Are you a passionate culinary professional with a talent for leadership and a commitment to excellence? We are seeking an inspiring Chef Manager to lead our school catering provision and create nutritious, delicious meals that fuel learning, wellbeing, and enjoyment every day.
This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced chef to take ownership of a vibrant kitchen, shape menus, lead a dedicated team, and make a real difference to the daily lives of young people and staff.
Job Purpose
To lead, manage and develop the school catering provision, delivering high-quality, nutritious meals for pupils and staff while ensuring excellent standards of food safety, hygiene, compliance, financial control, and team leadership.
Key Responsibilities
Catering & Food Provision
- Plan, prepare and deliver balanced, nutritious, and appealing menus that meet school food standards and dietary requirements.
- Ensure meals cater for allergens, medical diets, cultural and religious needs.
- Monitor food quality, presentation, and portion control.
- Develop seasonal menus and introduce new dishes to maintain variety and engagement.
Leadership & Team Management
- Lead, motivate, and develop the catering team to maintain high performance and morale.
- Manage staff rotas, training, supervision, and performance.
- Conduct inductions and ongoing skills development for kitchen staff.
- Promote a positive, professional kitchen culture.
Compliance & Safety
- Ensure full compliance with food safety legislation, allergen regulations, and health & safety requirements.
- Maintain up-to-date HACCP procedures and documentation.
- Prepare for and manage environmental health inspections.
- Maintain the highest standards of cleanliness and organisation throughout kitchen and storage areas.
Financial & Operational Management
- Manage catering budgets, stock ordering, and cost control.
- Minimise waste and ensure value for money.
- Monitor stock levels and supplier performance.
- Produce reports on spending, uptake, and efficiency.
Customer Experience
- Promote healthy eating and positive dining experiences.
- Engage with pupils and staff to gather feedback and improve provision.
- Support school events, hospitality functions, and special catering requirements.
General Duties
- Work collaboratively with school leadership and support teams.
- Uphold the school’s values, safeguarding policies, and professional standards.
- Undertake any other duties reasonably required by management.
Person Specification
Essential Criteria
Qualifications & Training
- Professional cookery qualification (NVQ Level 2 or equivalent).
- Level 3 Food Safety Certificate (or willingness to obtain).
- Knowledge of allergen legislation.
Experience
- Experience working in a commercial kitchen or large-scale catering environment.
- Experience supervising or managing a team.
- Experience of menu planning and stock control.
- Experience managing food safety systems and inspections.
Knowledge & Skills
- Strong understanding of nutrition and balanced meal planning.
- Excellent organisational and time-management skills.
- Ability to manage budgets and control costs.
- Strong leadership and communication skills.
- Ability to work under pressure and meet service deadlines.
Personal Qualities
- Reliable, professional, and enthusiastic.
- High standards and attention to detail.
- Flexible and proactive approach.
- Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
Desirable Criteria
- Experience working in a school or educational catering setting.
- Level 4 Food Safety or HACCP qualification.
- Training in nutrition for children or young people.
- Experience managing supplier contracts.
- First Aid certification.
Safeguarding Statement
The post holder will be required to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people and must adhere to all school safeguarding policies. Appointment is subject to satisfactory references and an enhanced DBS check.
Terms and Conditions
Salary is £33-35,000 per annum, inclusive of holiday pay.
This is a term-time plus position of 38 weeks a year.
The employment is subject to a probationary period of twelve months. During the probationary period, two weeks’ notice will be required on either side. Following probation, the notice period shall be one month or the statutory minimum requirement.
Application process
To apply, please forward a completed application form, together with covering letter, electronically, to: hr@stedwards.co.uk
Closing date for applications is: 1 April 2026