Deputy General Manager

We are seeking a confident and committed Assistant General Manager to support the effective day-to-day running of the catering service at Downside School. Working closely with the General Manager, you'll play a key role in operational delivery, team leadership, and ensuring high standards in food quality and service. This is a hands‑on, customer‑focused position ideal for someone passionate about food, hospitality, and team development. You will be joining Holroyd Howe, one of the UK’s leading contract caterers, providing fresh, innovative food services solely to independent schools and colleges. We are a team of experienced professionals who tailor our catering service provision specifically to suit children of all ages in order to meet the bespoke requirements of each school. Our mission is simple: To provide our teams with the right skills to succeed in their jobs, we invest in their training and development. Our exceptional teams of seasoned specialists customise our catering services to fit children of all ages and satisfy the unique needs of our clients.,

• Support the General Manager in overseeing day-to-day catering operations, ensuring a high-quality and consistent service.
• Lead by example in delivering excellent food standards and customer experience.
• Supervise and motivate catering teams to perform efficiently and with pride.
• Help manage stock, ordering, and supplier relationships in line with budgetary targets.
• Maintain high standards of food safety, hygiene, and compliance with all relevant policies.
• Assist in planning and executing hospitality events and term‑time functions.
• Deputise in the absence of the General Manager, taking ownership of operations and client communications.
• Previous supervisory or assistant management experience in a catering or hospitality environment.
• A food‑led individual with a good understanding of kitchen operations and customer service.
• Experience managing a team and supporting staff training and development.
• Knowledge of health & safety, food safety, and compliance procedures.
• Strong interpersonal skills and a proactive, can‑do attitude.
• Experience in an education or contract catering setting is desirable but not essential.

We pride ourselves on:

• People first We're a company of individuals, united in doing our best for our clients.
• Great food, always Using only the best ingredients, our food is fresh, authentic and tailored to each school, age group, and specific needs and preferences.
• Food education We educate pupils through food, encouraging them to understand and develop their own personal tastes and make informed food choices.
• Respect in everything we do Our respectful codes of conduct inform how we behave towards our clients and customers, suppliers and business partners, and each other.
• Fresh thinking New ideas for food, service and ways of working help us maintain our position as creative leaders in school catering.

• 3 volunteering days to give back to causes you care about
• 3 days grandparent leave for those special family moments
• 24 weeks enhanced maternity leave
• Bespoke training & development opportunities
• Pension & life insurance
• Discounts on high street brands, cinema & holidays via the Perkbox App
• Wellbeing hub & access to employee assistance programme
• Free meals while at work
• Career development & HIT Apprenticeships for all experience levels