Chef Manager - Redhill

Chartwells; Redhill; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading provider of educational catering services in Redhill seeks a talented Chef or Chef Manager to join the team at Hawthorns Nursery and Prep School. This role involves delivering high-quality food and exceptional service in a dynamic school environment. The ideal candidate will possess at least 2 years of catering experience and strong people management skills. Join a supportive team and make a difference in children's lives.

Benefits

Contributory pension scheme

Career Pathways and MyLearning programmes

Digital GP access

Exclusive travel discounts

Discounts on groceries

Cinema ticket discounts

Wellness classes

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years catering experience.
• Proven experience in managing successful teams in a similar environment.
• Excellent financial acumen.

Responsibilities

• Deliver high quality food and exceptional service every day.
• Ensure smooth day-to-day kitchen operations.
• Play a key role in menu delivery and food safety.

Skills

Chef Skills

People Management

Communication

Results Orientation

Understanding Customers

I.T literate

Education

Basic Food Hygiene certificate

Job description

We ensure you're rewarded for all your hard work, which is why we offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes but is not limited to:

• Monday to Friday
• Contributory pension scheme
• Grow your career with our Career Pathways and MyLearning programmes
• Quick access for you and your immediate family to a Digital GP, and wider healthcare benefits
• Exclusive travel discounts with TUI, Expedia, Booking.com and many more
• Save money on your food shop with discounts on Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrisons and many more
• Up to 44% off cinema tickets to enjoy your favourite blockbuster
• Receive cash rewards every time you spend and use them on a wide range of brands
• Un-wind with us with free wellness, mindfulness and exercise classes
• You can share all discounts and offers with your friends and families

This is a fantastic opportunity for a talented Chef or Chef Manager to join the catering team at Hawthorns Nursery and Prep School. With expanding pupil numbers and a vibrant school community, we are looking for someone who can deliver high‑quality food and exceptional service every day.

This is a 52‑week contract, supporting both the daily feeding of our nursery pupils and a range of hospitality events throughout the year.

Working predominantly Monday to Friday, you will operate alongside the Head Chef to ensure smooth day‑to‑day kitchen operations. You will play a key role in menu delivery, food safety, team support, and maintaining high standards across all service areas.

This role is ideal for a strong, confident chef who is ready to take ownership, bring fresh ideas, and thrive in a dynamic school environment. If you are passionate about great food, enjoy working with a supportive team, and want to be part of an amazing school community, this is a great next step in your career.

More about the role

• Good Chef Skills
• Good knowledge and experience of working with food
• People Management
• Communication
• Results Orientation
• Holding others accountable
• Understanding Customers
• Proven experience in managing successful teams in a similar environment
• Basic Food Hygiene certificate
• Experience of leading and managing a small team of people
• Minimum 2 years catering experience
• Excellent financial acumen
• I.T literate

About Us

Part of Compass Group UK&I, Chartwells is the leading provider of catering and support services to the education sector. For over a quarter of a century, Chartwells has been focusing on helping those in education to build strong bodies, sharp minds and lead long healthy lives. Every week, Chartwells serves millions of nutritious and delicious meals to pupils and students in primary and secondary schools, academies, independent schools, colleges, and universities across the UK. Chartwells is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all employees to share this commitment. Any offer of employment will be subject to successfully completing pre‑employment checks, including an enhanced DBS disclosure and a Children's Barred List check. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and we ask applicants to declare all previous convictions and cautions in order to assess their suitability to work with children.

Compass Group UK&I is committed to fostering an environment where every individual can truly be themselves at work and has equal opportunities to advance in their careers. We strive to build a culture that respects and celebrates the unique talents, beliefs, backgrounds, and abilities of all our team members. We want our colleagues to feel valued, empowered to reach their full potential, and to thrive – because diversity is our strength!