Chef Manager

Address: The Oaks Primary School, Ipswich, Suffolk IP2 0NR

Hours: Part Time. 32.5 hours per week, 39 weeks per year

Contract: Permanent. Required from 1 September 2025

Reference: 7644

About This Role

Are you an experienced and passionate chef looking for a hands-on role to make a real difference? We have a fantastic opportunity for a Chef Manager to work at The Oaks Primary School, part of the ASSET Education Trust. We are seeking a passionate, and highly organised Chef Manager to lead our school kitchen. You will be responsible for the efficient and effective management of the school kitchen, ensuring the provision of fresh high-quality, nutritious, and appealing meals for our children and staff, in line with nutritional guidelines and budgetary requirements. This role requires a strong focus on food safety, hygiene, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

About ASSET Education

ASSET is an Education Trust comprising 15 primary schools in and around Ipswich and north-east Suffolk. We have an ambitious, future-facing vision to equip and empower our young people to create a more compassionate, equitable and sustainable world where they personally and collectively thrive. Our tagline is ‘Nurturing Humanity’. We want to apply these deeply held commitments of nurturing and sustainability by providing a food education that benefits children's health and wellbeing and minimises the impact on the planet, both in terms of what children eat whilst at school, and the food choices they make as adults.

The Oaks Primary School

The Oaks is a large, vibrant primary school committed to providing an exceptional learning environment for our pupils. We believe that good nutrition is fundamental to children's well-being and academic success. Our catering team plays a vital role in delivering healthy, delicious, and appealing meals to our diverse school community.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the daily operation of the school kitchen, including meal preparation, cooking, and service for breakfast clubs, lunch, and after-school activities as required.
• Ensure strict adherence to all food safety regulations, including HACCP principles, COSHH, and Natasha's Law. Maintain the highest standards of cleanliness and hygiene in the kitchen and dining areas.
• Support the recruitment, training and supervision of a team of catering staff.
• Monitor expenditure and identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising quality.
• Process invoices and manage financial records accurately.
• Liaise effectively with the School Business Manager, Headteacher, staff, pupils, and parents regarding catering services, menu planning, and dietary requirements.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant Health and Safety legislation.

Essential Skills and Experience:

• Proven experience as a chef manager, Head Chef, or similar role in a large-scale catering environment, ideally within an education or public sector setting.
• NVQ Level 3 in Professional Cookery or equivalent qualification.
• Intermediate Food Hygiene Certificate (Level 3 or higher).
• Strong understanding of School Food Standards and nutritional guidelines for children.
• Demonstrable experience in menu planning, costing, and budget management.
• Excellent knowledge of HACCP, COSHH, and all relevant food safety and hygiene regulations.
• Proven ability to lead, motivate, and manage a catering team.
• Strong organisational and time management skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple tasks effectively.
• Proficient in basic IT skills (e.g., email, spreadsheets for stock management).

Desirable Skills and Experience:

• Experience with catering software systems.
• Allergen awareness training.
• First Aid qualification.

What We Offer:

• A supportive and friendly school environment.
• The opportunity to make a real difference to the health and well-being of our pupils.
• Access to professional development opportunities.
• A competitive salary and benefits package.
• Generous holiday entitlement during school breaks.
• Local Government Pension Scheme.

How To Apply

Please read the Job Description (pdf). All applications to be made through My New Term: (ASSET Education). Closing date 12 pm, 16 July 2025. Interview date: 23 July 2025.

Safeguarding Statement: ASSET Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references, and other pre-employment and online behaviour checks.

The successful candidate will have to meet the requirements of the job description and will be subject to pre-employment checks including an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and children's barred list check, health check, online search and satisfactory references. Copies of our safeguarding and safer recruitment policies are available on request.