Chef Manager

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Are you passionate about food, wellbeing, and making a difference in education? We\’re looking for a dynamic Chef Manager to lead our catering provision within our SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) department. This is a fantastic opportunity to bring your culinary expertise to a vibrant college environment and support the health and happiness of both pupils and staff.

Cherry Tree Cafe is our social enterprise project in Wanstead. We run our cafe to serve the community of Wanstead with very reasonably priced food and drink, including lunch, snacks, and hot meals.

The Cherry Tree Cafe is run by students at New City College who have Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities. They learn how to prepare and cook food along with front-of-house duties and serving customers. The students can acquire many skills that will help them in their life skills as well as skills that could lead to paid work, providing them with financial independence.

Key Responsibilities:

• Plan and deliver nutritious, varied menus that meet dietary needs and promote healthy eating.
• Manage food stocks, budgets, and GP% targets effectively.
• Supervise and support staff and students, promoting morale and teamwork.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, allergens, and health & safety legislation.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and efficient kitchen and dining environment.
• Drive sales through menu planning and promotional activities.

Who You Are:

You will hold a Level 3 Food Safety qualification (or NVQ equivalent) along with GCSE (or equivalent) in English and Maths. You will bring proven experience in industrial catering, including menu planning, stock management, and team supervision. Your strong culinary skills will be complemented by a solid understanding of healthy eating principles and allergens legislation. With excellent organisational, leadership, and customer service abilities, you will thrive in a busy educational environment. Most importantly, you will have a genuine interest in working with young people and supporting their development.

What We Offer:

• Pension: New City College provides a career average pension scheme for all staff. Support staff fall under the Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Accessibility: All college sites are easily accessible for wheelchair users and via public transport (bus, DLR, or tube).
• On-Site Facilities: Free access to on-site gym facilities at some campuses and on-site cafes serving subsidised food and drinks.
• Staff Development: Five CPD (Continuing Professional Development) days per year, with access to industry-standard facilities and a collaborative working environment. Opportunities for career advancement and professional development in a supportive setting.
• Financial Perks: Interest-free loans for annual travel season tickets. Health cash plan (reimbursement for dental, optical, and therapy treatments) and a confidential Employee Assistance Program.
• Discounts: Save money on day-to-day expenses, shopping, dining out, DIY, and travel.
• Technology Access: Office 365 and Adobe Suite available for personal devices.

The closing date given is a guide only. There may be occasions where we have to close a vacancy once sufficient applications have been received. Therefore, it is advisable to submit your application as early as possible to avoid disappointment.

About New City College:

New City College is proud to be an Ofsted Outstanding college, the largest in England to receive this top rating. With campuses across east London, south-west Essex, and two language schools, we are a sector leader in further education.

Joining NCC means becoming part of a forward-thinking, collaborative team committed to delivering high-quality education and skills that benefit our students and communities. We offer industry-standard facilities, expert staff, and strong partnerships with leading organizations. Our focus on future-ready skills and technology ensures students are well-prepared for higher education or employment, and employers trust us for staff training and development.

Following the merger of seven colleges, NCC has become one of the UK’s most influential FE providers, offering sixth form education, adult learning, apprenticeships, ESOL, EFL, and SEND. With a turnover of £130 million, 20,000 students, and 2,000 staff, we are a major force in the sector.

We are proud of our inclusive, diverse community and have a zero-tolerance approach to racism and discrimination. We remain committed to investing in our people and resources to provide an excellent, supportive learning environment that meets the needs of both students and employers.

We are committed to building a workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve and actively welcome applications from candidates from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic backgrounds. This does not prevent any other candidate with or without a protective characteristic from applying for our jobs.

As the College supports children and vulnerable adults, all staff are exempt from Section 4(2) of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. All staff will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check, along with a check of the Children Barred List if engaged in regulated activity. Any offers of employment may be withdrawn if these checks prove unsatisfactory. Self-disclosure will be required as part of the recruitment process. Failure to disclose fully or provide sight of your DBS certificate may result in withdrawal of the offer. The College\’s DBS policy on the recruitment of ex-offenders is available upon request.

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