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- Tasks: Lead a passionate kitchen team and create delicious meals for students.
- Company: Prestigious independent school with a supportive and quality-driven culture.
- Benefits: Stable 40-hour week, competitive salary, and a healthy work-life balance.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' dining experiences while growing as a leader.
- Qualifications: Experience in kitchen management and a passion for great food.
- Other info: Join a friendly team in a well-equipped kitchen with opportunities for creativity.
The predicted salary is between 34000 - 34000 £ per year.
Are you a passionate, hands-on chef ready to take the next step in your career? Do you love fresh food, leading a team, and creating a calm, well-organised kitchen where quality comes first? This is a rare opportunity to join a respected independent school just outside Rugby, supporting the daily catering operation for a warm, close-knit residential house of around 60 pupils. If you're looking to grow as a leader while still staying close to the stove, this role offers the perfect balance. This isn't typical contract catering — it's a chance to cook real food, work in a supportive environment, and enjoy a genuinely healthy work–life balance.
Why You'll Love This Role
- A stable, year-round position with a consistent 40-hour week
- The chance to collaborate with the Kitchen Manager on menu creation and new dishes
- A friendly, supportive team of 4 chefs and 2 kitchen assistants
- A varied service offering: breakfast, lunch, dinner, and the occasional special event or school celebration
- A well-equipped, high-quality kitchen environment where standards truly matter
- A leadership role where your ideas and influence will help shape the kitchen culture
What You'll Be Doing
- Supporting everything from menu planning and ordering to daily service
- Cooking fresh, nutritious meals for approximately 60 pupils
- Upholding excellent food hygiene and safety standards
- Working closely with senior school staff to deliver an exceptional dining experience
- Bringing creativity, energy, and pride to every service
What We're Looking For
- A confident, enthusiastic chef eager to step into management
- Experience leading or supervising a team in a busy kitchen
- A genuine passion for great food and consistent standards
- Willingness to complete an Enhanced DBS check
- School catering experience is beneficial but not essential
- Relevant food hygiene or cookery qualifications are welcome — but your attitude, leadership, and love for cooking matter just as much
The Setting
- A 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 strong, quality-driven catering culture
Assistant Kitchen manager in Rugby employer: Off To Work
Contact Detail:
Off To Work Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Kitchen manager in Rugby
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the culinary world, especially those who might have ties to the school or similar environments. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨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 moment to shine and show them what you can bring to the kitchen!
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared for the interview! Research the school’s values and their approach to food. Bring ideas for menus or dishes that align with their ethos – it shows you’re genuinely interested and ready to contribute.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Kitchen manager in Rugby
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food: When writing your application, let your love for fresh food and cooking shine through. Share specific examples of dishes you’ve created or experiences that highlight your culinary skills and enthusiasm for quality.
Highlight Your Leadership Experience: Since this role involves supporting a team, make sure to mention any previous experience leading or supervising in a kitchen. We want to see how you've motivated others and contributed to a positive kitchen culture.
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! Take the time to tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific requirements of the Assistant Kitchen Manager role. Mention how your skills align with our values and the unique environment of the school.
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’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Off To Work
✨Know Your Menu
Before the interview, take some time to research and think about menu ideas that could work in a school setting. Be ready to discuss your favourite dishes and how you would adapt them for a younger audience. This shows your passion for food and creativity!
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a team in a busy kitchen. Think about specific challenges you've faced and how you motivated your team to overcome them. This will demonstrate your readiness for a management role.
✨Emphasise Food Safety Knowledge
Make sure you brush up on food hygiene standards and safety practices. Be prepared to discuss how you ensure these standards are met in your kitchen. This is crucial in a school environment where health and safety are paramount.
✨Express Your Passion for Cooking
Let your enthusiasm for cooking shine through during the interview. Share stories about what inspired you to become a chef and why you love working with fresh ingredients. A genuine passion can set you apart from other candidates!