School Chef Manager-Chessington

RGIT Australia; Greater London; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

PS Catering is seeking a mid-level to senior chef to join the team at Ellingham Primary School in Chessington. This full-time, term-time only role offers 30 hours per week with 43.6 paid weeks per year at £15.67 per hour.

You will lead daily kitchen operations, prepare vibrant, nutritious meals for pupils, and manage a kitchen team while maintaining food safety and hygiene standards. Training provided to ensure success.

Qualifications

• City & Guilds / NVQ qualifications or equivalent in-house training.
• 2+ years’ experience as a chef with supervisory responsibilities.
• Strong understanding of Food Hygiene and Safety standards.
• Experience in contract catering and managing a medium-sized kitchen.

Responsibilities

• Lead the day-to-day operations of a busy school kitchen.
• Prepare and deliver healthy meals to pupils.
• Inspire and manage a kitchen team and ensure safety compliance.
• Organise schedules, stock, and resources for efficiency.
• Collaborate with senior leaders to implement best practices.

Skills

Team leadership

Food safety

Kitchen management

Adaptability

Education

City & Guilds / NVQ qualifications

Job description

Full-time Permanent Mid-level Senior

Posted 15 Sep 2026

Description

Job Description:

A Fantastic opportunity to join PS Catering during an exciting period of exceptional growth at one of our new locations. We’re searching for a passionate food professional to be a key part of our team at Ellingham Primary School, Chessington learn our systems, and help us deliver vibrant, nutritious meals that make school lunchtimes fun and memorable.

Working Hours are

30 hours per week- Term time only

(38 weeks per year plus 5.6 paid weeks holiday = 43.6 paid working weeks per annum paid in equal 12 monthly payments)Salary £15.67 per hour

We are looking for a candidate to start as soon as possible and full training will be given to ensure they succeed in their new role. If you’re ready to make a real impact and grow your career with a company that values its people, this is your chance.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Lead the day-to-day operations of a busy school kitchen, ensuring smooth service and high standards.
• Prepare and deliver colourful, healthy, and delicious meals to pupils .
• Inspire and manage a team of enthusiastic kitchen staff, fostering a positive and collaborative environment.
• Oversee food safety, hygiene, and health & safety compliance at all times.
• Organise kitchen schedules, stock, and resources to maximise efficiency.
• Collaborate with senior leaders, including Directors and the Company Development Chef, to implement best practices.
• Minimise paperwork and focus on hands-on leadership and team development.
• Support the introduction of new processes and contribute to continuous improvement.

Requirements

• City & Guilds / NVQ qualifications or equivalent in-house training.
• At least 2 years’ experience as a chef with supervisory responsibilities.
• Strong understanding of Food Hygiene and Safety standards.
• Experience in contract catering and managing a medium-sized kitchen (preferred).
• Positive, outgoing attitude and a genuine passion for food and teamwork.
• Eager to learn, adapt, and grow with a dynamic company.
• Looking for a term-time only role, with school holidays off.
• A manual driving licence

Why Join Us

• Be part of a fast-growing, innovative catering company where your ideas and energy make a difference.
• Work in a supportive environment with direct access to senior leaders and development opportunities.
• Enjoy a hands-on role that lets you focus on what you love—creating great food and leading a team.
• Benefit from a family-like culture where staff are valued, supported, and celebrated.
• Take pride in making a positive impact on pupils’ health and school experience.
• Flexible, term-time schedule—perfect for work-life balance.

As a candidate you will be perfect for us if you can deliver all of the above and the role could be perfect for you if you are looking for aterm time only rolethat allows you to spend your time at home during the school holidays.

If this sound like you then we really want to hear from you!