School Catering Kitchen Leader: Menu Innovation & Ops

Holroyd Howe; Manchester; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

Holroyd Howe in Manchester is seeking a Chef Manager to lead kitchen operations across a school setting, delivering high standards of quality, safety and presentation. You will create innovative, seasonal menus tailored to each school's needs, recruit and develop kitchen staff, and manage budgets and supplier relationships to ensure excellent food experiences for pupils and staff.

You will also uphold allergen controls, food safety, safeguarding policies, and collaborate with school teams to

Qualifications

• Experience as a Chef Manager in contract catering, preferably in education or high-profile environments.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Passionate about fresh ingredients and innovative menus.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and financial management skills.
• Knowledge of current food trends, sustainability, and allergen control.

Responsibilities

• Lead kitchen operations ensuring the highest standards of food quality, safety, and presentation.
• Create innovative and seasonal menus tailored to the school’s requirements.
• Manage kitchen staff recruitment, training, and development.
• Control budgets, stock, and supplier relationships efficiently.
• Ensure compliance with all food safety, health & safety, and safeguarding policies.
• Collaborate with the wider catering and school teams to deliver outstanding customer experiences.
• Accountability for following and championing allergen controls.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Menu development

Budget management

Allergen control

Food safety

Communication

Job description

Holroyd Howe in Manchester is seeking a Chef Manager to lead kitchen operations across a school setting, delivering high standards of quality, safety and presentation. You will create innovative, seasonal menus tailored to each school's needs, recruit and develop kitchen staff, and manage budgets and supplier relationships to ensure excellent food experiences for pupils and staff.

You will also uphold allergen controls, food safety, safeguarding policies, and collaborate with school teams to