Chef Manager

Thomas Franks Ltd.; London; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in the catering sector is seeking a dynamic Chef Manager to lead their team at a prestigious London school. This role involves overseeing daily food production, managing budgets, and ensuring high standards of service and quality. The ideal candidate will have strong leadership skills and a passion for culinary excellence, fostering a collaborative environment while meeting client expectations. With a focus on innovation and quality, this position offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact in a vibrant educational setting. Join a company that values individuality and commitment to service excellence.

Benefits

Discounts at major retailers

Free meals on duty

Volunteer leave

Enhanced maternity/paternity leave

Cycle-to-work scheme

Referral bonuses

Training and development

Social events

Employee assistance programs

Career progression

Qualifications

• Proven experience in delivering high standards of food quality.
• Hands-on leadership in food production and service.
• Ability to motivate and manage a team to high performance.

Responsibilities

• Lead the catering team in daily food production and service for the school’s dining facilities.
• Manage the budget to meet both client and company financial targets.
• Ensure excellent food quality and customer service, responding proactively to customer needs.

Skills

Food Production

Budget Management

Team Leadership

Customer Service

Communication Skills

Culinary Skills

Education

City & Guilds 706/1 & 2 or equivalent

Job description

A fabulous independent day school for girls, part of a large group of schools, located in the heart of Notting Hill, London. Catering for approximately 565 students and staff, the school offers lunch and mid-morning snacks, and also provides catering for two nearby locations. The role involves some hospitality services at this location. This is a term-time-only contract, working 40 weeks a year, Monday to Friday.

We are seeking an experienced Chef Manager to join our team at one of our prestigious London locations.

This position requires close collaboration with the catering team and the operations manager to ensure high standards in catering and hospitality. The ideal candidate will have experience in a similar role, capable of managing daily operations and the financial budget of the location.

Job Summary:

1. Lead the catering team in daily food production and service for the school’s dining facilities, and coordinate with the center for internal or external hospitality events.
2. Manage the budget to meet both client and company financial targets.
3. Develop and maintain high standards of food quality, presentation, and customer service across all dining and hospitality areas.
4. Prepare and review monthly and annual Profit & Loss statements for Thomas Franks.
5. Innovate and improve the catering offerings in line with client expectations and budget constraints.
6. Oversee daily operations of all catering facilities, ensuring consistency and quality throughout the year.
7. Lead change initiatives by setting standards and motivating staff to achieve them.
8. Engage with members and clients to ensure their needs are consistently met.
9. Deliver food service operations as directed, including dining and hospitality services.
10. Create an environment of motivation, teamwork, and passion for service.
11. Ensure excellent food quality and customer service, responding proactively to customer needs.
12. Stay updated with current market trends to develop the food offer, aligned with Thomas Franks’ values.
13. Ensure all food is age-appropriate and meets dietary requirements.
14. Foster collaborative relationships across departments and ensure team compliance with policies and standards.
15. Maintain high standards of cleanliness and presentation in all dining areas.
16. Ensure compliance with safeguarding, health and safety, fire, and accident procedures.
17. Conduct staff inductions, reviews, and development plans, maintaining proper records.
18. Support center activities such as open days and special events.
19. Perform any other duties necessary for the effective operation and development of the catering services as directed by the Operations Manager.
20. Proven experience in delivering high standards of food quality.
21. Hands-on leadership in food production and service.
22. Strong communication skills with clients and team members.
23. Excellent interpersonal, analytical, and organizational skills.
24. Ability to motivate and manage a team to high performance.
25. Flexibility to work according to the needs of the business.
26. Good verbal and written English skills.
27. Relevant culinary qualification, such as City & Guilds 706/1 & 2 or equivalent.

Benefits include discounts at major retailers, free meals on duty, volunteer leave, enhanced maternity/paternity leave, cycle-to-work scheme, referral bonuses, training and development, social events, employee assistance programs, and career progression within a leading independent caterer.

About us

Thomas Franks is a founder-led, fresh food catering company committed to excellence, service, and individuality. Our focus is on our clients and staff, ensuring daily success through passion and style.

Disclaimer

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK. An enhanced DBS check, identity, and references will be required. We comply with DBS regulations and are committed to safeguarding children. Please note, applications for school roles are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, and all criminal convictions must be disclosed.

Diversity and Inclusion

We encourage applications from diverse backgrounds and are committed to fostering a culture of growth and inclusion, especially from under-represented groups, believing that diversity enhances results and workplace quality.