Chef Manager

Grow and Thrive Limited; Hatching Green; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Learning & Development support

Apprenticeships and training courses

Job summary

Palmer & Howells in Harpenden is seeking an exceptional Kitchen Leader to drive culinary innovation and deliver a high-standard dining service in a school setting.

You will lead a team, develop menus, ensure Food Safety and Hygiene compliance, manage costs, mentor staff, and work with a dedicated Learning & Development team to grow talent.

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading and inspiring teams within fast-paced food service environments.
• Strong passion for food preparation with fresh ingredients and nutritious menus.
• Comprehensive knowledge of Food Safety, Hygiene and Health & Safety regulations.
• Ability to analyse operational reports (labour cost, waste, profitability) to optimise the business.

Responsibilities

• Lead kitchen operations, ensuring high-quality, nutritious meals and excellent customer service.
• Own menu development and drive culinary evolution with creativity.
• Maintain exceptional compliance in Food Safety, Hygiene and Health & Safety standards.
• Mentor and develop staff, fostering a high-performing culture.
• Manage controllable costs (stock, food, labour) to maximise profitability.
• Conduct regular quality audits and implement best practices.
• Drive site performance and engagement through monthly promotions and events.

Skills

Team leadership

Menu development

Food safety

H&S compliance

Budget & cost control

Job description

The following content displays a map of the jobs location - Harpenden

At Palmer & Howells, we recognise that food is more than what you eat—it is energy, education, and community. We value our staff deeply, recognising the unique skills each person brings. Our chefs are dedicated to creative, highly nutritious dishes designed to offer optimal energy. We thrive on collaboration, meticulous communication, and a keen desire to explore the potential of high-quality, fresh ingredients.

This is a dynamic, hands-on role. You will be fully involved in everything from preparation work outside of busy service times to creative innovation. While working in a school kitchen offers fantastic hours, be prepared for a varied workload that requires an adaptable outlook alongside your core tasks.

The Role:

We're looking for an exceptional individual to lead our team, drive culinary innovation, and ensure an unparalleled dining experience. If you thrive on developing people and achieving above and beyond standards, this could be the role for you!

The Details:

Hours: 37.5 hours per week

Weeks: 39 weeks per year

Rate: £25,338 per annum

In this role, you can expect the following:

Culinary Vision & Service:Lead kitchen operations, ensuring the preparation of high-quality, nutritious meals and delivery of a fantastic customer service experience.

Menu Innovation: Own menu development, introducing creative flair and driving continuous improvement and culinary evolution.

Compliance & Standards:Act as the standard-bearer for all operations, ensuring exceptional, high-level compliance in Food Safety, Hygiene, and H&S.

Team Development:Mentor and support staff growth, fostering a progressive and high-performing culture where learning is central.

Financial & Cost Control: Manage all controllable costs (stock, food, labour) to maximise profitability and ensure efficient resource allocation.

Quality Assurance: Conduct regular audits and implement best practices to maintain consistently exceptional standards.

Performance Driver:Boost overall site performance and engagement through effective monthly promotions and events.

What you’ll need:

Proven experience leading and inspiring teams within fast-paced food service environments, with a track record of driving KPIs and achieving operational excellence.

A strong passion for and experience in food preparation, particularly using fresh ingredients and developing appealing, nutritious menus.

Comprehensive, up-to-date knowledge of essential compliance matters, including Health & Safety (H&S), Food Safety, and Hygiene regulations.

Ability to understand, analyse, and effectively utilise operational reports (e.g., labour cost, waste reports, profitability) to strategically optimise the business.

Work for a fast-growing, ambitious company with no ceiling in terms of where you can take your career. We actively look to promote talent from within.

You’ll have access to a dedicated Learning & Development team to support you in developing your skills, including apprenticeships and training courses available for everyone.

Join a supportive team committed to collaboration and the pursuit of culinary excellence.

Safeguarding Commitment: Palmer & Howells is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening, including checks with employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).