Chef Manager

Grow and Thrive Limited; Reading; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 21,000; Part time

Job summary

Miquill is seeking a Chef Manager to take full financial and operational responsibility for a school catering facility in Reading. This hands-on leadership role will drive profitability, set culinary standards, and lead from the front, delivering exceptional, creative meals for pupils.

You will manage the entire operation with strong commercial oversight, menu development, team coaching, and stringent cost control to ensure high-quality meals and compliant service.

Qualifications

• Natural, positive manager with experience in leading a team in a commercial catering setting.
• Strong financial understanding including gross profit management, cost control, and sales targets.
• Prior experience maintaining high cooking standards with fresh ingredients and craft-based skills.
• Solid knowledge of Health and Safety practices and compliance in a professional kitchen.

Responsibilities

• Oversee entire catering operation balancing inspirational leadership with commercial acumen.
• Lead menu development, culinary excellence, and high-quality meal production.
• Develop and coach staff to build a resilient, high-performing team.
• Control costs across stock, food, and labour to drive profitability and efficiency.
• Drive sales through monthly promotions and value-added events.
• Build positive client relationships and represent the company professionally.
• Ensure 100% compliance with procedures and statutory legislation (H&S, Hygiene, Allergens).

Skills

Leadership

Profitability

Cost control

Team management

Health & safety

Education

OND or HND Qualification

Job description

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

The happiness of our employees is paramount. Our friendly kitchen environments will make you feel supported and part of the Miquill family.

Monday to Friday working—no more weekends!

30hours working with no late nights.

38 weeks per year based around school term time (more time to spend with friends and family!).

£18 per hour

Your Future Growth:

Work for a fast-growing company that wants you to grow with them.

Benefit from a dedicated L&D team offering apprenticeships and training courses to help you constantly develop your skills.

Please note: All staff must share our commitment of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children/young people, and an enhanced DBS disclosure will be sought by the company.

Job Introduction

As the Chef Manager, you take complete financial and operational responsibility for your school's catering facility. This is a hands-on leadership role where you'll be driving profitability and setting the standard for culinary excellence. You’ll lead from the front, deliver exceptional, creative food, and make every school mealtime fun, exciting, and truly memorable.

Main Responsibilities

You will be responsible for the entire catering operation, skillfully balancing inspirational leadership with sharp commercial acumen.

• Operational Leadership: Inspire, manage, and motivate the team to consistently deliver a fantastic dining experience aligned with our high company standards.

Culinary Excellence: Lead the preparation of delicious and nutritious, high-quality meals using our menus, while actively overseeing and driving menu development and innovation.

Team Development: Champion the growth of your unit by leading, coaching, and training all staff in a positive and professional manner, building a resilient, high-performing team.

Commercial Control:Maintain full control over all costs (stock, food, labour). Expertly manage profitability and improve efficiency through rigorous cost control.

Sales & Growth:Drive sales success through exciting monthly promotions and creative added-value events.

Client Relations: Build and maintain positive, professional relationships with clients and customers, acting as the friendly, expert face of Miquill.

Compliance & Audit:Guarantee 100% compliance with all company procedures and statutory legislation (H&S, Hygiene, Allergens), performing regular internal audits.

The Ideal Candidate

We’re seeking a high-calibre professional who shares our passion for great-tasting food and providing exceptional service while maintaining the highest standards.

A natural, positive manager with prior experience effectively managing and motivating a team in a commercial catering setting.

A robust financial understanding of gross profit management, cost control, and a proven track record of achieving sales targets.

Strong, demonstrable craft-based experience using fresh ingredients and maintaining high cooking standards.

Strong, in-depth working knowledge of Health and Safety practices and compliance within a professional kitchen.

OND or HND Qualification, or equivalent management certification, is preferred, but not essential if experience is strong.

About The Company

Miquill is a specialist school catering business born out of passion for great-tasting food since 2009. We’re not just serving lunch; we’re all about providing fresh, delicious and exciting food that brings a healthy dose of fun to the school day!

We're a small, independent, Midlands-based company with a genuine family feel. Building strong relationships is key—that means you are important to us! Your well-being, development, and growth opportunities matter. We focus on rewarding our teams and recognising hard work to make sure you feel happy and valued every day.