Job Introduction
The Area Support Manager will oversee and optimise catering operations across a portfolio of Primary and Secondary school contracts. Reporting to the Operations Manager, you will be a strategic, results-driven leader responsible for operational excellence, team development, and ensuring superior client and customer satisfaction. This role is key to protecting our brand reputation through compliance and exceptional service while actively driving business growth.
Role Responsibility
This position requires a balance of leadership, operational oversight, and commercial acumen:
Operational Leadership & Compliance: Drive the highest standards of Health, Safety, Food Safety, and Hygiene. Conduct regular audits, analyse performance reports, and report key findings and KPIs on a monthly basis to ensure compliance exceeds company benchmarks.
Talent Development & Retention: Provide support, guidance, and targeted training to on-site teams. Build strong, positive internal relationships to maximise team engagement, retention, and professional development.
Client & Customer Experience: Establish and maintain an environment of consistently fantastic customer service, ensuring an unforgettable experience for all students and visitors, and fostering strong relationships with key school stakeholders.
- Commercial Growth: Actively participate in the creation and delivery of sales presentations to prospective clients. Provide essential support to the Area Manager during the mobilisation of new contract wins.
The Ideal Candidate
We're looking for a highly driven, adaptable, and emotionally intelligent professional with a strong background in the hospitality or catering industry. You must possess the ability to motivate and lead teams while simultaneously managing data and operational complexity.
Key Requirements:
A proven track record of experience in the hospitality or catering industry (experience within education or large-scale contract catering is advantageous).
Expert knowledge of relevant food and safety legislation and compliance protocols.
Exceptional customer service and interpersonal skills, coupled with strong emotional intelligence.
Demonstrated ability to support, train, and mentor staff, driving career progression and maintaining high standards.
An analytical mindset, capable of interpreting data and results, coupled with a genuine desire for direct interaction with people.
Experience in, or capacity to quickly assume responsibility for, managing and assisting in new business mobilisation.
Package Description
At Miquill, we know our success depends on you. We are deeply committed to employee health, well-being, and professional fulfilment. In addition to a competitive salary and pension, you will enjoy:
Car Allowance
Private Healthcare
Life Insurance
Enhanced Parental Leave
Company Sick Pay
Access to comprehensive employee discount programs
An additional day's leave to celebrate your birthday!
We expect all staff to share our commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children/young people, and an enhanced DBS disclosure will be sought by the company.
About the Company
Miquill is a specialist school catering business born out of passion for great-tasting food since 2009. We’re not just serving lunch; we’re all about providing fresh, delicious and exciting food that brings a healthy dose of fun to the school day!
We're a small, independent, Midlands-based company with a genuine family feel. Building strong relationships is key—that means you are important to us! Your well-being, development, and growth opportunities matter. We focus on rewarding our teams and recognising hard work to make sure you feel happy and valued every day.