Chef Manager

Lexington-Catering; Nuneaton; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free meals

Flexible working

Holidays aligned to school calendar

Family leave support

Volunteer days

Career development

Pension scheme

Life assurance

Staff discounts

Job summary

Hartshill Academy in the broader Taylor Shaw group seeks a Chef Manager to lead daily catering operations, delivering fresh meals for up to 600 covers, while guiding a small team and maintaining high standards. The role emphasises governance, budget control and compliant service in an educational setting.

The post requires proven leadership in school catering, strong organisational abilities, and a commitment to food safety and quality in line with school calendars and term-time patterns.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a Chef Manager type role.
• Experience within an Education Catering Operation is advantageous.
• Strong leadership skills, with the ability to motivate, develop and support your team.
• Excellent organisational and time-management abilities, with confidence in running the catering operation efficiently.
• Sound knowledge of food hygiene, safety, and compliance standards.

Responsibilities

• Create and deliver fresh, nutritious meals (up to 600 covers per day) that impact students’ wellbeing, focus and daily experience
• Lead, manage, and motivate our talented catering team of 6
• Take full ownership of the catering operation, ensuring a smooth and efficient service
• Manage stock, ordering, and budgets effectively to meet operational targets
• Champion compliance, leading on food safety, hygiene and quality standards

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Budget management

Food safety

Operations planning

Tools

Stock control

Job description

Posted Wednesday 19 August 2026 at 00:00 | Expires Wednesday 16 September 2026 at 23:59

Taylor Shaw – Great Food, Bright Futures

At Hartshill Academy, part of Taylor Shaw, we believe healthy food fuels young minds, and we’re passionate about serving delicious, nutritious meals in schools and colleges across the UK. Every meal is fresh, sustainable, and packed with goodness – because we know young people deserve the best.

Elior is committed to safeguarding children and colleagues. Candidates that are shortlisted for this role, will be required to have an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, including Children's Barred List, and two suitable references.

How you’ll make an impact:

• Create and deliver fresh, nutritious meals (up to 600 covers per day) that impact students’ wellbeing, focus and daily experience
• Lead, manage, and motivate our talented catering team of 6
• Take full ownership of the catering operation, ensuring a smooth and efficient service
• Manage stock, ordering, and budgets effectively to meet operational targets
• Champion compliance, leading on food safety, hygiene and quality standards

Working Pattern: Monday - Friday | 7:00am - 3:00pm | 40 Hours Per Week | Term Time Only

Job ID: 6857

The ingredients you’ll bring:

• A passion for delivering high-quality meals and a consistent service
• Proven experience in a Chef Manager type role
• Experience within an Education Catering Operation is advantageous
• Strong leadership skills, with the ability to motivate, develop and support your team
• Excellent organisational and time-management abilities, with confidence in running the catering operation efficiently
• Sound knowledge of food hygiene, safety, and compliance standards
• A passion for delivering high-quality food and service
• Commercial awareness with the ability to manage, budgets, stock and catering performance

Brilliant Work Deserves Brilliant Perks!

At Elior, we believe that when you love where you work, it shows. That’s why we make sure our team feels appreciated, supported, and set up for success! Here’s what’s waiting for you:

• Free, tasty meals - Enjoy tasty, nutritious food on us while you work!
• Flexible working - including part time roles, because life doesn’t run on a 9-5 schedule.
• Plenty of Time to Unwind - Flexibility around family life with holidays that match the school calendar.
• Leave for life’s important moments - whether family, personal or unexpected.
• Give back time - paid volunteering days for the causes you care about.
• Room to grow - career development and learning opportunities for all stages of your career.
• Financial security - pension schemes and life assurance.
• Exclusive discounts - save on entertainment, leisure, and even travel!

Why You’ll Love Working Here

We’re a people-first business with over 10,000 colleagues across the UK, serving everything from stadiums to hospitals, schools to workplaces. Our mission? Toenrich lives everywhere, every day.

And here’s the best part - 87% of our team say they’re proud to work here!Why? Because we create a place where you’re listened to, trusted, supported, and valued.

We Celebrate You!

At Elior, diversity and inclusion aren’t just policies, they’re who we are. We know that different perspectives make us stronger, and we’re dedicated to creating an environment where everyone feels seen, heard, and empowered to succeed.

Need any support or adjustments during the application process? Just let us know - we’re happy to help!