Pathways Education Limited is seeking an experienced and passionate Catering and Vocational Skills Manager to lead the operations.....
Pathways Education Limited is seeking an experienced and passionate Catering and Vocational Skills Manager to lead the operations of our unique Alternative Provision café. This role combines hands-on business management with the opportunity to deliver vocational training in a real-world setting. Open 52 weeks a year, our café offers ongoing services even during school holidays, presenting an opportunity for paid student employment during these periods. As Catering Manager, you will oversee the café’s day-to-day operations, including business administration, budgeting, inventory, staff management, learner management, curriculum development and delivery, and safeguarding responsibilities.Key Responsibilities: Business Management Oversee the café’s daily operations, ensuring a smooth, efficient, and customer-friendly environment.Manage the café budget, set financial targets, track expenses, and report on performance metrics.Develop strategies to increase revenue, streamline processes, and improve service quality.Ensure the café complies with health, safety, and food hygiene standards.Maintain the café’s operation 52 weeks a year, coordinating resources and staffing to ensure it remains open during school holidays.Stock and Inventory ManagementManage stock levels, ordering supplies as needed to maintain an efficient kitchen and café.Develop and maintain relationships with suppliers, negotiating pricing and ensuring high-quality ingredients.Monitor waste and implement strategies to minimize it, keeping the café sustainable and cost-effective.Curriculum Development and DeliveryDesign and implement a hands-on curriculum for students working in the café, aligned with industry standards.Deliver training and industry-specific qualifications (e.g., food safety, customer service, barista skills).Provide students with practical skills in food preparation, service, hygiene, and customer interaction.Assess students’ progress and provide feedback to support their growth and development.Staff and Student Employment ManagementSupervise and mentor a team of staff, including teaching assistants/job coaches, café staff, and volunteers.Coordinate schedules, assign duties, and foster a collaborative, supportive work environment.Offer paid work opportunities to students during school holidays, where appropriate, supporting their development of real-world work experience and financial independence.Promote the café as an example of inclusive employment practices, creating a supportive environment where individuals of all backgrounds and abilities can thrive.Safeguarding and Student Well-beingTake full responsibility for safeguarding on-site, ensuring a safe and secure environment for all students and staff.Implement and uphold all safeguarding policies, reporting any concerns and incidents promptly in line with organizational procedures.Act as a key point of contact for safeguarding, working with relevant authorities as needed to support the welfare of students.Student Mentorship and Supported EmploymentCommit to principles of supported employment by fostering individualised learning and career pathways.Encourage each student to set achievable goals and gain skills that will support their future independence and employability.Create an inclusive environment, enabling students from diverse backgrounds and abilities to thrive.Essential Qualifications and Skills: Proven experience in catering management, preferably within an educational or vocational training setting.Strong knowledge of food service, stock management, budgeting, and customer service.Relevant qualifications in catering, food safety, and/or hospitality management.Experience in developing and delivering training programs or industry qualifications.A comprehensive understanding of safeguarding practices, with experience implementing safeguarding policies.Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with a passion for mentoring young people.Ability to work collaboratively with educators, staff, and external partners.A commitment to inclusivity, with the sensitivity to support students with diverse needs and backgrounds.How to Apply: Please submit the following three documents: 1. Completed application form. 2. Covering letter, no more than two sides, exploring four key areas: a. Personal motivation: Why you are passionate about alternative provision? b. Vision for alternative provision: A brief overview of how you would approach creating an innovative, trauma-informed, and inclusive learning environment. c. Leadership and safeguarding experience: Key highlights of your leadership in similar settings. d. Values alignment: How your personal values align with our organisation’s mission and vision for inclusive education. 3. Video recording: We would like you to submit a short video (max two minutes) introducing you and your vision this setting of our alternative provision.
For further information, please contact our CEO, Claire Cookson
