Executive School Chef & Catering Leader

Executive School Chef & Catering Leader

Full-Time 50000 - 50000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Select Recruitment Specialists Ltd

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a dynamic catering team and create delicious menus for students and staff.
  • Company: Join a prestigious school with a focus on quality food and service.
  • Benefits: Enjoy free meals, discounts, and opportunities for career growth.
  • Other info: Embrace a supportive environment that values diversity and inclusion.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on student life through exceptional culinary experiences.
  • Qualifications: Experience in a senior catering role and strong leadership skills required.

The predicted salary is between 50000 - 50000 £ per year.

We are seeking an experienced Executive Chef Manager to lead catering operations within a prestigious day and boarding school environment, serving approximately 500 students and staff daily. The operation provides breakfast, lunch, supper, and hospitality services throughout the year on a 52-week calendar, operating a 5‑out‑of‑7‑day rota. Free on-site parking is available.

Working closely with the catering and operations teams, you will oversee the smooth running of all food service operations, ensuring high standards of food quality, presentation, hospitality, and customer service.

Key Responsibilities
  • Manage the day‑to‑day catering and hospitality operation.
  • Lead and motivate the catering team to deliver excellent food and service standards.
  • Maintain financial performance in line with agreed budgets.
  • Develop menus and catering offers in line with current food trends and client expectations.
  • Ensure all dietary and nutritional requirements are met.
  • Maintain high standards of hygiene, health & safety, and safeguarding compliance.
  • Build strong relationships with clients, staff, and customers.
  • Support staff training, development, and performance management.
Requirements
  • Previous experience in a Chef Manager or senior catering role.
  • Strong leadership and organisational skills.
  • Hands‑on approach to food preparation and service.
  • Excellent communication and customer service abilities.
  • IT competent with good administrative skills.
  • Recognised cookery qualification and Level 3 Food Hygiene certificate preferred.
Benefits
  • Free meals on duty.
  • Employee discount scheme.
  • Enhanced family leave.
  • Cycle to work scheme.
  • Training and development opportunities.
  • Employee assistance programme.
  • Workplace pension.
  • Career progression opportunities.

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK. Enhanced DBS and reference checks will be required. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion within the workplace. If you are looking to start your next chapter, apply today.

Executive School Chef & Catering Leader employer: Select Recruitment Specialists Ltd

Join a prestigious day and boarding school as an Executive School Chef & Catering Leader, where you will not only lead a dedicated catering team but also enjoy a supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth and development. With benefits such as free meals on duty, enhanced family leave, and a commitment to equality and inclusion, this role offers a rewarding opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of students and staff alike in a vibrant educational environment.

Select Recruitment Specialists Ltd

Contact Details:

Select Recruitment Specialists Ltd Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Executive School Chef & Catering Leader

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the catering and hospitality industry. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.

Tip Number 2

Show off your skills! If you have the chance, organise a tasting event or a demo of your culinary creations. This is a great way for us to see your passion and expertise in action, and it could really set you apart from other candidates.

Tip Number 3

Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job openings to pop up. Reach out directly to schools or catering companies you admire. A well-timed email expressing your interest can lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.

Tip Number 4

Keep your online presence sharp! Update your LinkedIn profile and showcase your achievements in catering and hospitality. We want to see your journey and how you’ve made an impact in previous roles. Plus, it makes it easier for recruiters to find you!

We think you need these skills to ace Executive School Chef & Catering Leader

Leadership Skills
Organisational Skills
Food Preparation
Customer Service
Menu Development
Hygiene Compliance
Health & Safety Standards

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your previous experience in a Chef Manager or senior catering role. We want to see how you've led teams and managed operations, so don’t hold back on those details!

Be Specific About Your Skills:When you mention your skills, be specific! Talk about your leadership style, your hands-on approach to food prep, and any IT or administrative skills you have. This helps us understand how you can fit into our team.

Tailor Your Application:Take a moment to tailor your application to the job description. Mention how you can maintain high standards of food quality and customer service, and how you can develop menus that meet current food trends. We love seeing applicants who do their homework!

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 the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!

How to prepare for a job interview at Select Recruitment Specialists Ltd

Know Your Menu Inside Out

Make sure you’re familiar with current food trends and dietary requirements. Prepare to discuss how you would develop menus that cater to a diverse group of students and staff, showcasing your creativity and understanding of nutrition.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills

Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully led a catering team in the past. Highlight your hands-on approach and how you motivate your team to maintain high standards of food quality and customer service.

Demonstrate Financial Acumen

Prepare to discuss how you’ve managed budgets in previous roles. Be specific about how you’ve maintained financial performance while ensuring excellent service, as this will be crucial for the role.

Emphasise Communication and Relationship Building

Think of examples where you’ve built strong relationships with clients and staff. Good communication is key in this role, so be prepared to explain how you ensure everyone is on the same page and working towards common goals.