School Chef Manager -New Malden

RGIT Australia; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Term-time schedule

School holidays off

Job summary

PS Catering in Greater London is seeking a capable kitchen lead for a busy school kitchen at Christchurch, New Malden, Primary School. The role is full-time permanent, 32.5 hours per week, term-time only.

You will lead day-to-day operations, train and manage kitchen staff, ensure food safety and health & safety standards, and collaborate with senior leaders to improve practices. You should have City & Guilds/NVQ or equivalent and a passion for nutritious school meals.

Qualifications

• City & Guilds / NVQ or equivalent in-house training.
• Strong understanding of Food Hygiene and Safety standards.
• Experience in contract catering and managing a medium-sized kitchen.
• Positive, outgoing attitude and a genuine passion for food and teamwork.
• Looking for a term-time only role, with school holidays off.
• A manual driving licence preferrable.

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.

Skills

Food safety

Team leadership

Kitchen management

Contract catering

Health & safety

Education

City & Guilds / NVQ

Job description

Full-time Permanent Mid-level Senior

Description

Job Description:

A Fantastic opportunity to join PS Catering during an exciting period of exceptional growth at one of our established sites! We are looking fora candidate to start as soon as possible We’re searching for a passionate food professional to be a key part of our team at Christchurch, New Malden, Primary School .

Working Hours are

32.5 hours per week

7 hours per day - 30 minute unpaid break included

39 weeks per year

An opportunity to learn our systems, and help us deliver vibrant, nutritious meals that make school lunchtimes fun and memorable. 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.
• 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 preferrable

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!