Relief Chef Manager

Grow and Thrive Limited; Manchester; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

Miquill is seeking a Relief Chef Manager to oversee school catering facilities in the Manchester area, with full ownership of financial and operational performance. This is a zero-hour contract, term-time based, with hours varying and duties focused on delivering exceptional dining experiences.

You will lead from the front, drive profitability, develop menus, manage costs, and ensure safety and quality across sites, travel between schools with a valid UK driving licence.

Qualifications

• A full UK driving licence to travel between schools.
• Proven ability to lead and motivate a team in a commercial catering setting.
• Strong financial understanding of gross profit management, cost control, and budgeting.

Responsibilities

• Operational leadership: Inspire and manage the team to deliver a fantastic dining experience.
• Culinary excellence: Lead meal prep and drive menu development and innovation.
• Team development: Coach and train staff to build a high-performing unit.
• Commercial control: Manage stock, food and labour to protect profitability.
• Sales & growth: Drive sales via monthly promotions and added-value events.
• Client relations: Maintain professional relationships with clients and customers.
• Compliance & audit: Ensure adherence to Health & Safety, hygiene and allergens; conduct internal audits.

Skills

Leadership

Menu development

Team development

Cost control

Sales growth

Client relations

Compliance & audit

Driving licence

Health & safety

Financial understanding

Education

OND/HND or equivalent management certification

Job description

The happiness of our employees is paramount. Our friendly kitchen environment will make you feel supported and part of the Miquill family.

This is a zero-hour contract, based around term time. Hours may vary

£15.50 per hour

Your Future Growth:

Work for a fast-growing company that wants you to grow with them.

Benefit from a dedicated L&D team offering apprenticeships and training courses to help you constantly develop your skills.

Please note: All staff must share our commitment of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children/young people, and an enhanced DBS disclosure will be sought by the company.

Job Introduction

As a Relief Chef Manager, you take complete financial and operational responsibility school's catering facilities within your area. This is a hands-on leadership role where you'll be driving profitability and setting the standard for culinary excellence. You’ll lead from the front, deliver exceptional, creative food, and make every school mealtime fun, exciting, and truly memorable.

Main Responsibilities

Operational Leadership: Inspire, manage, and motivate the team to consistently deliver a fantastic dining experience aligned with our high company standards.

Culinary Excellence:Lead the preparation of delicious and nutritious, high-quality meals using our menus, while actively overseeing and driving menu development and innovation.

Team Development:Champion the growth of your unit by leading, coaching, and training all staff in a positive and professional manner, building a resilient, high-performing team.

Commercial Control:Maintain full control over all costs (stock, food, labour). Expertly manage profitability and improve efficiency through rigorous cost control.

Sales & Growth:Drive sales success through exciting monthly promotions and creative added-value events.

Client Relations: Build and maintain positive, professional relationships with clients and customers, acting as the friendly, expert face of Miquill.

Compliance & Audit: Guarantee 100% compliance with all company procedures and statutory legislation (H&S, Hygiene, Allergens), performing regular internal audits.

The Ideal Candidate

We’re seeking a high-calibre professional who shares our passion for great-tasting food and providing exceptional service while maintaining the highest standards.

A full UK driving licence to allow travel between schools

A natural, positive manager with prior experience effectively managing and motivating a team in a commercial catering setting.

A robust financial understanding of gross profit management, cost control, and a proven track record of achieving sales targets.

Strong, demonstrable craft-based experience using fresh ingredients and maintaining high cooking standards.

Strong, in-depth working knowledge of Health and Safety practices and compliance within a professional kitchen.

OND or HND Qualification, or equivalent management certification, is preferred, but not essential if experience is strong.

About The Company

Miquill is a specialist school catering business born out of passion for great-tasting food since 2009. We’re not just serving lunch; we’re all about providing fresh, delicious and exciting food that brings a healthy dose of fun to the school day!

We're a small, independent, Midlands-based company with a genuine family feel. Building strong relationships is key—that means you are important to us! Your well-being, development, and growth opportunities matter. We focus on rewarding our teams and recognising hard work to make sure you feel happy and valued every day.