Chef Manager

ASSET Education Trust; Ipswich; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

ASSET Education Trust in Ipswich is seeking a Chef Manager to lead the on-site catering provision across the school setting. You will plan menus, order supplies, manage stock, prepare and cook meals, and ensure nutrition, dietary, and allergy requirements are met.

You will supervise kitchen staff, uphold high standards of food safety and quality, monitor costs, and coordinate with school leadership on events and well-being initiatives, while building positive relationships with staff, pupils and

Qualifications

• Strong skills in food preparation and cooking.
• Experience in Food & Beverage service and maintaining quality standards.
• Culinary management including menu planning and kitchen supervision.
• Relevant catering qualifications and Level 2 or 3 Food Hygiene certifications.
• Experience in school or institutional catering and budget management.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to work safely in a busy kitchen.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily kitchen operations, planning menus, ordering supplies, managing stock.
• Prepare and cook meals, supervise kitchen staff and maintain high standards of food safety.
• Coordinate with school leadership for events, dietary needs, and community initiatives.
• Foster a positive, inclusive working environment and build relationships with staff, pupils and suppliers.

Skills

Food Preparation

Food & Beverage service

Culinary Management

Food Safety Hygiene

Education

NVQ or equivalent in Catering

Job description

Company Description

ASSET Education Trust is a group of 15 primary schools in Suffolk, committed to giving children a strong foundation in knowledge and learning. The Trust focuses on helping pupils take pride in their work, develop expertise in areas that inspire them, and grow into resilient, autonomous adults. Its schools promote leadership, social action, and well-being for both staff and pupils, alongside high academic standards. Headteachers act as trust leaders, and collaboration is encouraged so each school can retain its distinctive identity. ASSET schools are closely connected to their local communities, reflecting their surroundings and playing an active role in community life.

Role Description

The Chef Manager is a full-time, on-site role based in Ipswich, responsible for leading the catering provision within the school environment. This role oversees daily kitchen operations, including planning menus, ordering supplies, managing stock, and ensuring meals are nutritious, appealing, and meet dietary and allergy requirements. The Chef Manager prepares and cooks food, supervises kitchen staff, and maintains high standards of food safety, hygiene, and quality in line with regulatory and trust guidelines. The role involves managing budgets, monitoring costs, and coordinating with school leadership to support events, special dietary needs, and wider well-being and community initiatives. The Chef Manager is expected to foster a positive, inclusive working environment and build strong relationships with staff, pupils, and suppliers.

Qualifications

• Candidates should possess strong skills in Food Preparation and Cooking.
• Candidates should possess experience in Food & Beverage service and Food Quality standards.
• Candidates should possess capabilities in Culinary Management, including menu planning and kitchen supervision.
• Relevant catering or culinary qualifications (e.g., NVQ or equivalent) and food safety certifications (such as Level 2 or 3 Food Hygiene) are beneficial.
• Experience in school or institutional catering, budget management, and leading diverse teams is advantageous.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work safely and efficiently in a busy kitchen environment are important.