At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic catering operation, ensuring high-quality food and exceptional service.
- Company: Prestigious independent school with a focus on fresh food and work-life balance.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, term time only, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Join a passionate team and develop your leadership skills in a vibrant setting.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' dining experiences while enjoying a balanced lifestyle.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Chef Manager or strong Head Chef ready for management.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 45000 £ per year.
Independent School Catering (Term Time Only), Tunbridge Wells, Kent, up to £45,000
Are you a talented Head Chef ready to take the next step into management, or an experienced Chef Manager looking for a better work-life balance? We are recruiting on behalf of a prestigious independent secondary school near Tunbridge Wells, Kent, for an experienced and passionate Chef Manager to lead a busy and successful catering operation. This is an exciting opportunity to oversee a high-quality food offering across core dining, hospitality, and school events, with a strong focus on fresh food and exceptional service standards - all within a term time only position, offering an excellent work-life balance.
The Role
As Chef Manager, you will be fully responsible for the day-to-day running of the catering operation, leading both front and back of house teams while ensuring high standards across all areas. Key responsibilities include:
- Managing the daily catering operation across the school site
- Leading, motivating, and developing a large FOH and BOH team
- Building strong relationships with senior leadership, staff, pupils, and parents
- Managing budgets, forecasting, P&L, and financial reporting
- Menu planning, including dietary and allergen management
- Maintaining exceptional food quality, presentation, and service standards
- Overseeing hospitality and event catering functions
About You
We are looking for someone who is:
- An experienced Chef Manager, Catering Manager, or a strong Head Chef ready for progression
- Experienced within education catering or B&I catering environments
- A confident leader with excellent people management skills
- Passionate about fresh food and high culinary standards
- Highly organised with strong attention to detail
- An excellent communicator who can engage with pupils, staff, and stakeholders
- Flexible, proactive, and positive in approach
Additional Information
- Term time only position
- 40 hours per week
- Working pattern: 5 days out of 7
- Competitive salary up to £45,000
- DBS check required for the successful candidate
Interested and keen to apply? Then we'd love to hear from you.
Chef Manager - Education Catering employer: Jubilee Hospitality
Join a prestigious independent school in Tunbridge Wells as a Chef Manager, where you will enjoy a fulfilling career in education catering with a focus on fresh food and exceptional service. This term-time only role offers a fantastic work-life balance, competitive salary, and the opportunity to lead and develop a passionate team while making a positive impact on students' dining experiences. With strong support for professional growth and a collaborative work culture, this is an excellent place for culinary professionals looking to thrive in a rewarding environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef Manager - Education Catering
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the catering and education sectors. Attend local events or join online groups where you can meet people who might know about opportunities. Remember, sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, create a portfolio showcasing your culinary creations and management successes. A visual representation of your work can really make you stand out during interviews and discussions.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by researching the school and its values. Tailor your answers to reflect how your experience aligns with their focus on fresh food and exceptional service standards. This shows you’re genuinely interested and ready to contribute!
✨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 take that extra step to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Chef Manager - Education Catering
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food:When writing your application, let your love for fresh food and high culinary standards shine through. Share specific examples of your experience in education catering or similar environments to show us why you're the perfect fit!
Highlight Your Leadership Skills:As a Chef Manager, you'll be leading a team, so make sure to emphasise your people management skills. Talk about how you've motivated and developed teams in the past, and how you plan to do the same with us at StudySmarter.
Be Detail-Oriented:We appreciate candidates who pay attention to detail. Make sure your application is well-structured and free from errors. This reflects your organisational skills, which are crucial for managing budgets and menus effectively.
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 don’t miss out on any important updates during the process. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Jubilee Hospitality
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
As a Chef Manager, you'll need to showcase your culinary expertise. Familiarise yourself with the school's menu and be ready to discuss your approach to menu planning, especially regarding dietary needs and allergen management. This will demonstrate your attention to detail and commitment to high food standards.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led and motivated teams in previous roles. Think about specific challenges you've faced and how you overcame them. This will help you convey your confidence and ability to manage both front and back of house teams effectively.
✨Engage with the School Community
Research the school and its values. Be prepared to discuss how you would build relationships with staff, pupils, and parents. Showing that you understand the importance of community engagement will set you apart as a candidate who truly cares about the role.
✨Financial Acumen is Key
Brush up on your knowledge of budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting. Be ready to discuss how you've managed budgets in the past and how you plan to ensure the catering operation remains profitable while maintaining quality. This will highlight your organisational skills and business acumen.
