Chef Manager

Berkeley Scott; Cambourne; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

Berkeley Scott on behalf of Kellan Group client near Cambridge seeks an experienced Chef Manager to lead the on-site catering at a secondary school. The role is senior and hands-on, focusing on delivering nutritious meals in a high-volume environment.

You will manage the catering team, ensure food safety, control costs, and work with stakeholders. Term-time only contract with a 39 weeks plus 3 weeks schedule and Monday to Friday hours.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Chef Manager in a high-volume operation.
• Minimum 3 years’ culinary experience.
• At least 3 years’ experience managing teams and budgets.
• Strong operational and compliance knowledge.
• Confident leader with excellent communication and organisational skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the on-site catering team.
• Deliver fresh, compliant menus in a busy secondary school setting.
• Control food costs, ordering, and stock management.
• Ensure all food safety, allergen, and hygiene standards are met.
• Build strong working relationships with the school and client.

Skills

Chef Manager

Catering management

Team leadership

Budget management

Food safety

Communication

Organisation

Job description

Salary: £30,000 per annum

Hours: Monday to Friday

Term Time Only (39 weeks plus additional 3 weeks)

Education Catering – Secondary School

We are recruiting on behalf of our client, based near Cambridge, working within the education catering sector. They are seeking an experienced Chef Manager to lead the catering operation at a secondary school.

This is an excellent opportunity for a Chef Manager looking for a senior, stable role offering outstanding work-life balance, while working for a respected and progressive employer.

The Role

The successful candidate will take full responsibility for the day-to-day catering service, delivering high-quality, nutritious food in a high-volume school environment. The role is operational and hands-on, with responsibility for team leadership, menu delivery, compliance, stock control, and financial performance.

You will work closely with school stakeholders to maintain excellent service standards and promote a positive food culture across the site.

Key Responsibilities

Lead and manage the on-site catering team

Deliver fresh, compliant menus in a busy secondary school setting

Control food costs, ordering, and stock management

Ensure all food safety, allergen, and hygiene standards are met

Build strong working relationships with the school and client

The Offer

Salary of £30,000 per annum

Term time only contract – school holidays off

Monday to Friday working hours

Long-term career development and progression opportunities

Candidate Profile

Proven experience as a Chef Manager, Catering manager or Support Manager in a volume operation

Minimum 3 years’ culinary experience

At least 3 years’ experience managing teams and budgets

Strong operational and compliance knowledge

Confident leader with excellent communication and organisational skills

Candidates seeking a professional, structured role with genuine work‑life balance are encouraged to apply.

Kellan Group (including all of our brands, Berkeley Scott and Xpress Recruitment) are committed to promoting equal opportunities to people regardless of age, gender, religion, belief, race, sexuality or disability.