Chef

Novus; Greater Manchester; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 27,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual leave

Bank holidays

Pension contribution

Employee Assistance Program

Cycle to work

Job summary

The Manchester College, Openshaw campus, is seeking a Chef to join the Facilities Department on a permanent, full-time basis (35 hours per week), term-time only (37 weeks). The role involves delivering high-quality meals for students and staff in a fast-paced kitchen, with emphasis on nutritious, fresh food and strong teamwork.

Requirements include NVQ level 2 or equivalent, extensive catering experience, and proven leadership in driving targets and menu costing.

Qualifications

• Possession of NVQ level 2 or relevant qualification.
• Working knowledge of varied and large scale catering operations.
• Experience of fresh food preparation, menus from a range of different nationalities.
• Track record of effectively leading a team.
• Track record of achievement of targets.
• Track record of menu costing and planning.
• Achievement of operational targets.
• Achievement of quality targets.
• Accurate and timely reports.
• Development of a motivated and flexible team.

Skills

Leadership

Menu costing

High-volume catering

Food hygiene

Fresh food prep

Education

NVQ level 2 or relevant qualification

Job description

Job description

We're looking for a skilled and passionate Chef to join our catering team. You'll play a key role in delivering high-quality meals for students, staff, and events, working in a fast-paced, professional kitchen environment. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who takes pride in fresh, nutritious food and thrives in a team setting. Experience in high-volume catering and a strong understanding of food hygiene standards are essential. If you're looking for a rewarding role with a great work-life balance, we want to hear from you.

We have an exciting opportunity at our Openshaw campus to join our Facilities Department as a Chef on a permanent, full-time (35 hours per week), term-time only basis (37 weeks).

Site Information

Our Openshaw campus is a vibrant, modern hub of learning, equipped with outstanding, industry-standard facilities designed to inspire both staff and students. Located just outside Manchester city centre, the campus offers a wide range of vocational and academic courses, with specialist spaces for areas such as construction, engineering, health, and digital.

Who are TMC?

The Manchester College is the Largest Further Education College in the United Kingdom and has the largest provisions for 16-19yrs olds, adults, and higher education in Greater Manchester. We are part of the LTE group that consist of MOL, Total People, UCEN Manchester, Novus, and LTE Group Operations. We currently support more than 25% of Greater Manchester's learning provision and are currently rated "Good" by Ofsted. The Manchester Colleges offering is bolstered by 18 Centres of Excellence across our campuses, ensuring we give our best and strive to achieve an unrivalled learning experience for our students. We have partnerships with over 1000 industry and employer partners nationally to ensure our students secure their place as the leaders of the future.

Proudly, The Manchester College is also 1 of only 57 organisations nationally recognised with the Princess Royal Training Award 2025, demonstrating our commitment to investing in our people and their development.

Benefits

• 35 days paid annual leave plus 5 bank holidays (pro-rated for weeks worked per year).
• 3 well-being days per year (pro-rata).
• Significant pension contribution.
• Retail discounts.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Cycle to work scheme.

Role Responsibilities

Please see the attached role profile for an overview of general role responsibilities.

Skills, Qualifications and Experience

To be successful in this role, you will need:

• Possession of NVQ level 2 or relevant qualification.
• Working knowledge of varied and large scale catering operations.
• Experience of fresh food preparation, menus from a range of different nationalities.
• Track record of effectively leading a team.
• Track record of achievement of targets.
• Track record of menu costing and planning.
• Achievement of operational targets.
• Achievement of quality targets.
• Accurate and timely reports.
• Development of a motivated and flexible team.

Safeguarding

The LTE Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All applicants will be required to undergo an appropriate DBS check via the Criminal Records Bureau and may be subject to additional online checks as part of our pre-screening process. Some roles are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and would require an Enhanced DBS check.

Equal Opportunities Statement

At The Manchester College, we're committed to providing an environment free from discrimination, bullying, harassment, or victimisation, where all members of our community are treated with respect and dignity. The Manchester College is committed to working in an inclusive way with all the communities where we are geographically located and to developing a workforce and student community that reflects Greater Manchester's and the UK's rich diversity and vibrancy.

The closing date for this job advert is 30/09/2026. However, sometimes the job advert may close early if we receive a good response!