- Job title: Head of Catering
- Job Type: Permanent, Full Time, Monday to Friday (8am-5pm)
- Salary: Circa £53,000 - £57,000 per annum depending on skills and experience (£60,372 - £64,928 if full pension flex benefit is utilised)
- Department: Catering
- Location: Highgate, North London
- Start: ASAP
- Closing Date: 27 February 2026 at 9:00 am
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The postholder will assume the full operational and financial responsibility for the day-to-day running of the catering department.
The overarching purpose of the catering provision is to provide high standards of freshly prepared safe meals made from scratch in a friendly, efficient and effective manner whilst complying with all food hygiene and health & safety legislation. The postholder will be expected to keep abreast of current best practice and professional development, preferably through membership of a recognised professional organisation.
Dining is compulsory at the School for all pupils and all year groups are served in one main dining room. The Catering Department serves up to 2,000 meals a day over breakfast and lunch, as well as providing a wide range of hospitality and function catering. The School operates 51 weeks a year, offering holiday courses in addition to the core term-time requirements. In the Senior School there is a Sixth Form Café and also a Tuck Shop facility is available for pupils from Yr10 - Yr11.
The DepartmentWorking in our newly refurbished kitchen and Dining Hall featuring the latest Rational ICombi and IVario equipment, the catering team is responsible for providing catering throughout the school site.
It's a dynamic department as no two days are the same, one day we could be preparing and serving teas for a cricket match, the next we could be preparing a canapes and drinks reception for 100 people.
The catering team of 40 is based across the school site and features roles as diverse as Tuck Shop Assistant, Chef de Partie, Pastry Chef and Front of House Supervisor.
By joining our team you will help deliver exceptional food and service, constantly looking to incorporate the latest food trends with a focus on sustainability and fresh ingredients.
"I like working in the catering team at Highgate School as it is like one big family"
- Back of House Supervisor
Job Description
Main ResponsibilitiesFinance management- Ensure that the Catering Department operates at maximum efficiency within budgetary targets to deliver the required level of service at all times.
- In the January of the budget financial year (August 1 to July 31) draw up a draft catering budget and present this to the Bursar for discussion. Make revisions as advised and agree the final budget against which targets will be set.
- Monitor financial performance on a frequency and in a format agreed with the school. Any overspends to be either justified or an action plan produced which rectifies the overspend in the following reporting period.
- Evidence of catering financial best practice to be in place such as recipe/dish costings, cost per head calculations, wastage monitoring, minimum termly stock-takes, termly price benchmarking.
- Management of the catering payroll ensuring that an effective record system is in place and that payments are accurate, timely and within budget.
- To procure to best effect all necessary additional items or services associated to the running of the department such as annual deep cleans, waste management, recycling, the sourcing of cleaning materials, replacement uniforms, marketing materials etc.
- Arrange the working rota cover effectively ensuring that all areas are fully covered and that the labour force are used to best affect both operationally and financially.
People management- To be the primary point of contact for the catering team and to be responsible for all matters relating to the welfare, motivation, achievement of best practice and development of this team.
- To conduct all interviews for the catering team, appointing new employees as necessary (with prior authorisation of the Bursar), carrying out induction training, setting early objectives and acting as a guardian/mentor, as appropriate for all new team members.
- To conduct annual appraisals for the catering team, identifying areas for improvement, setting new targets and formulating Training Plans to improve skills etc. Conduct termly reviews/follow-up mini appraisals accordingly.
- Produce a comprehensive succession plan, so developing the onsite catering team and encouraging promotion from within.
- Produce Individual and Group Training Plans and conduct internal training accordingly noting all training on the Individual Training Record Cards. Organise all internal and external training (in conjunction with the Bursar) for the catering team, producing a comprehensive Training Plan three months prior to the beginning of the following financial year, from the training needs identified at the annual appraisals. Update personnel files accordingly.
Operational - Catering- Establish systems and procedures in all operational areas under your control to monitor, maintain and improve upon the standards of the product and service agreed in the Annual Business Plan.
- Interact with pupils and staff at every service period ensuring that the service is running smoothly and that the "customers" are happy with the service they are receiving
- Operate a customer feedback system that allows constructive feedback to be gathered and suggestions to be implemented if practically or financially possible. Acknowledge and respond to all customer feedback.
- Operate consultation groups of pupils from all age ranges to enable the pupil body to contribute ideas into the catering function.
- Operate a set of pre-service checklists to ensure that all areas, whether within the main dining room or at an event, are fully sourced and ready for the service to commence.
- Promote exceptional standards of customer service, ensuring that all services, whether core catering or hospitality, operate in a friendly, smooth and efficient manner at all times.
