Chef Manager

Blue Arrow; Coscote; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Weekly pay on Fridays

Term-time placements

September starts available

Long-term and permanent placements

Dedicated consultant support

Job summary

Blue Arrow is seeking an experienced Chef Manager to lead school catering operations across Didcot, starting in September. The role emphasizes delivering nutritious meals, managing kitchen teams, and maintaining high standards in allergy-safe practices in a school environment.

Ideal candidates have prior Chef Manager or equivalent roles, experience in education or high-volume catering, and strong leadership and organisational skills. Roles offer daytime hours and good work–life balance.

Qualifications

• Previous experience as a Chef Manager or similar leadership role in catering.
• Experience working in schools/education catering or high-volume environments.
• Strong leadership, organisational, and communication abilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage day-to-day operations of the school kitchen.
• Plan and deliver healthy, nutritious meals in line with school standards.
• Manage kitchen staff, rotas and daily workloads.
• Monitor stock levels, ordering and budget control.
• Ensure food hygiene, health & safety and allergen compliance.
• Deliver high quality food presentation and service.
• Foster positive relationships with school staff, pupils and stakeholders.

Skills

Leadership

Organisational skills

Communication skills

Education

Food Hygiene Certificate

Job description

Are you an experienced Chef Manager looking for a rewarding role in education catering with a great work-life balance?

Blue Arrow is recruiting talented and passionate Chef Managers to work within schools across Didcot, with positions starting in September.

This is an excellent opportunity for experienced catering professionals who enjoy leading teams, creating nutritious meals, and making a positive impact in a school environment. These roles offer predominantly Monday to Friday daytime hours, providing an ideal work-life balance.

Why Join Blue Arrow?

• Competitive pay rates from £18.00 per hour and above
• Monday to Friday daytime working hours
• School holidays off in many placements
• Weekly pay every Friday
• September starts available
• Opportunity for long-term and permanent placements
• Dedicated consultant support throughout your assignment
• Work within friendly and supportive school environments

Your Role

• Lead and manage the day-to-day operation of the school kitchen
• Plan and deliver healthy, nutritious meals in line with school standards
• Manage kitchen staff, rotas, and daily workloads
• Monitor stock levels, ordering, and budget control
• Ensure food hygiene, health & safety, and allergen compliance are maintained at all times
• Deliver excellent food quality and presentation
• Build positive relationships with school staff, pupils, and stakeholders
• Support the smooth and efficient running of the catering service

What We\'re Looking For

• Previous experience as a Chef Manager, Catering Manager, Head Chef, or similar leadership role
• Experience working within schools, education catering, contract catering, or high-volume catering environments
• Strong leadership, organisational, and communication skills
• Food Hygiene Certificate (Level 2 or above preferred)
• Knowledge of food safety, allergens, and nutritional standards
• Current DBS check is advantageous, although we can assist with obtaining one if required
• Reliable, professional, and able to work independently
• Own transport is beneficial due to client locations

Blue Arrow is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to helping find great work opportunities for great people