Term-Time School Kitchen Leader & Chef Manager

Chartwells Schools; Southampton; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Contributory pension

Career Pathways

MyLearning programmes

Digital GP access

Healthcare benefits

Travel discounts

Retail discounts

Cinema discounts

Job summary

Chartwells in Southampton offers a Chef Manager role for a committed professional to lead a busy school kitchen during term-time (44 weeks). You will supervise a catering team, manage budgets, purchase, and ensure high-quality meals for pupils and staff.

The role focuses on leadership, food safety, and delivering nutritious meals while maintaining a compliant and cost-aware operation.

Qualifications

• Experience in a Chef Manager or similar leadership role.
• Strong food production and kitchen management skills.
• Experience managing budgets, stock and labour costs.
• Excellent communication and people-management abilities.
• Food Hygiene qualifications and Health & Safety practices.
• Ability to work independently while developing a positive team culture.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the school catering operation.
• Prepare, cook and serve fresh, nutritious meals to a high standard.
• Manage food purchasing, stock control and budgets.
• Ensure compliance with Food Safety, Health & Safety and company procedures.
• Motivate, train and develop the catering team.
• Build positive relationships with the school and customers.
• Monitor food quality, service standards and cost controls.
• Drive continuous improvement and maintain a clean, safe kitchen.

Skills

Leadership

Food production

Budget management

Communication

Food safety

Independent work

Job description

Chartwells in Southampton offers a Chef Manager role for a committed professional to lead a busy school kitchen during term-time (44 weeks). You will supervise a catering team, manage budgets, purchase, and ensure high-quality meals for pupils and staff.

The role focuses on leadership, food safety, and delivering nutritious meals while maintaining a compliant and cost-aware operation.