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- Tasks: Lead a kitchen team to create fresh, high-quality meals for students and staff.
- Company: Join Holroyd Howe, a top contract caterer in the UK focused on independent schools.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, free meals, discounts, and generous leave policies.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' dining experiences while developing your culinary skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in kitchen management and a passion for fresh ingredients are essential.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for training and career growth.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Company Description
Location: Rosemead Preparatory School - SE21 8HZ
Contract Type: Term-time, 36 working weeks, 4 weeks holidays.
Salary: £35,000 per annum
Why Join Us?
- 3 volunteering days to give back to causes you care about
- 3 days grandparent leave for those special family moments
- 24 weeks enhanced maternity leave
- Bespoke training & development opportunities
- Pension & life insurance
- Discounts on high street brands, cinema & holidays via the Perkbox App
- Wellbeing hub & access to employee assistance programme
- Free meals while at work
- Career development & HIT Apprenticeships for all experience levels
About the Role:
We are seeking a passionate and experienced Chef Manager to lead the kitchen team at one of our renowned South London locations, Rosemead Preparatory School. You will be responsible for managing day-to-day kitchen operations, delivering fresh, high-quality meals, and ensuring exceptional food service for pupils, staff, and visitors. You will be joining Holroyd Howe, one of the UK's leading contract caterers, providing fresh, innovative food services solely to independent schools and colleges.
Job Description Key Responsibilities:
- Lead kitchen operations ensuring the highest standards of food quality, safety, and presentation
- Manage and support a small kitchen team, fostering a positive working environment
- Oversee menu planning, stock control, and supplier relationships
- Maintain accurate financial records including budgets, ordering, and stock rotation
- Ensure compliance with all food safety, health & safety, and safeguarding policies
- Work collaboratively with the school community to provide a friendly and efficient catering experience
Qualifications Candidate Profile:
- Previous experience as a Chef Manager or similar role within contract catering, ideally the Independent Education sector
- Strong kitchen management and leadership skills
- Passionate about using fresh, seasonal ingredients to create balanced, appealing menus
- Excellent organisational and communication skills
- Knowledge of food safety standards, allergen management, and sustainability best practices
Additional Information
We pride ourselves on:
- People first: We're a company of individuals, united in doing our best for our clients.
- Great food, always: Using only the best ingredients, our food is fresh, authentic and tailored to each school, age group, and specific needs and preferences.
- Food education: We educate pupils through food, encouraging them to understand and develop their own personal tastes and make informed food choices.
- Respect in everything we do: Our respectful codes of conduct inform how we behave towards our clients and customers, suppliers and business partners, and each other.
- Fresh thinking: New ideas for food, service and ways of working help us maintain our position as creative leaders in school catering.
In order to be considered for this role you must be able to demonstrate that you have the Right to Work in the UK. Holroyd Howe is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all employees to share this commitment. All roles within Holroyd Howe involve regulated activity. It is a criminal offence for individuals barred from working with children to apply for such roles. An Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, including a Barred List check will be required for all successful applicants. Shortlisted applicants will be asked to provide information about relevant criminal offences and will be subject to an online search of publicly available information. This search helps identify any issues that may affect suitability to work with children. This appointment is offered on the return of satisfactory professional references.
Chef Manager - London employer: Holroyd Howe
Contact Detail:
Holroyd Howe Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef Manager - London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the catering industry, especially those who have experience in schools. 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, prepare a sample menu or dish that highlights your culinary creativity and understanding of seasonal ingredients. Bring it along to interviews or share it with potential employers to make a lasting impression.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to talk about your leadership style! As a Chef Manager, you'll need to manage a team effectively. Think of examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led a kitchen team and created a positive work environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our team at Holroyd Howe.
We think you need these skills to ace Chef Manager - London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your love for food and cooking shine through! Share why you’re excited about the Chef Manager role and how you can bring fresh, seasonal ingredients to life in the kitchen.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your previous experience in contract catering or similar roles. We want to see how your skills align with our mission of providing exceptional food services tailored to children’s needs.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your kitchen management experience and leadership skills, so we can easily see how you’d fit into our team.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and get you started on this exciting journey with us at Holroyd Howe.
How to prepare for a job interview at Holroyd Howe
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with the types of fresh, seasonal ingredients that are popular in school catering. Be ready to discuss how you would incorporate these into appealing menus for children, showcasing your passion for quality food.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed a kitchen team in the past. Highlight your ability to foster a positive working environment and how you handle challenges, as this role requires strong leadership and teamwork.
✨Understand Food Safety Standards
Brush up on food safety regulations and allergen management practices. Be prepared to discuss how you ensure compliance in your kitchen operations, as this is crucial for maintaining high standards and safeguarding the wellbeing of pupils.
✨Engage with the School Community
Think about ways you can collaborate with the school community to enhance the catering experience. Be ready to share ideas on how you would involve staff and pupils in menu planning or food education initiatives, aligning with the company's mission.
