Assistant Catering Manager

We currently have an opportunity for an Assistant Cook/Catering Manager to come and join the catering team at Iford Academy, helping to provide the freshly cooked meals for our pupils and staff. This role reports to the Catering Manager, and is a hands-on, operational cooking/kitchen role, whilst also supporting a team to deliver the best quality food.

You’ll assist with the preparation and cooking of nutritious meals for students and staff. Maintaining Health and Safety Standards. Deputising in the absence of the Catering Manager. 

The role also involves the serving of meals at break and lunch times.

You will be passionate about producing the highest quality food, whilst also supporting the team and maintaining excellent service, food hygiene, and health & safety standards. All within a fast-paced environment of a school lunch deadline.

For this role you will need a strong, proven, catering background, preferably with food hygiene certification.

Working Hours: Monday - Friday; 07:00 - 14:00 Term Time only

What We have to Offer:  

•  A visible and approachable senior leadership team and an enthusiastic and committed team of teachers and support staff. 
• A strong support network both within the school and across Authentic Education.  
• All staff are part of a professional learning community in which evidence-informed CPD is designed to meet individual needs. 
• Strong potential for career progression. 
• A culture that respects work-life balance and an ongoing commitment to wellbeing with a dedicated Wellbeing Champion.  
• An Employee Assistance Programme including in the moment support and counselling sessions with an external provider.
• Staff benefits include free eye testing for DSE users through Specsavers, free will writing through Dunham McCarthy Solicitors and reduced price corporate gym membership through BH Live, Two Rivers Meet in Christchurch and Village Gym, Bournemouth. 
• A competitive pension through Teachers’ Pensions or The Local Government Pension Scheme for support staff.   



Should you wish to arrange a visit or an informal discussion regarding the role, please contact Jeni Notley, HR Academy Lead at jeni.notley@ta.weareauthentic.education

Authentic Education (AE) comprises schools from all sectors: mainstream (primary and secondary) and special. AE secures outstanding achievement and improved life chances of all our pupils. All our Academies have high expectations as the focus of their work. We are strongly committed to supporting colleagues in developing their careers further and offering excellent CPD opportunities 

Please submit your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment as AE reserves the right to close applications early.  

Please note we DO NOT accept applications by CV and are unable to offer Visa Sponsorship. 

Closing date for applications: Friday 29th August 2025  

Interviews will take place: Week commencing 8th September 2025   

Start Date: September 2025 

Together we are Courageous, Innovative, Excellent