People Support Manager

We’re looking for a warm, capable, and motivated people-person, someone who truly wants to be the change they wish to see in the world. If you’re passionate about making a difference and love working with others, we’d be excited to meet you.

 This role offers 25 hours of work per week on a term-time plus 3 weeks contract (2 weeks during the summer holidays and 1 week to be scheduled). It is a permanent position, and full contract details are outlined below.

 Who We Are 

At The Great Plate, we offer more than just a school lunch service. Our commitment to promoting children's health and inspiring healthy eating habits is reflected in every meal we serve. Our fresh, nourishing, and delicious lunches are cooked from scratch to feed both the body and the mind, and our values of promoting healthy habits, championing our hard-working staff, and advocating sustainable practices are evident in every aspect of our service. With The Great Plate, we are not just providing meals, we are truly committed to contributing to a better future for our children. We are aiming to create a culture where every school prioritises nutrition and every child benefits from a wholesome, nutritious, and tasty lunch choice that is good for their body and mind.

 The Great Plate is a social enterprise committed to supporting local communities and embedding social impact into everything we do.  We are proud to be part of the Grace Network, a series of place-based hubs that blend social enterprise with community transformation. 

 The Grace Network ensures that financial success fuels deeper social impact by reinvesting surplus revenue into local initiatives, increasing staff pay, and providing essential goods and services at accessible rates. By developing sustainable operational systems, the Grace Network strengthens communities and creates thriving, resilient enterprises. 

 Job Description 

 As People Support Manager, you will be at the heart of The Great Plate, ensuring our teams are supported, empowered, and working effectively across all schools. You will combine people leadership, operational oversight, and community engagement, helping our staff thrive while maintaining smooth day-to-day operations. This is an exciting opportunity to influence culture, processes, and social impact at a growing, values-driven organisation. 

 The Role 

 Main Duties & Responsibilities: 

 People Leadership & Support 

• Co-line-manage a team of 22 school-based and central kitchen staff. 

• Lead recruitment, onboarding, and induction for all new hires. 

• Conduct termly 1:1s.

• Annual appraisals, and ongoing performance management. 

• Support staff development through training, coaching, and Virtual College compliance. 

• Manage sickness and absence with empathy and efficiency. 

• Foster a positive culture through visible leadership, communication, and empowerment. 

• Designated safeguarding officer, reporting to the Aston Down DSO.

 Operational Coordination 

• Manage the TGP van fleet, including booking, maintenance, checks, and upkeep. 

• Support the development and implementation of TGP systems, processes, and KPIs. 

• Conduct regular site visits to monitor, support, and provide feedback to staff. 

• Lead process improvements to streamline operations and increase efficiency. 

• Organise and if necessary provide practical cover in kitchens when all other staff reorganisation options have been exhausted, ensuring day-to-day tasks continue smoothly. 

 Meetings & Communication 

• Ensure meetings are purposeful, timely, and outcome-driven. 

• Support the preparation of Exec meetings and follow up on actions. 

• Facilitate effective communication across teams and sites. 

 Safeguarding & Compliance 

• Act as the first point of contact for safeguarding concerns. 

• Ensure all staff DBS checks and safeguarding training are up to date. 

• Lead Safer Recruitment initiatives and support policy development and review. 

 Social Impact & Community Engagement 

• Role model The Great Plate and Aston Down Grace Network values: Kind, Generous, Optimistic, Honest, Fast-moving. 

• Support TGP and ADGN initiatives, ensuring staff engagement in site activities. 

• Promote participation in community programs and Seven Spaces usage. 

 Who You Are 

 Essential: 

• Strong people management, coaching, and relational skills. 

• Excellent organisational and time management abilities. 

• Effective communicator, both written and verbal. 

• Calm, empathetic, and approachable under pressure. 

• Ability to balance operational oversight with people-focused leadership. 

• Growth mindset with a focus on continuous improvement. 

 Desirable: 

• Experience in social enterprise, school catering, or community-focused organisations. 

• Experience managing fleet or logistics. 

• Knowledge of HR systems and performance management frameworks. 

 Contract Terms 

• Permanent role, 25-30 hours per week. 

• Term-time plus 3 weeks (2 in summer holidays, 1 to be scheduled). 

• Salary: £33,000 Pro Rata.

• Based at Aston Down. 

• Contract start date: ASAP. 

 Reporting Lines 

• Reports to the Managing Director. 

• Co-line management responsibility for 22 school-based and central kitchen staff. 

 Reasonable Adjustments 

We want our application/recruitment process to be right for you as an individual. If there’s anything we can do to make this process easier or any reasonable adjustments we can make, please email maisie@thegreatplate.org.uk or call 07801745210 directly. 

 The Culture 

We’re not just about what we do, but how we do it. Our culture, defined by community, empowerment, teamwork, optimism, and ethical practices, is the heartbeat of our organisation. It’s our everyday actions that shape the culture and the way we work together. 

Safeguarding Statement:

At The Great Plate, we are fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers, and partners to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to safer recruitment practices, including an enhanced DBS check, robust references, and ongoing safeguarding training. We uphold a culture of vigilance, ensuring concerns are reported promptly and handled in line with statutory guidance and organisational policy. The wellbeing and safety of the children we serve is central to everything we do.

