Chef Manager - Coombe House School

Palmer and Howells; Marlow; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading catering company in the UK is seeking a Culinary Manager to lead kitchen operations and drive menu innovation. Ideal candidates will have proven experience in fast-paced food environments and a passion for developing nutritious, appealing menus. Responsibilities include ensuring food safety compliance, mentoring team members, managing costs, and enhancing site performance through innovative culinary practices. Join a supportive team that promotes career growth and culinary excellence.

Benefits

Access to learning and development programs

Career advancement opportunities

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading teams in fast-paced food service environments.
• Strong knowledge of food preparation and nutrition.
• Up-to-date knowledge of health & safety and food hygiene regulations.
• Ability to analyze operational reports for strategic optimization.

Responsibilities

• Lead kitchen operations, ensuring high-quality meal preparation.
• Own menu development with a focus on innovation and improvement.
• Ensure exceptional compliance in food safety and hygiene.
• Mentor staff and foster a high-performing kitchen culture.
• Manage costs effectively to maximize profitability.
• Conduct audits to maintain exceptional quality standards.
• Enhance site performance through promotions and events.

Skills

Leadership

Menu innovation

Food safety compliance

Team development

Cost control

Job description

Summary

At Palmer & Howells, we recognise that food is more than what you eat-it is energy, education, and community. We value our staff deeply, recognising the unique skills each person brings. Our chefs are dedicated to creative, highly nutritious dishes designed to offer optimal energy. We thrive on collaboration, meticulous communication, and a keen desire to explore the potential of high-quality, fresh ingredients.

This is a dynamic, hands‑on role. You will be fully involved in everything from preparation work outside of busy service times to creative innovation. While working in a school kitchen offers fantastic hours, be prepared for a varied workload that requires an adaptable outlook alongside your core tasks.

The Role

We’re looking for an exceptional individual to lead our team, drive culinary innovation, and ensure an unparalleled dining experience. If you thrive on developing people and achieving above and beyond standards, this could be the role for you!

The Details

Hours : 35 hours per week

Weeks : 38 weeks per year

Rate : £19.50 per hour

In this role, you can expect the following :

Culinary Vision & Service : Lead kitchen operations, ensuring the preparation of high-quality, nutritious meals and delivery of a fantastic customer service experience.

Menu Innovation : Own menu development, introducing creative flair and driving continuous improvement and culinary evolution.

Compliance & Standards : Act as the standard‑bearer for all operations, ensuring exceptional, high‑level compliance in Food Safety, Hygiene, and H&S.

Team Development : Mentor and support staff growth, fostering a progressive and high‑performing culture where learning is central.

Financial & Cost Control : Manage all controllable costs (stock, food, labour) to maximise profitability and ensure efficient resource allocation.

Quality Assurance : Conduct regular audits and implement best practices to maintain consistently exceptional standards.

Performance Driver : Boost overall site performance and engagement through effective monthly promotions and events.

What you’ll need :

Proven experience leading and inspiring teams within fast‑paced food service environments, with a track record of driving KPIs and achieving operational excellence.

A strong passion for and experience in food preparation, particularly using fresh ingredients and developing appealing, nutritious menus.

Comprehensive, up-to-date knowledge of essential compliance matters, including Health & Safety (H&S), Food Safety, and Hygiene regulations.

Ability to understand, analyse, and effectively utilise operational reports (e.g., labour cost, waste reports, profitability) to strategically optimise the business.

Why join us :

Work for a fast‑growing, ambitious company with no ceiling in terms of where you can take your career. We actively look to promote talent from within.

You’ll have access to a dedicated Learning & Development team to support you in developing your skills, including apprenticeships and training courses available for everyone.

Join a supportive team committed to collaboration and the pursuit of culinary excellence.

Safeguarding Commitment :

Palmer & Howells is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening, including checks with employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).