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- Tasks: Lead the catering operation and deliver fresh, high-quality meals for students and staff.
- Company: Join a supportive team in a large secondary school in Reading.
- Benefits: Earn up to £40,000 with a great work-life balance and no late nights.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives through delicious food in a vibrant environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in education catering and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: Enjoy a 42-week contract with Monday to Friday working hours.
The predicted salary is between 32000 - 40000 £ per year.
We're recruiting a Chef Manager to lead the catering operation at a large Secondary School in Reading, delivering high-quality, all-fresh food for students and staff in a busy education environment. This is a fantastic opportunity for a Chef Manager with experience in education, who enjoys volume and genuine work–life balance. With circa 1,400 people on site, two service areas and a strong team in place, this is a well-supported and rewarding role within Reading.
Offer:
- Up to £40,000 per year
- 42-week contract (term time plus inset days)
- 45 hours per week
- Monday to Friday only
- Working hours 6:30am – 4:00pm
- No evenings, weekends or late nights
- Excellent work–life balance within education catering
Role:
- Lead and manage the full catering operation within a large secondary school.
- Oversee two service areas: main restaurant and sixth-form dining.
- Manage a structured team including Chef Manager, Commis Chef and General Assistants.
- Deliver consistent, high-quality fresh food for breakfast and lunch services.
- Serve 300+ main meals per day within a high-volume environment.
Chef Manager - Secondary School in London employer: COREcruitment International
Contact Detail:
COREcruitment International Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef Manager - Secondary School in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the education sector or catering industry. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that might not even be advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, organise a tasting session or a demo of your culinary creations. This gives potential employers a taste (literally!) of what you can bring to their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings. Reach out directly to schools or catering companies in Reading. Express your interest and ask if they have any upcoming opportunities.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it easy for you to find and apply for roles like Chef Manager. Plus, we’re always on the lookout for passionate individuals who want to make a difference in education catering.
We think you need these skills to ace Chef Manager - Secondary School in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Education: When writing your application, let us know why you're excited about working in a school environment. Share any relevant experience you have in education catering and how it aligns with our mission to provide high-quality food for students.
Highlight Your Leadership Skills: As a Chef Manager, you'll be leading a team, so make sure to showcase your leadership experience. Talk about how you've successfully managed teams in the past and how you plan to motivate and support your staff in this role.
Be Specific About Your Experience: We want to see the details! Include specific examples of your previous work in high-volume catering environments. Mention the types of meals you've prepared and how you've handled busy service periods to demonstrate your capability.
Apply Through Our Website: To make sure your application gets to us quickly, apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to review your application and get back to you. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at COREcruitment International
✨Know Your Menu
Familiarise yourself with the types of meals typically served in a secondary school setting. Be ready to discuss how you would create nutritious, appealing menus that cater to a diverse student body. This shows your understanding of the role and your commitment to quality.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed a team in a busy kitchen environment. Highlight your ability to motivate staff, handle conflicts, and ensure smooth operations during peak times. This will demonstrate your readiness to lead the catering operation effectively.
✨Emphasise Work-Life Balance
Since this role offers a great work-life balance, be sure to express your appreciation for this aspect. Discuss how you manage your time and maintain a healthy work-life balance, which is crucial in a school environment where consistency is key.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions about how you would handle specific situations, like managing dietary restrictions or dealing with high-volume service challenges. Practising your responses to these scenarios will help you feel more confident and show your problem-solving skills.
