At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic catering team and create delicious, fresh meals for students.
- Company: Prestigious independent school with a focus on quality and community.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, term-time only hours, and a great work-life balance.
- Other info: Join a supportive environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' dining experiences while enjoying flexible hours.
- Qualifications: Experience in catering management or as a Head Chef, with strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 45000 £ per year.
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
- 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
- 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
Chef Manager employer: Jubilee Talent
Join a prestigious independent secondary school in Tunbridge Wells as a Chef Manager, where you will enjoy a rewarding career leading a dedicated catering team in a term-time only role. With a strong emphasis on fresh food and exceptional service, this position offers an excellent work-life balance, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth within a supportive educational environment. Experience the satisfaction of contributing to the well-being of students while working in a vibrant community that values culinary excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef Manager
✨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 job openings. Remember, sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you get the chance, offer to do a trial shift or a cooking demonstration. This is your chance to shine and show potential employers what you can bring to the table—literally!
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to pop up. Reach out directly to schools or catering companies you’re interested in. A friendly email expressing your interest can go a long way in landing an interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities that might be perfect for you. Plus, applying directly shows your enthusiasm and commitment to joining our team. Let’s get you that Chef Manager role!
We think you need these skills to ace Chef Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Fresh Food:When writing your application, let us see your love for fresh ingredients and high culinary standards. Share any experiences that highlight your commitment to quality food and exceptional service – it’ll make you stand out!
Highlight Your Leadership Skills:As a Chef Manager, you'll be leading a team, so make sure to showcase your people management skills in your application. Talk about how you've motivated and developed teams in the past – we want to know how you can inspire others!
Be Organised and Detail-Oriented:We’re looking for someone who’s highly organised with a keen eye for detail. In your application, mention any systems or processes you’ve implemented to maintain high standards in catering operations – this will show us you’re the right fit!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply 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. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Jubilee Talent
✨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 how you would enhance it. Think about seasonal ingredients, dietary needs, and presentation – this will show your passion for fresh food and high standards.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
You’ll be leading a large team, so it's crucial to highlight your leadership style. Prepare examples of how you've motivated and developed your team in the past. Discuss any challenges you've faced and how you overcame them, as this will illustrate your ability to manage both front and back of house effectively.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Building strong relationships is key in this role. Be prepared to talk about how you would engage with pupils, staff, and parents. Share any experiences where you've successfully collaborated with different stakeholders, as this will demonstrate your excellent communication skills.
✨Showcase Your Financial Acumen
Managing budgets and financial reporting is part of the job, so brush up on your knowledge of P&L statements and forecasting. Be ready to discuss how you've managed budgets in previous roles and any strategies you've implemented to improve financial performance.