- Introduce new service innovations on a regular basis as detailed in the Annual Business Plan including promotions and special days.
- Organise and conduct one annual comprehensive formal survey plus one termly informal attitudinal survey talking with customers over lunch. Feedback from the formal survey to be provided either electronically or by hardcopy with a list of changes that are to be introduced as a result of the feedback.
- Ensure that all members of the catering team are aware of their duties throughout the day, especially during service periods and that both the FoH and kitchen team work very closely together during these periods to ensure that they run as smoothly as possible. This is to include the Tuck Shop, 6 th Form cafes and Staff Common Room.
- Ensure that all areas are spotlessly clean at all times and that appropriate cleaning schedules are in place, completed and archived.
- To be responsible for all legislative requirements including health, safety, fire and hygiene legislation.
Food- To work closely with the Executive Chef and kitchen team in planning a varied and interesting menu that is suitable for the age range to which it is being served.
- Working with the Executive Chef and kitchen team, produce a three or four week seasonal menu cycle that incorporates seasonal produce and that changes every term taking into account, for example lighter dishes and salads in the summer term and soups and stews in the winter and autumn terms.
- To cost, prior to being served all main course dishes and high cost items to ensure that they are affordable within the budgetary targets.
- To produce as many dishes as possible from fresh ingredients, only using frozen or pre-prepared as a secondary back-up alternative rather than first choice option. The target of fresh produce to frozen/pre-prepared to be 90%/10%.
- Run a Healthy Eating campaign which informs / educates pupils on the healthy options of the day and how to choose a healthy balanced diet.
- To organise training for chefs in order that they can cater properly for a wide range of school functions including parent's mornings, formal lunches and dinners, canapé receptions and various other functions.
- To monitor pupils' take up of food and assess whether they are taking adequate and balanced meals; thereafter make suggestions for any necessary changes to menus in light of this.
- To monitor and record plate waste and modify menus as necessary.
- To manage the provision in the 6 th form café and tuck shop.
Events- Event planning - to liaise with teachers and support staff to plan functions in detail, draft menus and produce costings.
- After events, to compare costings with actual expenditure and explain any variations and document ways in which the catering for the function could be improved in the future.
- Act as a host at out of hours functions, meeting and greeting guests, whether staff, parents, visitors etc.
- Food is to be of the highest standard and well-presented and ensure that all the arrangements meet the Departments protocols for these occasions.
Communication- To manage an effective communication strategy between all outlets and sections within the catering and cleaning department.
- To develop an efficient ordering system for all hospitality requests.
Perform any other duties reasonably requested to ensure the smooth running of the School.
These duties and responsibilities are intended as a guide. They are not exhaustive: the Head of Catering will be expected to undertake any reasonable task or responsibility as required by the Bursar.Person Specification
- Criteria
- How will these be tested or verified?
- Qualifications and Experience
- Essential
- HND/ Degree in Hospitality and Catering.
- Level 2 CIEH Food Hygiene certificate.
- BICSc trained.
- Health and Safety qualifications.
- Holding a first aid qualification or being willing to undertake first aid training.
Desirable
- Level 3 CIEH Food Hygiene certificate.
- A trainer's certificate.
- Knowledge and Skills
- Essential
- Experience in a large scale, high quality catering operation.
- The ability to demonstrate successful change management and effective development and continuation of standards.
- Excellent communication skills when dealing with pupils, staff, parents and external organisations.
- Excellent organisational skills and the ability to prioritise tasks effectively.
- Ability to work effectively both as part of a team and also independently.
- Excellent ICT skills.
- Ability to use a range of management methods depending on the circumstances.
- Motivational Skills.
- Personal Attributes
- Essential
- A flexible and innovative 'can-do' approach.
- Able to work effectively without direct supervision.
- A good sense of humour.
- Ability to build strong relationships with key staff across the whole School.
- Eye to detail ensuring the highest level of service at all times.
- Calm, even tempered, responsible and reliable.
- Ability to work the required hours.
BenefitsLocation | Highgate Village, adjacent to Hampstead Heath, with quaint shops and easy connections across London.
Pension | AVIVA workplace pension scheme offered - 26% employer contribution, with the ability to flex up to 16% of this as additional non-pensionable salary, employees contribute a minimum of 5%.
Personal development | Comprehensive induction support for new staff. Focus on continued professional development for all employees.
Leisure facilities | Free access, at stipulated times, to our sports facilities, including a fitness suite and swimming pool (recently refurbished).
Holidays | Generous holiday allowance of 33 days (including bank holidays) for full-time staff. Most holidays will be taken during school holiday periods.
Lunch | A complimentary lunch.
Help with sustainable travel | Access to the Cycle to Work Scheme and a Season Ticket Loan scheme for public transport.
