Cook Manager - Meonstoke - Education Site - £15.75p / h

Blue Arrow; Bishopstoke; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading contract catering company is looking for a Chef Manager in Meonstoke to oversee the school kitchen operation. This role involves managing a small team, ensuring food quality, and financial accountability. Ideal candidates will have experience in education catering, strong cooking skills with fresh ingredients, and sound financial management knowledge. Enjoy competitive pay and term time work, with no late nights.

Benefits

Great working hours

Term time only

Access to apprenticeship and training courses

Supportive work culture

Qualifications

• Experience in education catering is ideal.
• Craft cooking skills with fresh ingredients are key.
• Understanding of food hygiene and health & safety is essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead and motivate kitchen team to high standards.
• Manage stock and control food costs effectively.
• Ensure consistent food quality and service delivery.

Skills

Experience in a similar environment

Craft‑based cooking skills using fresh ingredients

Strong understanding of health & safety

Financial acumen

Confident team leader

Education

OND / HND qualification

Job description

Job Description

Chef Manager - Meonstoke - Contract Catering - Term Time - £15.75 per hour

Shift: Monday-Friday, 7:30am – 2:30pm (35 hours per week)

Pay: £15.75 per hour

Weeks: 39 weeks per year (term time only)

Team: Managing a team of 2

Service: Catering for up to 250 pupils (number on roll, not uptake)

Extras: Occasional evening parent events / inset days as applicable

About the Company

Our client is a market‑leading contract catering company specialising in school food. They blend deep knowledge of the education sector with culinary creativity to deliver exciting food experiences for children. Their commitment to quality and care has driven rapid growth, and they're now seeking a talented Chef Manager to lead the kitchen team at a school in Meonstoke.

The Role

As Chef Manager, you'll have full operational and financial responsibility for the school's catering facility. You'll lead a small team and ensure the highest standards of food and service are consistently delivered.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and motivate your kitchen team
• Manage stock, food, and labour costs
• Ensure consistent food quality and service standards
• Drive engagement through promotions and events
• Oversee menu development and innovation
• Maintain compliance with company procedures and legislation
• Conduct regular audits to uphold standards

About You

• Experience in a similar environment, ideally within education catering
• Craft‑based cooking skills using fresh ingredients
• Strong understanding of health & safety and food hygiene
• Financial acumen (GP management, cost control)
• Confident team leader with line management experience
• OND / HND qualification (advantageous but not essential)

Why Apply?

• Great hours: Monday-Friday, 7:30am‑2:30pm – no late nights
• Term time only: 39 weeks per year – enjoy extended breaks
• Competitive pay: £15.75 per hour
• Career development: Access to apprenticeships and training courses
• Supportive culture: Work with a fast‑growing, ambitious company

Safeguarding Notice: All staff are expected to share the company's commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. An enhanced DBS disclosure will be required.

Blue Arrow is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to helping find great work opportunities for great people.