Relief Chef Manager

eTeach UK Limited; Lancashire; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational trust in England is seeking a skilled Relief Chef Manager to provide operational cover across its academies. This full-time position involves managing kitchens during transitions and supporting teams to maintain high standards of catering services. Ideal candidates will have a Level 4 qualification in catering and strong leadership skills, with a passion for enhancing pupils' experience through quality food provision. Benefits include flexible hours, health support, and professional development opportunities.

Benefits

Flexible, term‑time hours

Health and wellbeing support

Cycle to work scheme

Employee benefits & rewards through Perkbox

Opportunities for personal and career development

Qualifications

• Minimum Level 4 qualification in catering or hospitality.
• GCSE English and maths at grade C or above.
• Proven ability to lead and motivate teams.

Responsibilities

• Manage kitchens during periods of absence or increased need.
• Ensure food safety and allergen compliance.
• Support teams to deliver a safe and efficient catering service.

Skills

Leadership skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Customer service ethos

Education

Recognised qualification in catering or hospitality at Level 4 or equivalent

GCSE English and maths at grade C or above

Tools

Catering systems

Job description

Relief Chef Manager

37 hours per week, Full Time. Permanent. Term Time + 1 week, 44.67 weeks per year.

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a skilled and flexible Relief Chef Manager to join Cidari Multi Academy Trust and support catering provision across our academies. This Trust‑wide role is key to ensuring continuity, quality and high standards within our school kitchens, providing operational cover where required and supporting teams to deliver a safe, efficient and welcoming catering service.

You will work across multiple sites, stepping in to manage kitchens during periods of absence, transition or increased operational need. The role requires a confident catering professional with strong leadership skills, a thorough understanding of food safety and allergen compliance, and the ability to quickly adapt to different environments while maintaining consistent standards.

This is a varied and hands‑on role, ideal for someone who enjoys working autonomously, supporting teams, and contributing to the smooth running of catering services that positively impact pupils and staff every day. Travel across Trust academies is required, with mileage paid.

What we offer

• Flexible, term‑time hours
• Opportunity of working within a supportive, friendly environment across a well‑run and respected Trust
• Good opportunities for personal and career development
• Access to health and wellbeing support for you and your family
• Employment within a Trust committed to equality and opportunity and nationally and locally negotiated pay arrangements
• Terms and conditions protected through a formal trade union recognition in agreement with all major education and support staff unions, supported through regular JCNC meetings
• Access to employee benefits & rewards through Perkbox
• Cycle to work scheme

The right candidate will have

• A recognised and relevant qualification in catering or hospitality at Level 4 or equivalent
• GCSE English and maths at grade C or above
• A proven ability to lead and motivate teams across multiple sites
• A high level of communication and organisational skills
• The ability to use relevant technology and catering systems
• A can‑do attitude and strong customer service ethos
• A commitment to the health, wellbeing and positive experience of pupils through the catering provision

Advert end date: Monday 5th January 2026 at 1 pm. Proposed interview date: Tuesday 13th January 2026. Please note that, in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education 2025, an online search will be carried out as part of our safer recruitment pre‑employment checks on shortlisted candidates.

We are a member of Cidari Multi Academy Trust, established in November 2013, a growing educational trust and part of the Blackburn Diocese. Cidari Education is committed to providing high‑quality education for all children in our academies, based on clearly established Christian values and principles.

Cidari Multi Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Any offer of employment will be subject to a satisfactory check supplied by the Disclosure & Barring Service, including cautions, reprimands, final warnings, or convictions.