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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage a school catering service, delivering nutritious meals and ensuring kitchen efficiency.
- Company: Join a supportive educational environment focused on student well-being and healthy eating.
- Benefits: Enjoy a generous pension, gym discounts, free parking, and extra holidays for your commitment.
- Other info: Flexible hours with opportunities for professional growth in a dynamic school setting.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives by providing delicious, healthy meals they love.
- Qualifications: Experience in catering management and a passion for food safety and nutrition.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
The Role
To lead and manage the schools catering service, delivering high-quality, nutritious meals that meet school food standards while ensuring efficient kitchen operations, food safety compliance, and excellent service for students and staff.
Role Information
- Contract: Permanent. This role can be offered as full time or term time plus 2 weeks
- Hours: Monday to Friday, hours as needed to fulfil role, nominally 6:45am to 2:45pm (occasional events may require flexibility)
- Start date: From June 2026
- Responsible to: Operations Manager and ultimately the Head Teacher
Our staff are offered a generous pension, access to cycle to work scheme, reduced gym membership at our neighbouring sports facilities and have access to convenient free parking. We also have additional holiday at the end of the Autumn and Summer terms to recognise and reward the commitment of our staff.
CORE RESPONSIBILITIES
- Kitchen & Food Production
- Plan, prepare, and deliver a varied, balanced menu in line with school food standards and nutritional guidelines
- Oversee daily food production, ensuring quality, consistency, and portion control
- Introduce new menu ideas that appeal to secondary school students
- Cater for special dietary requirements, allergies, and cultural preferences
- Leadership & Staff Management
- Manage, train, and supervise kitchen, catering and front of house staff
- Organise staff rotas and ensure adequate cover during absences
- Promote a positive, professional, and collaborative working environment
- Conduct performance reviews and support staff development
- Food Safety & Compliance
- Ensure full compliance with food hygiene regulations (e.g. HACCP)
- Maintain a clean, safe, and well-organised kitchen environment
- Organise cleaning schedule including deep cleans
- Keep accurate records of temperature checks, cleaning schedules, and food storage
- Ensure compliance with health & safety policies and risk assessments
- Budget & Stock Control
- Manage catering budgets effectively, ensuring cost control and minimal waste
- Order food supplies and manage relationships with suppliers
- Monitor stock levels and conduct regular inventory checks
- Maximise value while maintaining quality standards
- Customer Service & Engagement
- Ensure a positive dining experience for students and staff
- Engage with students to gather feedback and improve menu offerings
- Support initiatives to promote healthy eating within the school
- Administration & Reporting
- Maintain accurate records of meals served, stock usage, and financial performance
- Support compliance with school policies and inspections
The above list is not exhaustive and may be subject to amendment in due course in discussion with the relevant employee.
Only fully completed school application forms received will be accepted as valid applications, CVs will not be accepted. Please request an application form via the email or website link provided.
Applications are considered as they are received, we reserve the right to make an appointment prior to the closing date.
No recruitment agencies please.
Chef Manager - Education Catering in Woking employer: Hoe Valley School
Contact Detail:
Hoe Valley School Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef Manager - Education Catering in Woking
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school environment! Visit the school if possible, chat with staff and students, and understand their needs. This will help you tailor your approach and show that you're genuinely interested in making a positive impact.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with other chefs and catering professionals in the education sector. Attend local events or join online forums to share ideas and learn from others. You never know who might have a lead on a job opportunity!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your creativity! Prepare a sample menu or dish that reflects your style and aligns with the school's nutritional guidelines. Bring it along to your interview to impress them with your culinary skills and innovative ideas.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Don’t miss out on this chance to shine!
We think you need these skills to ace Chef Manager - Education Catering in Woking
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get to Know Us: Before you start your application, take a moment to explore our website and get a feel for who we are at StudySmarter. Understanding our values and mission will help you tailor your application to show how you fit in with our team.
Follow the Instructions: Make sure to read the job description carefully and follow all application instructions. Since we only accept fully completed school application forms, double-check that you've filled everything out before hitting send!
Show Your Passion: In your written application, let your enthusiasm for the role shine through! Share your experiences and ideas about how you can contribute to delivering high-quality meals and engaging with students. We love seeing candidates who are genuinely excited about what they do.
Proofread, Proofread, Proofread!: Before submitting your application, give it a thorough read to catch any typos or errors. A polished application shows attention to detail and professionalism, which is super important in our kitchen environment!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hoe Valley School
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Make sure you’re familiar with the school food standards and nutritional guidelines. Prepare to discuss how you would create a balanced menu that appeals to secondary school students, including options for special dietary requirements.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Be ready to talk about your experience in managing and training kitchen staff. Share specific examples of how you've fostered a positive working environment and handled performance reviews or staff development.
✨Demonstrate Food Safety Knowledge
Brush up on food hygiene regulations like HACCP. Be prepared to explain how you ensure compliance and maintain a clean, safe kitchen environment, as well as how you manage cleaning schedules and record-keeping.
✨Engage with Customer Service Strategies
Think about how you would ensure a positive dining experience for students and staff. Be ready to discuss ways to gather feedback and promote healthy eating initiatives within the school community.