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- Tasks: Lead a school catering team and prepare fresh meals for students.
- Company: Friendly primary school in South Croydon with a focus on work-life balance.
- Benefits: £16.25 per hour, term-time only, plus 4.8 weeks paid holiday.
- Other info: Great training and career progression opportunities in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact on children's nutrition while enjoying sociable hours.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Chef Manager or strong Senior Chef/Supervisor ready to step up.
The predicted salary is between 13 - 16 £ per hour.
We are currently recruiting for an experienced Chef Manager to lead a friendly school catering team within a primary school environment in South Croydon. This is a fantastic opportunity for a candidate with previous experience in a maintained (state) school environment who is looking for a great work-life balance with daytime hours only.
The Role
- Managing the day-to-day catering operation in a primary school
- Preparing and serving approximately 185 fresh meals per day
- Leading and supporting a team of 3 Catering Assistants
- Producing nutritious, well-presented meals in line with school food standards
- Managing menus, stock control, food safety, and hygiene compliance
- Maintaining high standards of service and customer care for pupils and staff
The Ideal Candidate
- Previous experience as a Chef Manager or strong Senior Chef/Supervisor ready to step up
- Experience in education or contract catering preferred
- Strong leadership and organisational skills
- Passion for fresh food and child-focused catering
- Confident working independently and managing a small team
What's on Offer
- £16.25 per hour, paid weekly or monthly
- Term-time only working - ideal for work-life balance
- 39 working weeks plus 4.8 weeks paid holiday
- Permanent contract
- Excellent training and clear opportunities for career progression
Employee Benefits
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Pension Scheme
- Life Assurance Scheme
- 4.8 weeks paid holiday (pro rata)
If you are a motivated Chef Manager looking to make a positive impact in a school setting while enjoying sociable hours, we would love to hear from you.
Apply today or contact us to find out more.
Chef Manager in Croydon employer: Search
Contact Detail:
Search Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef Manager in Croydon
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the catering and education sectors. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, prepare a sample menu or dish that highlights your culinary talents. Bring it along to interviews or networking events to leave a lasting impression.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings. Reach out directly to schools or catering companies in your area. Express your interest and ask if they have any upcoming opportunities.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate Chef Managers like you to join our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Chef Manager in Croydon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food: When writing your application, let us see your love for fresh food and child-focused catering shine through. Share any experiences that highlight your passion and how it aligns with our mission.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to detail your previous experience as a Chef Manager or in a similar role. We want to know how your background in education or contract catering makes you the perfect fit for this position.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and focus on what makes you a great candidate for managing our school catering team.
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’re considered for this fantastic opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Search
✨Know Your Menu
Familiarise yourself with the types of meals you’ll be preparing and serving. Research school food standards and think about how you can incorporate fresh, nutritious ingredients into your menus. This will show your passion for child-focused catering and your commitment to quality.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Be ready to discuss your experience in leading a team. Think of specific examples where you’ve successfully managed staff or improved team dynamics. Highlight your organisational skills and how you can support your Catering Assistants in a school environment.
✨Emphasise Work-Life Balance
Since this role offers a great work-life balance, express your enthusiasm for daytime hours and how it aligns with your lifestyle. Share any experiences that demonstrate your ability to manage time effectively while maintaining high standards in your work.
✨Prepare for Food Safety Questions
Brush up on food safety regulations and hygiene compliance. Be prepared to answer questions about how you ensure these standards are met in your kitchen. This will show that you take food safety seriously and understand its importance in a school setting.