School Meals Business Manager

• Length of role: Initial 12 months 
• Location: Warrington
• Hourly rate: £18.24 per hour

We are seeking a School Meals Business Manager to provide robust business management support to our School Meals Service. This role is crucial in ensuring the service is efficient, cost-effective, flexible, well-maintained, and compliant with school food standards and quality food hygiene regulations.

Day-to-day of the role:

• Manage all business management responsibilities within the service, tailored to the needs of school leaders, parents/carers, and children.
• Line manage and supervise the office staff within the school meals central team, ensuring systems and processes are robust.
• Support Account Managers with business intelligence and system support required for delivering a high-quality and cost-effective School Meals Service.
• Maintain strong working relationships with school leaders to uphold and enhance service standards and resolve operational issues.
• Assist in exploring new opportunities to increase service uptake, ensuring sustainability within available resources.
• Manage procurement in line with Council policies, including setting specifications for goods and services.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety, food safety, and other relevant regulations in collaboration with Area Account Managers.
• Develop and implement an annual business plan, continuity plan, and risk assessments to support effective service delivery.
• Oversee service performance against agreed standards, providing reports to support evidence-based decision-making.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• Relevant experience in a Catering Service, preferably related to school meals, at a managerial or supervisory level.
• Strong knowledge of health and safety and School Meals Standards.
• Proven ability in writing and producing reports that inform decision-making and promote positive outcomes.
• Experience in procuring goods and services to deliver value for money and effective service provision.
• Excellent organizational, planning, and management skills.
• Effective communication skills with the ability to influence stakeholders.
• Proficient IT skills and an understanding of IT's role in service modernization.
• Ability to analyze financial data and performance reports to inform service improvement.