, and in November 2024, Oulton Academy earned a place in the top 24 best state secondary schools in West Yorkshire.

The recent Ofsted report commended the school for its ‘unwavering dedication to fostering academic achievement, personal development and a supportive learning environment’.

Our journey to achieving Outstanding! - Oulton Academy

Oulton Academy is seeking a motivated and experienced Catering Manager to lead the catering provision within our secondary school. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in managing a catering operation, preferably within an educational or similar environment. A thorough understanding of food safety, health and safety regulations, and allergen management is essential. The successful applicant will have excellent leadership and organisational skills, with the ability to manage a team effectively, plan menus, control budgets, and oversee ordering and stock management. Strong communication and interpersonal skills are key, as is the ability to remain flexible and calm under pressure. Experience working with young people and knowledge of school food standards and nutritional guidelines would be an advantage. A genuine passion for providing high-quality, nutritious meals to students is central to success in this role.

Employee welfare is extremely important to us, and we are proud to offer a comprehensive employee benefits package through the ‘Carlton Cares’ programme, designed to support colleagues physical, mental and financial wellbeing. These benefits include a fully funded Health Plan and an Employee Assistance Programme, in addition to salary sacrifice and employee discount schemes. Staff also have access to exclusive Trust discounts at Iveridge Hall Health Club and Spa, just 500m from the school.

Employee Benefits - Carlton Academy Trust

We hope you are excited by this opportunity and look forward to welcoming applications from colleagues who share our values and ambition to deliver excellence for all to our students.

If you would like to apply for this position, please visit the Carlton Academy Trust website by following the link below and completing an application form. Alternatively, please complete an application form and equalities monitoring form on TES.

Vacancies - Carlton Academy Trust

We welcome visits to the school; to arrange a convenient time please contact Anita Riedel, Recruitment Manager:-

 E: recruitment@catrust.uk

 W: www.carltonacademytrust.co.uk

Closing date for applicants: 10am Friday 16th May

The Trust has adopted the principles of Safer Recruitment and will safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to do the same. Successful applicants will be required to undertake an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check and subscribe to the DBS update service. Carlton Academy Trust is an equal opportunities employer.