Kitchen Manager

Why Join Tops Day Nurseries?

At Tops Day Nurseries, we've been shaping futures since 1990. As the UK's largest employee-owned childcare group, we know that valuing people is the key to success. When you join us, you become more than an employee you become a co-owner with a voice, opportunities to grow, and a share in our success.

Location: Wimborne Dorset

Job type: Full Time Permanent

Salary: £33,000 Annum

Contracted Hours: 40 hours per week

Why Join Tops Day Nurseries?

At Tops Day Nurseries, we've been shaping futures since 1990. As the UK's largest employee-owned childcare group, we know that valuing people is the key to success. When you join us, you become more than an employee you become a co-owner with a voice, opportunities to grow, and a share in our success.

With 38 nursery sites across the South of England, we provide outstanding early years education and childcare for babies, toddlers, and preschool children. With opportunities for Apprenticeship, Nursery practitioners, Nursery Managers & Casual staff, we are always looking for passionate individuals to join us.

We're proud to be recognised as a World's Happiest Workplace 2025 and one of the Top 10 Apprenticeship Employers in the UK (2024).

About The Role

This is a hands-on leadership role where you will oversee our catering hubs, inspire your team, and bring creativity to menu planning and food presentation. You will work closely with suppliers, manage budgets, and lead innovative catering projects - all while ensuring the highest standards of quality, compliance, and sustainability.

Why You’ll Love Working with Us

At Tops Day Nurseries, we believe in rewarding our team for their hard work and dedication. Here are some of the fantastic benefits you’ll enjoy as part of our family.

• Up to 60% childcare discount at Tops Day Nurseries
• Exclusive discounts & rewards via Blue Light Card and Each Person platform (gyms, cinema, shopping, travel & many more)
• Health & wellbeing support- NHS prescriptions, optical care & dental treatment
• A generous holiday allowance- including your birthday off & a wellbeing day!

What does the role involve?

• Develop menus that meet early years nutritional standards, reflect seasonal produce, and align with our sustainability values
• Build strong relationships with suppliers, agencies, and nutrition partnerships
• Lead, coach, and mentor catering staff across multiple sites
• Manage and monitor budgets to deliver quality meals within cost targets
• Oversee compliance with all food hygiene, allergen, and health & safety regulations
• Use and maintain catering software for menu planning, allergen tracking, and supplier management

What are we looking for?

• Proven experience as a Catering Manager or Executive Chef in a high-volume or multi-site environment
• Strong leadership and team development skills
• A passion for healthy, sustainable food and the creativity to deliver it
• Track record in budget management and supplier relationship building
• Project management experience for innovative catering initiatives
• Willingness to undertake CPD
• Desirable: Level 4 Food Hygiene (or willingness to complete)

If you are looking for a role where your culinary expertise can make a real difference - and where you can enjoy a healthy work-life balance - we would love to hear from you.

Important Safeguarding Information

Because this role involves regulated activity with children, all candidates must:

• Hold (or be willing to obtain) an enhanced DBS check registered on the Update Service. If you don't yet have one, you'll need to cover the cost.
• Be eligible to work in regulated roles- not on the Children's Barred List.
• Successfully complete background and reference checks

At Tops Day Nurseries, we are an equal opportunities employer, committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected.

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