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- Tasks: Lead a kitchen team, create menus, and cook fresh meals for students.
- Company: Prestigious independent school with a focus on quality and community.
- Benefits: Stable 40-hour week, creative freedom, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' dining experiences in a respected setting.
- Qualifications: Strong culinary skills and team leadership experience required.
- Other info: Enjoy a great work-life balance with one weekend off each month.
The predicted salary is between 38000 - 38000 £ per year.
Kitchen Manager – Prestigious Independent School (Rugby) £38,000 | 40 hours | 5 days out of 7 | One weekend off each month
Are you a passionate, hands-on chef who loves fresh food, team leadership, and running a smooth, well-organised kitchen? This is a rare chance to take the lead in a prestigious independent school just outside Rugby, managing the daily catering for a warm, close-knit residential house of around 60 pupils. This isn’t your typical contract catering role — it’s a chance to cook real food, lead your own team, and be part of a high-quality, well-respected environment with great work-life balance.
Why You’ll Love This Role
- A stable, year-round position with a 40-hour week
- Creative freedom to design menus, develop dishes, and champion fresh ingredients
- Lead a friendly team of 4 chefs and 2 kitchen assistants
- Cook for breakfast, lunch, and dinner — plus the occasional special event or school gala
- Be part of a prestigious, well-equipped environment where quality really matters
- A role where your leadership genuinely shapes the kitchen culture
What You’ll Be Doing
- Running your kitchen like it’s your own — from menu planning to ordering to daily service
- Cooking fresh, nutritious meals for around 60 pupils
- Coaching and developing your small team so the kitchen runs like clockwork
- Maintaining exceptional food hygiene and safety standards
- Working closely with senior school staff to deliver a great dining experience
- Bringing fresh ideas, passion, and pride to every service
What We’re Looking For
- A confident, enthusiastic kitchen leader with strong culinary skills
- Experience managing a team in a busy kitchen
- Passion for great food and consistent standards
- Someone happy to undergo an Enhanced DBS check
- School catering experience is a bonus — but not essential
- Food hygiene and cookery qualifications are desirable, but we value attitude and leadership just as much
The Setting
- Beautiful, prestigious independent school near Rugby
- Around 60 covers per service
- A mix of everyday meals and exciting one-off events
- Supportive leadership and a high-quality catering culture
Chef Manager - Private Education in Royal Leamington Spa employer: Off To Work
Contact Detail:
Off To Work Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef Manager - Private Education in Royal Leamington Spa
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the culinary world, especially those who have experience in school catering. 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 get the chance, offer to do a trial shift or a cooking demo. This is your moment to shine and demonstrate your passion for fresh food and team leadership right in front of the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared for the interview! Research the school’s values and their approach to food. Bring ideas for menus or special events that could elevate their dining experience — it 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 are proactive and eager to join our community.
We think you need these skills to ace Chef Manager - Private Education in Royal Leamington Spa
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food: When writing your application, let your love for fresh ingredients and cooking shine through. Share specific examples of dishes you've created or menus you've designed that reflect your culinary creativity.
Highlight Your Leadership Skills: We want to see how you lead a team in the kitchen! Talk about your experience managing staff, coaching team members, and creating a positive kitchen culture. This will show us you're the right fit for our close-knit environment.
Be Organised and Detail-Oriented: Since you'll be running the kitchen, it's crucial to demonstrate your organisational skills. Mention how you handle menu planning, ordering, and maintaining food hygiene standards. A well-structured application will impress us!
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at our prestigious school.
How to prepare for a job interview at Off To Work
✨Show Your Passion for Fresh Food
Make sure to express your love for fresh ingredients and cooking during the interview. Share specific examples of dishes you've created or menus you've designed that highlight your creativity and commitment to quality.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Prepare to discuss your experience in leading a kitchen team. Think of situations where you successfully coached team members or improved kitchen operations, and be ready to share how you foster a positive kitchen culture.
✨Know the School's Values
Research the independent school and understand its ethos. Be prepared to explain how your culinary philosophy aligns with their values, especially regarding nutrition and creating a welcoming dining experience for students.
✨Highlight Your Food Hygiene Knowledge
Since maintaining exceptional food hygiene is crucial, brush up on relevant standards and regulations. Be ready to discuss your approach to food safety and any qualifications you have, even if they aren't mandatory.