Chef Manager

Search Consultancy; Lewisham; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent catering recruitment agency is seeking an experienced Chef Manager for a secondary school in Lewisham, London. The role demands strong leadership and organisational skills to manage a dedicated team and deliver fresh meals for students and staff daily. You will oversee menu planning and ensure high safety and quality standards. This full-time position offers a competitive salary of £40,000 - £45,000, with a term-time only contract, promoting work-life balance through holidays and benefits such as pension schemes and onsite parking.

Benefits

Term-time only contract

Competitive salary

Pension and Life Assurance

Employee Assistance Programme

Training and development opportunities

Complimentary staff meals

Qualifications

• Proven experience managing a catering team.
• Strong understanding of food safety and allergen management.
• Positive, proactive attitude.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the on-site catering operation in a school environment.
• Provide hands-on leadership to deliver roughly 300 meals daily.
• Plan and prepare a diverse menu with fresh options.

Skills

Leadership skills

Organisational ability

Food safety knowledge

Hands-on approach

Education

NVQ Level 2 in Professional Cookery

Job description

Overview

• Chef Manager
• Forest Hill, Southeast London
• Full-time - 40 hours per week (Monday to Friday, 07:00-15:00)
• Term time only (39.8 weeks)
• £40,000 - £45,000 per annum

We are seeking an experienced and enthusiastic Chef Manager to lead the catering operation at a large secondary school in South East London. This is a hands-on role for a passionate chef who enjoys leading from the front and inspiring their team to deliver fresh, nutritious, and well-balanced meals.

You will oversee a dedicated team of one Assistant Cook and seven catering assistants, producing around 300 meals daily for over 1,100 pupils and staff. The menu includes a main and vegetarian option, jacket potatoes, fruit pots, and more, all freshly prepared on-site.

The ideal candidate will have strong leadership skills, excellent organisational ability, and a genuine commitment to serving high-quality food in an educational environment. You will also be comfortable liaising with clients and ensuring smooth day-to-day operations.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the on-site catering operation in a school environment
• Oversee a team consisting of one Assistant Cook and seven catering assistants
• Provide hands-on leadership to deliver roughly 300 meals daily for 1,100+ pupils and staff
• Plan and prepare a menu with a main and vegetarian option, jacket potatoes, fruit pots, and more
• Ensure food is freshly prepared on-site with high standards of quality and safety
• liaise with clients and manage day-to-day operations for smooth service

Qualifications

• NVQ Level 2 in Professional Cookery (or equivalent)
• Proven experience managing a catering team
• Strong understanding of food safety and allergen management
• Positive, proactive attitude and hands-on approach

Benefits

• Term-time only permanent contract - enjoy school holidays off
• Competitive salary and excellent work-life balance
• Pension and Life Assurance scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Training and career development opportunities
• High street discounts
• On-site parking and Cycle-to-Work scheme
• Complimentary staff meals

Search is an equal opportunities recruiter and we welcome applications from all suitably skilled or qualified applicants, regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/beliefs, sexual orientation or age.