Chef Manager - England

Holroyd Howe; England; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading contract catering company in South London is seeking a Chef Manager to oversee kitchen operations at a preparatory school. Responsibilities include leading the kitchen team, menu planning, and ensuring food safety compliance. The ideal candidate will have experience in contract catering and a passion for fresh ingredients. This position offers various benefits including volunteer days, training opportunities, and free meals at work.

Benefits

3 volunteering days

Enhanced maternity leave

Bespoke training & development

Pension & life insurance

Discounts via the Perkbox App

Wellbeing hub access

Free meals at work

Career development opportunities

Qualifications

• Previous experience as a Chef Manager or in a similar role within contract catering.
• Passionate about using fresh, seasonal ingredients.
• Knowledge of allergen management and sustainability practices.

Responsibilities

• Lead kitchen operations ensuring the highest standards of food quality and safety.
• Manage a small kitchen team, fostering a positive working environment.
• Oversee menu planning and stock control.

Skills

Kitchen management

Leadership skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Knowledge of food safety standards

Job description

We are seeking a passionate and experienced Chef Manager to lead the kitchen team at one of our renowned South London locations, Rosemead Preparatory School. You will be responsible for managing day-to-day kitchen operations, delivering fresh, high-quality meals, and ensuring exceptional food service for pupils, staff, and visitors.

Key responsibilities include:

• Lead kitchen operations ensuring the highest standards of food quality, safety, and presentation
• Manage and support a small kitchen team, fostering a positive working environment
• Oversee menu planning, stock control, and supplier relationships
• Maintain accurate financial records including budgets, ordering, and stock rotation
• Ensure compliance with all food safety, health & safety, and safeguarding policies
• Work collaboratively with the school community to provide a friendly and efficient catering experience

To be successful in this role, you must have:

• Previous experience as a Chef Manager or similar role within contract catering, ideally the Independent Education sector
• Strong kitchen management and leadership skills
• Passionate about using fresh, seasonal ingredients to create balanced, appealing menus
• Excellent organisational and communication skills
• Knowledge of food safety standards, allergen management, and sustainability best practices

About us:

We are Holroyd Howe, one of the UK's leading contract caterers, providing fresh, innovative food services solely to independent schools and colleges. Our mission is simple: to provide our teams with the right skills to succeed in their jobs, we invest in their training and development.

Benefits include:

• 3 volunteering days to give back to causes you care about
• 3 days grandparent leave for those special family moments
• 24 weeks enhanced maternity leave
• Bespoke training & development opportunities
• Pension & life insurance
• Discounts on high street brands, cinema & holidays via the Perkbox App
• Wellbeing hub & access to employee assistance programme
• Free meals while at work
• Career development & HIT Apprenticeships for all experience levels