School Menu Development Chef

Nations Recruitment; Nottingham; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An education-focused organization in the UK is looking for a Catering Manager to lead and develop catering teams in delivering high-quality food services. The role involves designing seasonal menus, managing compliance with food standards, and inspiring school cooks. Candidates should possess leadership skills, experience in catering, and a passion for food trends. This position requires travel across multiple school locations, ensuring the delivery of over 2 million meals a year.

Qualifications

• Experience in school catering or similar environment is preferred.
• Ability to work within school catering food standards.
• Leadership qualities and collaborative mindset required.

Responsibilities

• Inspire and develop catering teams to deliver exceptional food.
• Support school cooks, driving continuous improvement.
• Design and implement seasonal menus in partnership with the Food Development Officer.

Skills

Knowledge of school catering government food standards

Experience with allergen compliance

Leadership and collaboration skills

Ability to adapt knowledge to school environment

Passion for food trends

Job description

Job Category: Hospitality

Job location: Nottingham
United Kingdom
Nottingham City Council

Hours per week: 37

Start date: Immediate start
Salary: £20.75

About the Role:

Inspire and develop our catering teams to deliver exceptional food and service. Work alongside our management team to ensure all kitchens run to a high standard, carrying out audits and providing recommendations for improvements. Design and implement fresh, seasonal menus in partnership with the Food Development Officer to meet School Food Standards and Food for Life criteria, with menus changed only twice per year. Shine a spotlight on our school meal offer by attending school events to promote our menus and food through taster sessions and demonstrations. Support and upskill our school cooks, helping them grow their craft and confidence. Drive continuous improvement across our schools and commercial catering operations, serving over 2 million meals a year. This may include checking portion sizes and scaling a small‑scale recipe into one for 200 people.

The ideal candidate will:

• Be aware of school catering government food standards and able to work within them.
• Have experience of working with allergen compliance and management in a school environment.
• Possess experience and knowledge within a school catering environment, or the ability to adapt knowledge to this setting.
• Be a natural leader who thrives on collaboration, innovation, and making a difference.
• Be excited to bring the latest food trends and flavours into school kitchens.
• Be able to travel to different locations to support kitchens; the role is based within Loxley House (kitchens) but school site presence will be required at times, potentially within any of the 52 schools covered by the council.