At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage school kitchen operations and prepare nutritious meals for students.
- Company: ETAB Recruits, a leader in education catering with a supportive culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy term-time only hours, competitive salary, and mileage allowance.
- Other info: Flexible working across North and South London with career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a difference in students' lives while enjoying a great work-life balance.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Chef Manager or in senior catering roles is preferred.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
ETAB Recruits is seeking an experienced and adaptable Relief Chef Manager to support our education catering clients across North and South London. This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated catering professional who enjoys variety and thrives in different working environments. As a Relief Chef Manager, you will provide cover for Chef Managers across multiple school sites, ensuring the continued delivery of high‑quality food and excellent service standards.
Key Responsibilities
- Managing and supporting school kitchen operations.
- Preparing and serving nutritious, high‑quality meals.
- Leading and motivating catering teams when covering sites.
- Ensuring compliance with food safety, health and safety, and company procedures.
- Managing stock control, ordering, and kitchen budgets where required.
- Maintaining excellent standards of cleanliness and food presentation.
What We're Looking For
- Previous Chef Manager, Head Chef, or senior catering experience.
- Experience within the education sector is preferred but not essential.
- Strong leadership and organisational skills.
- Ability to adapt quickly to different sites and teams.
- Knowledge of food hygiene and health & safety regulations.
- A positive, flexible, and professional approach.
Essential Requirements
- Full UK driving licence.
- Access to reliable transport.
- Willingness to travel across North and South London.
- Enhanced DBS check (or willingness to obtain one).
What We Offer
- Term‑time only working pattern, providing an excellent work‑life balance.
- Competitive salary and benefits package.
- Mileage allowance for business travel.
- Opportunities for professional development and career progression.
- A supportive and friendly working environment.
Relief Chef Manager employer: ETAB-Recruits
ETAB Recruits is an excellent employer for those seeking a fulfilling career in education catering, offering a term-time only working pattern that promotes a healthy work-life balance. With competitive salaries, a supportive and friendly work environment, and opportunities for professional development, employees can thrive while making a meaningful impact on students' lives across North and South London. Join us to enjoy the variety of working in different school kitchens while leading dedicated teams to deliver high-quality meals and service.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Relief Chef Manager
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like ETAB-Recruits. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to ETAB-Recruits
Don't be shy about reaching out to ETAB-Recruits directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Relief Chef Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about ETAB-Recruits and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at ETAB-Recruits
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!