At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a school catering team, manage menu planning, and ensure high-quality food service.
- Company: Harrison Catering Services, a top independent catering company in the UK.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, Monday to Friday hours, and term-time only work.
- Other info: Join a passionate team dedicated to serving quality food in schools.
- Why this job: Make a difference by providing fresh, delicious meals to students every day.
- Qualifications: Proven craft and management skills, NVQ Level 2 in Professional Cookery preferred.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Hours: 34.5 hours per week - Monday to Friday
Harrison Catering Services is one of the UK’s leading independent catering companies, serving high-quality, freshly cooked food to thousands of people in schools and workplaces every day. We are looking for a Chef Manager to lead one of our school catering teams.
The position will be responsible for:
- Providing breakfast, lunch, and dinner service
- Managing the team
- Maintaining stock control
- Planning menus
The ideal candidate will have:
- Proven craft and management skills
- A real passion for fresh food
- Previous client liaison experience
Ideally qualified to NVQ Level 2 in Professional Cookery or equivalent, you will be rewarded with a competitive salary for working Monday to Friday, 35 hours per week and on a term-time only basis.
Chef Manager - School employer: Harrison Catering
Harrison Catering Services is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that values creativity and teamwork in the vibrant setting of South Croydon. With a focus on employee growth, we provide opportunities for professional development and a competitive salary, all while ensuring a healthy work-life balance with term-time only hours. Join us to make a meaningful impact by serving high-quality, freshly cooked meals to students and fostering a love for good food.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef Manager - School
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow chefs, school catering staff, or even your old culinary school mates. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion for fresh food! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share your favourite recipes or menu ideas. This will not only showcase your creativity but also your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those interviews by practising common questions related to team management and client liaison. We all know that confidence is key, so rehearse your answers and be ready to impress!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Chef Manager - School
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food:When writing your application, let your love for fresh food shine through! Share any experiences or stories that highlight your passion for cooking and how it relates to the role of Chef Manager.
Highlight Your Management Skills:Make sure to emphasise your management experience in your application. We want to see how you've successfully led teams in the past, so include specific examples of how you’ve motivated and managed staff.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Take the time to tailor your CV and cover letter to the Chef Manager position. Mention relevant skills and experiences that align with the job description to catch our eye.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Harrison Catering
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
As a Chef Manager, you'll need to showcase your menu planning skills. Research the types of meals typically served in schools and be ready to discuss how you would create balanced, nutritious options that appeal to children. Bring examples of menus you've created in the past to demonstrate your creativity and understanding of dietary needs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role involves managing a team, so it's crucial to highlight your leadership experience. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a kitchen team, resolved conflicts, or improved team performance. Be ready to discuss your management style and how you motivate your team to deliver high-quality service.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Fresh Food
Harrison Catering Services values fresh ingredients, so make sure to express your passion for cooking with quality produce. Share stories about your experiences with sourcing local ingredients or any innovative dishes you've created using fresh food. This will show your alignment with the company's ethos.
✨Prepare for Client Liaison Questions
Since client liaison is part of the job, think about your previous experiences interacting with clients or stakeholders. Be prepared to discuss how you handle feedback, manage expectations, and ensure customer satisfaction. This will demonstrate your ability to maintain strong relationships with clients in a school environment.
