At a Glance
- Tasks: Create exceptional food experiences and manage culinary operations.
- Company: Join Chartwells, a company dedicated to outstanding food service and career growth.
- Benefits: Enjoy part-time hours, career progression, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: This role is part-time, offering flexibility while making a real impact.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that values individuality and rewards creativity in the kitchen.
- Qualifications: Experience in culinary management is preferred but passion for food is key.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
We're recruiting an experienced Catering Manager who is passionate about exceptional food and world‑class customer service, and who can confidently oversee all Compass Group UK&I catering and service operations for Chartwells on a part time basis, contracted to 25 hours per week.
As a Catering Manager, you will be responsible for ensuring our kitchens and service counters run smoothly and helping to deliver truly incredible food experiences. In return, you'll have the opportunity to progress your catering career with a company that invests in its people, celebrates individuality, and rewards and recognises employees who go beyond the plate.
Shift pattern will be:
- Mon: Full-time (Days)
- Tues: Full-time (Days)
- Weds: Full-time (Days)
- Thurs: Full-time (Days)
- Fri: Full-time (Days)
- Sat:
- Sun:
Your key responsibilities will include:
- Preparing delicious food to the highest standards
- Supervising our culinary and catering teams to ensure we continue to deliver impeccable food and customer service
- Overseeing the efficiency of all in‑unit catering operations, including managing inventories, monitoring budgets, and implementing action plans
- Communicating regularly with your line manager to monitor KPIs and targets
- Representing Compass Group UK&I and maintaining a positive brand image
- Identifying opportunities for new food or service concepts to drive sales
- Liaising between customers and our culinary and service teams to ensure we continue to exceed expectations
- Supporting and training our teams, leading from the front to make sure everyone can excel in their role
- Implementing and reviewing Health & Safety standards to ensure compliance across all catering and service teams.
Our ideal Catering Manager will:
- Be passionate about great‑tasting food and exceptional customer service
- Have a minimum of two years of catering experience
- Have experience managing teams in a similar role
- Hold an NVQ Level 1 & 2 or City & Guilds 706/1 and 2
- Hold a Basic Food Hygiene certificate
- Demonstrate brilliant financial acumen
- Have excellent communication and organisational skills
- Be an ambitious and motivated individual who is always looking to upskill
Part of Compass Group UK&I, Chartwells is the leading provider of catering and support services to the education sector. For over a quarter of a century, Chartwells has been focusing on helping those in education to build strong bodies, sharp minds and lead long healthy lives. Every week, Chartwells serves millions of nutritious and delicious meals to pupils and students in primary and secondary schools, academies, independent schools, colleges, and universities across the UK. Chartwells is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all employees to share this commitment. Any offer of employment will be subject to successfully completing pre‑employment checks, including an enhanced DBS disclosure and a Children’s Barred List check. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and we ask applicants to declare all previous convictions and cautions in order to assess their suitability to work with children.
Compass Group UK&I is committed to fostering an environment where every individual can truly be themselves at work and has equal opportunities to advance in their careers. We strive to build a culture that respects and celebrates the unique talents, beliefs, backgrounds, and abilities of all our team members. We want our colleagues to feel valued, empowered to reach their full potential, and to thrive - because diversity is our strength!
School Chef Manager employer: Chartwells
Chartwells in Park, Northern Ireland is an excellent employer that prioritises a supportive work culture and values the contributions of its team members. As a Kitchen Assistant, you will benefit from comprehensive operational training, life assurance, and employee assistance programs, all while working in a dynamic environment that encourages professional growth and development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land School Chef Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Chartwells' culinary philosophy and values. Understanding their approach to food and service will help you align your experience and ideas with what they are looking for in a Chef Manager.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your creativity in the kitchen by preparing a few unique dish ideas that could fit into their menu. This not only demonstrates your culinary skills but also your initiative and passion for creating exceptional food experiences.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current or former employees of Chartwells if possible. They can provide valuable insights into the company culture and expectations, which can help you tailor your approach during the interview process.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss how you would manage a team effectively. As a Chef Manager, leadership is key, so think about examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led a team or improved kitchen operations.
We think you need these skills to ace School Chef Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role:Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and expectations of a Chef Manager. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experience in creating culinary experiences.
Highlight Relevant Experience:In your CV and cover letter, emphasise any previous roles in food management or culinary positions. Include specific examples of how you've created exceptional food experiences in the past.
Showcase Your Passion:Express your enthusiasm for food and cooking in your application. Mention any unique culinary skills or specialisations that set you apart from other candidates.
Proofread Your Application:Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial in a culinary role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Chartwells
✨Showcase Your Culinary Passion
Make sure to express your love for cooking and creating exceptional food experiences. Share specific examples of dishes you've created or events you've catered, as this will demonstrate your enthusiasm and expertise in the culinary field.
✨Highlight Leadership Skills
As a Chef Manager, you'll be leading a team. Be prepared to discuss your leadership style and provide examples of how you've successfully managed a kitchen or team in the past. This will show that you can inspire and motivate others.
✨Discuss Menu Innovation
Be ready to talk about your approach to menu planning and innovation. Discuss how you incorporate seasonal ingredients, cater to dietary needs, and create exciting dishes that appeal to a diverse audience. This will highlight your creativity and adaptability.
✨Prepare Questions About the Role
Have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask the interviewer about the company culture, team dynamics, and expectations for the Chef Manager role. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
