Lead School Chef Manager

Ark; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salaries above main pay scale

Twice as many training days

Generous pension scheme

Ark rewards

Interest-free loans

Gym discounts

Employee Assistance Programme

Job summary

Ark Atwood Primary Academy in Westminster, London, seeks a Chef Manager to lead the catering team and deliver high-quality lunches and after-school refreshments for around 450 pupils and staff.

You will develop healthy, appealing menus, manage budgets, and drive food education across the school while upholding rigorous health and safety standards. The role is term-time plus two weeks, 36 hours per week, with a pro-rata salary c. £35k–£41k.

Qualifications

• Experience in large-scale catering for schools.
• Proven ability to lead kitchen staff.
• Knowledge of nutrition and healthy menus.
• Strong financial control and budgeting.

Responsibilities

• Lead the catering team and oversee meal service, including special events.
• Manage the budgeting, cost control, stock, and wastage monitoring.
• Conduct interviews, appraisals, and training for the catering team.
• Ensure food safety, health and safety compliance across the kitchen.
• Lead on food education and nutrition initiatives within the school.
• Oversee marketing, menus and communications in catering and events.
• Carry out other tasks as directed by SLT.

Skills

Team leadership

Menu planning

Budget management

Food education

Customer service

Staff development

Education

Catering qualification

Tools

Stock management

Job description

Ark Atwood Primary Academy in Westminster, London, seeks a Chef Manager to lead the catering team and deliver high-quality lunches and after-school refreshments for around 450 pupils and staff.

You will develop healthy, appealing menus, manage budgets, and drive food education across the school while upholding rigorous health and safety standards. The role is term-time plus two weeks, 36 hours per week, with a pro-rata salary c. £35k–£41k.