We adopt a ‘name blind’ approach to shortlisting. Recruiting managers will not have access to personal information, including your name and contact details, until a shortlisting decision has been made - please note that this also includes any CV uploaded. Equality monitoring information is not accessible by recruiting managers at any stage.
Organisation
Kirklees
Directorate
Public Health and Corporate Resources
Service Area
Culture & Visitor Economy
Hours
37
Number of Jobs
1
Location(s)
Across Kirklees
Position type
Temporary
Length of contract
12 months possibility to extend to 18 months
Grade
Grade 9
Salary
£34,434- £37,280
Advert Wording
Are you a catering or hospitality professional ready for a career with purpose, stability, and room to grow?
Join
Kirklees Catering Service and take your skills to the next level—leading teams, shaping services, and making a real difference by feeding thousands of children across Kirklees every single day.
This is more than a job. It’s a chance to:
- Step into a leadership role with regular hours and no late nights
- Drive business development and innovation in school catering
- Be part of a service that supports children’s health, wellbeing, and learning
What’s in it for You?
- Hybrid working: Enjoy flexibility with time at home, in our Huddersfield office, and out in schools across your area
- Fixed-term contract (12 months) with potential to extend to 18 months
- Stable hours and a generous annual leave package
- No split shifts or weekend work
- Lead a multi-site operation with real impact and visibility
- Make a meaningful impact by feeding children across Kirklees
About The Role
You’ll be a key player in our catering leadership team, responsible for:
- Leading and inspiring high-performing school catering teams
- Ensuring top-quality service delivery across multiple sites
- Building strong relationships with schools, academy trusts, and council colleagues
- Driving growth and increasing meal uptake through smart marketing strategies
- Managing budgets and resources effectively
- Supporting staff development and performance
- Bringing fresh ideas to improve service and customer experience
What You’ll Bring
We’re looking for someone with:
- Experience in large-scale, multi-site catering or hospitality
- Excellent customer service and relationship-building skills
- Strong budgeting and financial analysis capabilities
- Intermediate Food Hygiene Certificate and Level 3 Allergen Management (or willingness to train)
- A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle
- Willingness to undergo an Enhanced DBS check
Our Values
We’re Proud To Be
- Positive and respectful
- Honest and communicative
- Flexible and supportive
Ready to Make a Difference?
If you’re looking for a role where your catering or hospitality experience can have a lasting impact—and where your leadership can help shape the future—
we’d love to hear from you.
Alison Bolton is the manager for this role, please contact them on 01484 221000 for an informal discussion, or if you need any more information.
This job is subject to a DBS check at the appropriate level, please refer to the Job Description/Profile. A conviction may not exclude candidates from appointment but will be considered as part of the recruitment process.
We know there’s a wealth of talent among people who have a disability and we encourage applications from people with all differing abilities. So, if you need any support completing an application form, or any other format for the application or Job Description please contact the Recruitment Team for help by email:or phone: 01484 221000 and ask for ‘Recruitment’.
If you are internal and want to apply for this job as a secondment you must be a substantive employee of the Council with over 6 months continuous service and have successfully completed your probation period.
Applications for secondments will only be accepted if approved by your manager, you will be asked to confirm on your application form that you have the relevant permission. If you are refused permission to apply for a secondment, please contact HR Recruitment to register the refusal.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable adults and children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
Closing date
04 January 2026, 11:55 PM
Important Information 