 Ethical Framework: 

 We embody consistency, integrity, openness, and humility, creating a respectful, inclusive, and positive workplace, championing trust and employee well-being. 

 Equality, Diversity & Inclusion: 

 We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from all individuals regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. 

 Right to Work in the UK: 

 Applicants must have the right to work in the UK. Proof of eligibility will be required during recruitment. 

 How We Use Your Data: Personal information provided during recruitment will only be used to progress your application and meet legal requirements. Data will be handled in accordance with UK GDPR and our Privacy Policy. 

 How to Apply 

Please send your CV and covering letter explaining how you meet the requirements of the role to maisie@thegreatplate.org.uk 

Applications close on the 5th of January 2026, and Interviews will take place the week commencing. 12th January 2026. 

📍 Location: Stroud & Surrounding Areas
💰 Pay: £12.60 per hour 3.5 hours a day 5 days a , term-time only

Join The Great Plate – Where School Lunches Are Made with Love & Care!

Are you a passionate person who believes in the power of good food? Do you want to be part of a team that makes a real difference in children's health and happiness? The Great Plate is looking for a kitchen assistant to help us create delicious, nourishing school lunches that fuel young minds and bodies.

Why Join Us?

✅ Work-Life Balance: No evenings or weekends – perfect for fitting around family life!
✅ Meaningful Work: Help shape young eaters' relationship with healthy, home-cooked food.
✅ Supportive Team: Work with like-minded food lovers in a positive, collaborative kitchen.

About the Role

As a Kitchen Assistant at The Great Plate, you’ll be an essential part of our mission to provide wholesome, high-quality meals to primary school children. Working alongside our chefs and wider team, you’ll support the preparation, packing, and delivery of meals that avoid ultra-processed foods, refined sugars, and artificial additives—ensuring children receive food that’s both nutritious and delicious!

Your Responsibilities Will Include:
🍽️ Meal Support: Assist with preparing fresh, balanced meals from scratch.
🔪 Prep Work: Help with chopping, portioning, and setting up ingredients.
📦 Packing & Distribution: Support the packing of meals and deliver them to schools (a valid driver’s licence and your own car are required).
🥦 Stock & Ingredients: Assist with stock checks and ensure ingredients are stored correctly.
💡 Teamwork: Work closely with the kitchen team, supporting chefs and colleagues as needed.
🧼 Kitchen Standards: Maintain excellent hygiene and food safety practices (Level 2 Food Hygiene required or willingness to obtain).

Who We’re Looking For:

✅ Professional Kitchen Experience – Whether from a restaurant, café, school, or catering background.
✅ Passionate About Fresh, Healthy Food – You care about what children eat and understand the impact of good nutrition.
✅ A Great Team Player – You can use initiative and follow directions without hesitation.
✅ Reliable & Organised – Able to prep and assist with service efficiently in a busy but rewarding environment.

What We Offer:

🍎 A Role with Purpose – Play a key part in improving school food culture.
📅 School-Friendly Hours – Work only during term time, with your holidays free!
📈 Training & Development – Opportunities to grow and refine your skills.

Apply Now! Keep Scrolling For Application Info!

Apply Now!

If you're a confident, person who thrives on responsibility and wants a role that fits your lifestyle, we’d love to hear from you!

Join us in making nourishing, homemade school lunches the norm! 🥕🍞✨

If you’re excited about this role and meet the requirements, we’d love to hear from you! Apply today by sending your CV, a short cover letter explaining why you’d be a great fit and the questions below answered.

📩 To Apply: maisie@thegreatplate.org.uk

About The Great Plate CIC:

 The Great Plate CIC is dedicated to providing delicious, nourishing meals while promoting community engagement and sustainability. We operate with a mission to offer high-quality food and a welcoming environment for everyone. To learn more about us, visit http://www.thegreatplate.org.uk (http://www.thegreatplate.org.uk)  

Safer Recruitment:

 The Great Plate CIC is committed to safer recruitment practices. All employees will undergo a DBS check to ensure the safety and well-being of our community.

Please include answers to the following in your application-:

 1. Can you tell us about a time when you worked effectively as part of a team in a kitchen environment? What was your role and how did you contribute to the team's success?

2. How do you ensure that you maintain high standards of cleanliness and hygiene in a kitchen setting? Can you provide an example of when you had to address a cleanliness issue in the kitchen?

3. How do you prioritize tasks and stay organised in a fast-paced kitchen environment? Can you give an example of a time when you had to manage multiple tasks simultaneously?

4. How do you ensure that you follow food safety and hygiene standards in your work? Can you provide an example of a situation where you had to address a food safety concern?

5. Can you tell us about a time when you had to learn a new skill or take direction in a kitchen setting? How did you approach the learning process and what was the outcome?

6. How do you handle stressful situations in a kitchen environment? Can you provide an example of a time when you had to deal with a challenging situation while working in a kitchen?

7. How do you ensure that kitchen equipment and supplies are properly organised and maintained? Can you give an example of a time when you had to troubleshoot an equipment issue in the kitchen?

8. Can you explain why you are enthusiastic about working in a kitchen environment and how this enthusiasm will benefit The Great Plate ?

Join us at The Great Plate CIC and contribute to a meaningful community initiative while gaining valuable kitchen experience!

We look forward to receiving your application!