Student Engagement Manager - Torquay, Essex, Suffolk

Our Client is a market leading contract catering company specialising in school food. By combining their understanding of the education sector and their knowledge of what’s on trend in the food world, they encourage creativity and excitement in their kitchens, allowing teams to do what they do best and provide fantastic food experiences for the children.

By providing excellent care and services to both clients and children, our Client has ensured the successful growth of the company and to keep up with the rapid pace of this growth, they are now looking for an experienced Chef Manager to join the team.

As a Student Engagement Manager, you will be a key ambassador for the business, representing our client with professionalism and pride. Through effective stakeholder engagement, you will champion their Added Value Programme across  Torquay, Essex, Suffolk, creating impactful activities that drive participation and enhance relationships with both clients and customers. Your role will also support contract retention, business growth, and the creation of client advocates.

Key Responsibilities:

Delivering the Clients Added Value Programme:

• Foster strong client and customer relationships through meaningful engagement.

• Communicate effectively and professionally at all times, ensuring transparency and clarity.

Ownership and Initiative:

• Collaborate with operations teams and clients to support and implement initiatives that drive positive engagement and increase uptake.

• Manage the complete lifecycle of all engagement activities and Added Value programmes.

Continuous Improvement:

• Develop and implement a year-round events programme that strengthens their partnerships.

• Track engagement activity and outcomes, collecting feedback and making improvements as needed.

Collaboration:

• Support the operations team in fulfilling contract commitments.

• Work closely with the wider team to engage with clients, parents, and the broader community to enhance service delivery.

• Promote a culture of quality, health, safety, and environmental (QHSE) awareness and performance.

Inspiration:

• Organise regional innovation events that connect our food teams and marketing initiatives with individual schools, ensuring tailored promotions align with client needs.

About You:

Essential Skills:

• GCSE-level education or equivalent.

• Level 3 in Customer Service or equivalent experience.

• Food Hygiene certification and QHSE training, understanding of allergens

• Proven track record of delivering successful engagement and added-value initiatives.

• Experience in a customer-focused role with strong communication skills across multiple platforms (marketing, PR, social media).

• Ability to engage and retain clients, students, and customers at all levels.

• Highly organised, proactive, and flexible in approach.

• Understanding of client relationships and the ability to manage expectations effectively.

Why join us?

Firstly, fantastic hours. You’ll work Monday to Friday during school term time meaning more time with friends and family and no working at Christmas!

This role is:

• 40 hours per week 

• Working 39 weeks per year based around term time – what could you do with all that time off?

• £34,000 - 38,000 per annum plus paid mileage

You’ll also benefit from:

• Working for a fast growing, ambitious company. There is no ceiling here in terms of where you can take your career
• A dedicated L&D team to support you in developing your skills including apprenticeships and training courses that are available for everyone.

Please note, our Client expects all staff to share their commitment of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children/young people and an enhanced DBS disclosure will be sought by the company.