Family-friendly policies | Highgate appreciates that employees sometimes have family commitments so we try to be as supportive as possible, for example with enhanced maternity pay (8 weeks' full pay, then 10 weeks' half pay) and paid dependant leave.
Working at HighgateA culture of community, kindness and belongingHighgate is a caring, open-minded community, where we promote kindness, empathy and friendship. Everyone who works and studies with us deserves to feel they are part of a welcoming environment that enables them to be themselves and to thrive as individuals.
Our community extends beyond the school, through partnerships, charity work and our commitment to equality, inclusion and sustainability. All members of our school community are encouraged to look outwards and play an active role.
In a recent ISI inspection (Sep 2024), it was noted that "The school states its aims are to be an academic school, a reflective community and an exemplar for the healthy life. It seeks to promote 'scholarship for all' and asserts an academic imperative to teach pupils how to be independent learners, and to normalise academic struggle, so pupils see challenge as an enjoyable and valuable aspect of their learning."
Staff wellbeingHighgate is committed to staff wellbeing, which we promote by encouraging a strong work-life balance; trying our best to support flexible working requests; providing a nutritious complimentary lunch in the dining hall; and offering access to sporting facilities including our recently renovated swimming pool.
The Staff Wellbeing Committee, with representatives across the School, meets regularly to drive forward initiatives, and a selection of staff have been trained as Mental-Health First Aiders.
We encourage an open culture throughout our school, with regular staff surveys, action committees and opportunities to feedback. We strive for continual learning and improvement, and staff training and development is paramount. There are opportunities to participate in the wider life of our school, such as taking part in trips or societies and getting involved in partnership projects.
More details about working at Highgate can be found here:
Work with us Aims + Ethos
A fun, collaborative and forward-thinking environment with a real sense of community
- Philippa Studd, Junior School Principal
Charitable work and sustainabilityAs an independent school, we want to use our position as a charity effectively: to make high-quality education accessible to as many children as possible - through our bursary programme at Highgate and through our work with local state schools. We have partnerships with over 60 state schools across 7 London boroughs, and we are the principal educational sponsor for London Academy of Excellence, Tottenham - an academically-selective state sixth form in a community where such opportunities are lacking.
Alongside this, our staff and pupils undertake charitable activities throughout the year. These range from staff giving up their time to neighbourhood schools and charitable organisations, focused fundraising campaigns, to pupils undertaking community work in the local area or further afield.
As a school, we have a central role to play in educating our pupils, staff and parents about the importance of environmental sustainability. We are taking positive action to adapt our operational performance to tackle the negative effects of climate change. We encourage all our staff to reflect upon their personal and professional practices, to support our environmental agenda and to make positive changes wherever possible.
Application procedure- Closing Date: 27th February 2026
- 1st Interview: w/c 2nd March
- 2nd Interview: w/c 9th March
Contact: ISCC will be managing applications for this role. Please contact Sue Fraser to answer any questions about this role.
Early Application: Applications will be considered 'as and when' received and we may close the vacancy if we appoint before the closing date.
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Inclusion We know that more diverse teams are stronger teams, and that the more inclusive we are, the more our staff and pupils will feel a sense of belonging and will thrive. To enable us to make reasonable adjustments, please let us know of any disabilities (including neuro-divergence) when you submit your application.
SafeguardingAs this role will have regular unsupervised contact with children you must, if appointed, comply with Highgate's Safeguarding Policy and Staff Code of Conduct. If in the course of carrying out the duties of the post the post holder becomes aware of any actual or potential risks to the safety and welfare of our pupils, these concerns must be reported immediately in accordance with the Safeguarding Policy. If whilst in the post, Highgate becomes aware of any safeguarding concerns to staff, pupils or the community; these will need to be followed up in line with the safeguarding policy and code of conduct which is underpinned by KCSE and other legislation. These concerns may need to be shared with other agencies. A copy of these policies will accompany all offers of employment. Training will also be provided to all staff to support Safeguarding practice.
Please read before you applyHighgate is committed to the safeguarding and welfare of children and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to this post, including checks with past employers, the Disclosure and Barring Service and overseas police check if necessary. Candidates from overseas must provide information about their past conduct, for example, by providing documents issued by overseas teaching authorities. DBS Privacy Policies
Please note that this role is 'exempt' from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore, you are required to declare any convictions, cautions, reprimands and final warnings that are not 'protected' (i.e. filtered out) as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2013). Shortlisted candidates will be asked to provide details of all unspent convictions and those that would not be filtered, prior to the date of the interview. DBS Code of Practice
In accordance with the latest guidance from KCSIE, we shall be conducting online searches on any candidates who are shortlisted.