We’re a specialist catering company dedicated to providing delicious, healthy and exciting food for Independent Schools. We know the crucial role that food can play on a pupil’s ability to learn, develop and ultimately flourish. Food isn’t simply fuel, it’s critical to creating happy, healthy and inquisitive young minds.
Lexington is committed to safeguarding children and colleagues. Candidates that are shortlisted for this role, will be required to have an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, including Children’s Barred List.
At Lexington, we strive to ensure that our colleagues feel appreciated & rewarded, which is why we offer generous rewards & benefits in exchange for your dedicated efforts.
Catering & Events Manager
The Catering & Events Manager is responsible for overseeing the delivery of high-quality catering and hospitality services within an independent school setting. This includes managing day-to-day pupil and staff dining, coordinating all hospitality bookings and events, and ensuring administrative and financial processes run smoothly. Acting as the key point of contact for the school, the role requires strong client relationship management, operational leadership, and a commitment to maintaining exceptional standards of food, service, and presentation.
Necessary Operational Skills:
The Catering & Events Manager must demonstrate strong operational skills across catering service delivery, client relationship management, and hospitality coordination. They should be highly organised and confident in overseeing day-to-day school dining, planning and executing high-quality hospitality events, and maintaining accurate administrative and financial records. A solid understanding of food safety, allergen management, and compliance is essential, along with the ability to lead teams, communicate effectively, and adapt quickly to changing demands. The role requires attention to detail, financial awareness, and a proactive, client-focused approach to ensure the highest standards are consistently met across all areas of service.
Key Responsibilities:
Client & Relationship Management
· Act as the primary on-site liaison for the school’s leadership and administrative teams.
· Build and maintain a strong, positive relationship with the school, ensuring satisfaction with all aspects of the catering service.
· Regularly meet with the client to review service performance, gather feedback, and implement improvements.
Catering Operations
· Oversee the daily catering provision including pupil meals, staff dining, and any special dietary requirements.
· Support kitchen leadership to ensure meals are delivered to a high standard of presentation, nutrition, and quality.
· Ensure compliance with all food safety, hygiene, and allergen protocols.
Hospitality & Events
· Manage all hospitality requests including staff events, parent evenings, open days, Governors’ meetings, and prize giving.
· Coordinate the full event process—from enquiry and costing to delivery and post-event feedback.
· Maintain a hospitality diary and liaise with chefs and support teams to ensure seamless execution.
Administration & Finance
· Ensure accurate invoicing and recharging of hospitality and ad hoc events.
· Monitor catering budgets and control costs in line with financial targets.
· Maintain accurate records including bookings, stock, wastage, and payroll data.
Leadership & Standards
· Champion a culture of excellence in service, presentation, and customer experience.
· Support and motivate the catering team, working collaboratively with kitchen leadership.
· Conduct regular audits to ensure operational standards are consistently met.
Skills & Experience Required
· Proven experience in catering and event coordination, ideally within an education or hospitality setting.
· Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with a client-first approach.
· Organised, proactive, and capable of managing multiple tasks and priorities.
· Sound knowledge of food hygiene, health & safety, and allergen legislation.
· Financial acumen with experience in managing budgets and reconciling costs.
· Confident user of Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook) and/or hospitality booking systems.
Working Pattern:
At Lexington, we dare to be different in our food, catering, reception services, and work culture. Our values encourage creativity, boldness, and fun, fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We nurture talent, helping our people thrive and reach their potential.
We take pride in being an equal opportunity employer and welcome everyone. Let us know if you need any reasonable adjustments or assistance in your application, and feel free to share your pronouns.
Join our award-winning team passionate about serving delicious food to exceptional clients in London. Visit our website to hear from our team first-hand.
