Chef Manager

Midsomer Norton Schools Partnership; West of England; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious educational institution in the West of England seeks a dedicated Chef Manager to oversee two kitchens, ensuring high standards in meal preparation and safety. The ideal candidate will have at least 2 years of experience at Head Chef level, relevant catering qualifications, and strong nutritional knowledge. You will manage kitchen operations, lead a team to deliver balanced menus, and uphold food safety regulations. This role offers a full-time position with generous benefits and a vibrant working environment.

Benefits

Generous annual leave entitlement

Local government pension scheme

Sick pay scheme

Cycle-to-work scheme

Free eye tests

Employee assistance helpline

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of experience working at Head Chef level.
• Up-to-date knowledge of health and safety regulations (COSHH, HACCP).
• Ability to manage and motivate a team, identifying strengths and weaknesses.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, cook and serve nutritionally balanced dishes.
• Manage kitchen staff and ensure high standards of service.
• Oversee compliance with health and safety regulations.

Skills

Leadership Skills

Nutritional Knowledge

Communication Skills

Kitchen Management

Education

Relevant catering qualifications (e.g., City & Guilds 706/1 & 2 or NVQ Level 2 or 3)

Job description

Role

Chef Manager

Location

Hayesfield School – overseeing two kitchens: Upper Oldfield Park and Brougham Hayes.

Start Date

5th January 2026

Interview Date

TBC

Hours

35 hours per week, Monday to Friday 7:30 am – 3:00 pm during term time, plus 5 inset days, 2 extra weeks per year, and occasional evenings and weekends for special events.

Salary

Grade 7, scale 23–26; hourly rate 17.85–19.32; annual salary 29,484–31,921 (full‑time equivalent).

Hayesfield School is a prestigious school dedicated to fostering an environment of excellence in both academics and extra‑curricular activities. Situated in a vibrant community, the school prides itself on its commitment to nurturing young minds and ensuring the wellbeing of its students. This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced and passionate Chef Manager to oversee both the Upper Oldfield Park and Brougham Hayes kitchens leading a team to provide nutritious and high‑quality meals for our students and staff. With the support of a forward‑thinking Trust, you will play a vital role in shaping the schools catering provision ensuring it meets the highest standards in food quality, health safety and sustainability.

Role Overview

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Chef Manager to join our team at Hayesfield School overseeing the daily operations of both the Upper Oldfield Park and Brougham Hayes kitchens. The successful candidate will be responsible for delivering a nutritious and balanced menu, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations, managing kitchen staff and maintaining the highest standards of food quality. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the development of a catering service that supports the school's ethos and meets the needs of the whole school community.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare, cook and serve an imaginative range of nutritionally balanced dishes.
• Assist in the development and delivery of a catering strategy aligned with the Food for Life Partnership Scheme.
• Manage kitchen staff, providing training, development and support to ensure high standards of service and efficiency.
• Oversee the day‑to‑day management of health and safety procedures including COSHH and HACCP compliance.
• Contribute to menu planning, portion control and nutrition analysis, including special dietary needs.
• Maintain stock levels, order from nominated suppliers and ensure budget control.
• Manage the cashless catering system and ensure accurate readings at the end of each service.
• Participate in regular staff and department meetings, training courses and performance management reviews.
• Ensure the protection and safeguarding of students following relevant policies and procedures.
• Participate in the wider school community, developing positive relationships with students, staff and parents.

Essential Qualifications and Experience

• Minimum 2 years of experience working at Head Chef level.
• Relevant catering qualifications (e.g., City & Guilds 706/1 & 2 or NVQ Level 2 or 3).
• Up-to-date knowledge of health and safety regulations (COSHH, HACCP).
• Strong knowledge of nutrition and dietary requirements.
• Ability to carry out risk assessments and implement safe working practices.
• Efficient stock control and budget management.
• Excellent communication, organisational and leadership skills.
• Ability to manage and motivate a team, identifying strengths and weaknesses.
• Resilient and calm under pressure, with a commitment to high standards.

Desirable Skills

• Good general education including English and Maths to GCSE level or equivalent.
• Food hygiene certificate (Level 3).
• Experience in managing catering operations within a school or similar environment.

Benefits

Included in the actual annual salary are generous annual leave entitlement and access to a local government pension scheme, sick pay scheme, cycle‑to‑work scheme, free eye tests and an employee assistance helpline. Support staff in schools can also benefit from a range of national discount schemes available to education professionals such as the Blue Light Card, offering savings on shopping, travel and leisure.

We encourage early applications as we reserve the right to close the vacancy prior to the closing date if we receive sufficient applications for the role.

Employment Details

Employment Type: Full‑Time | Vacancy: 1 | Required Experience: Manager | Hours: 35 per week