Regional Support Chef Manager

Chartwells; City Of London; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food service company in the UK is seeking a passionate Support Chef Manager to oversee catering in respected independent schools. The ideal candidate will lead kitchen teams, ensure high-quality food preparation, and maintain safety standards. This role offers a chance to develop in a supportive environment focused on delivering exceptional food experiences.

Benefits

Contributory pension scheme

Career development programs

Healthcare benefits

Travel discounts

Grocery discounts

Cinema ticket discounts

Cash rewards

Wellness classes

Qualifications

• Demonstrable passion for food and service
• Experience in kitchen management and operations
• Ability to communicate effectively within a team

Responsibilities

• Support school-based catering teams and lead when necessary
• Ensure smooth kitchen operations across multiple schools
• Prepare high-quality food in line with culinary standards
• Maintain food safety and hygiene standards
• Assist with menu planning and stock control

Skills

Passion for food

Effective communication

Team leadership

Cost management

Culinary skills

Education

Culinary qualifications or relevant experience

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:

• 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

We are currently recruiting for a Support Chef Manager to join our dynamic regional team in South Region, supporting our independent school portfolio.

This is an exciting opportunity to work with a passionate and professional team, delivering exceptional food experiences for pupils and staff in some of the UK’s most respected independent schools. At Chartwells Independent, you’ll be joining a forward-thinking organisation committed to innovation, quality, and making food a real highlight of the school day.

With a growing portfolio of schools across the UK, this role provides the opportunity to further your career in a high-quality environment with support, development, and a strong people-first culture.

Key Responsibilities:

• Providing hands-on support to school-based catering teams, stepping into leadership roles when required
• Ensuring smooth kitchen operations and consistent service delivery across a number of schools
• Preparing fresh, high-quality food from scratch in line with our culinary standards and nutritional ethos
• Upholding the highest standards of food safety, health and safety, and kitchen hygiene
• Supporting menu planning, stock control, food ordering, and production levels in line with budgetary and operational requirements
• Supporting projects including re-launches, sales and mobilisations.

The Ideal Candidate:

• Genuinely passionate about food, service, and positively impacting young people’s daily experience
• An effective communicator and team player, able to inspire and lead teams in a positive and supportive way
• Financially aware, with the ability to manage costs and resources efficiently.
• A skilled chef with a strong culinary background and relevant experience or qualifications

Join us at Chartwells Independent, part of the Compass Group family.

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.