At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare and present delicious, nutritious meals for students while leading a dynamic kitchen team.
- Company: Join Caterlink, a leader in school catering with over 20 years of experience.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible term-time hours, competitive pay, and access to great discounts and wellbeing services.
- Other info: Opportunities for professional development and a fun, inclusive workplace culture.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives by providing healthy meals in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in food preparation and team management is essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
We are hiring for a Chef Manager at Hilltop Primary Academy who wants to ensure our future generations are provided with nutritionally balanced and tasty food. This role is working term‑time only and no weekends so is great for those looking for flexibility.
Job Details
- £13.85 per hour
- 30 hours per week (Monday to Friday)
- Term‑time only – 38 weeks per year
Key Responsibilities
- To prepare, cook and present food to the standards required by Caterlink and the client.
- To ensure that the location meets statutory and company requirements of Health and Safety, Food Safety and environmental legislative and procedural requirements.
- To ensure that the company's reputation for excellent food and service with the client and customers is enhanced and expectations consistently exceeded.
- To be responsible for the day‑to‑day running of the location and supervising the team, including managing inventories, monitoring budgets and implementing action plans.
- To be the main point of contact for our client in your school ensuring that regular adjustments and improvements are both recommended and implemented.
- Communicating regularly with your line manager to monitor KPIs and financial targets to ensure these are achieved.
- Supporting and training the team, leading from the front to ensure everyone can excel by ensuring all training is completed and performance is managed.
About Caterlink
Caterlink strives to always provide a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment for all our teams where every individual is treated with respect, integrity and has the opportunity to grow and be treated equally and with fairness at all times. We are the education sector catering specialist. For over 20 years, the Company has delivered fresh food solutions to pupils and staff at Primary Schools, Secondary Schools and Colleges across the UK. The company caters more than 1,000,000 meals a week. Our “Fresh Food Policy” is the foundation of our success and growth in the market, coupled with a desire to truly deliver on the promises we make to our clients and support our site‑based teams.
Benefits & Development
You have the opportunity of a blended learning programme that can include formal qualifications, including apprenticeships, classroom training, eLearning and on-the-job training to support and encourage your development and enable you to be the best you can be. We offer you access to our Employee Discount Platform where you can make great savings at supermarkets, cinema, restaurants as well as holiday discounts, family days out and many more! You will have full access to our Wellbeing Services including the Employee Assistance Programme and Virtual GP benefits which are available to you and your family free of charge at any time. You may be eligible to join our Pension scheme.
Chef Manager - Crawley employer: Caterlink Ltd
Caterlink is an exceptional employer for those seeking a fulfilling role as a Chef Manager at Hilltop Primary Academy in Crawley. With a focus on providing nutritious meals to future generations, the company offers a flexible term-time schedule, comprehensive training and development opportunities, and a supportive work culture that values diversity and inclusion. Employees benefit from access to wellbeing services, discounts, and a commitment to professional growth, making it an ideal workplace for those passionate about food and education.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef Manager - Crawley
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the catering industry, especially those who might know about opportunities at Caterlink. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to a job offer before it even gets advertised!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your culinary skills! If you get the chance, bring samples of your cooking to interviews or networking events. Nothing speaks louder than a delicious dish that showcases your talent and passion for food.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings; reach out directly to Caterlink through our website. Express your interest in the Chef Manager role and highlight how you can contribute to providing tasty, nutritious meals for students.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for the interview by researching Caterlink’s values and mission. Be ready to discuss how you can enhance our reputation for excellent food and service, and how you plan to lead your team effectively in a school environment.
We think you need these skills to ace Chef Manager - Crawley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food:When writing your application, let your love for cooking and providing nutritious meals shine through. We want to see how you can contribute to our mission of serving tasty food to future generations!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to mention any previous roles where you've managed a kitchen or supervised a team. We’re looking for someone who can lead from the front, so share those experiences that showcase your leadership skills.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit for the Chef Manager role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Hilltop Primary Academy.
How to prepare for a job interview at Caterlink Ltd
✨Know Your Menu
Familiarise yourself with the types of meals Caterlink serves, especially those that are nutritionally balanced for children. Be ready to discuss how you would create appealing dishes that meet dietary requirements and enhance the dining experience.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Chef Manager, you'll be leading a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed a kitchen or team in the past. Highlight your ability to train staff, manage budgets, and ensure high standards of food safety and hygiene.
✨Understand the Company Values
Caterlink values diversity, equity, and inclusion. Research their mission and be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to creating an inclusive environment in the kitchen. Share any relevant experiences that align with these values.
✨Prepare Questions
Have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask at the end of your interview. This could include inquiries about their Fresh Food Policy or how they measure success in their kitchens. It shows your genuine interest in the role and the company.
