Salary/Benefits: Salary is between £34,420 and £37,900 per annum (Pro-Rata) DOE and Qualifications, People’s pension, Retail and Leisure Discounts, excellent professional and personal development opportunities, accessing college courses.
Hours/Weeks: 37 hours per week – 40 weeks per year
Contract Type: Permanent – Term Time
This is a UK based contract, and you are required to have the Right to Work in the UK. Unfortunately, we’re unable to offer sponsorship and any offer of employment will be subject to evidence of your Right to Work in the UK.
About the role
We are currently seeking a Chef Manager to join our Leisure, Catering and Events Services department at The Bedford College Group.
Responsibilities
- Kitchen Leadership & Operations – Support the Catering & Events Manager in leading the day-to‑day kitchen operation, planning production schedules, managing rotas, overseeing stock control, and ensuring efficient food service delivery.
- Food Production & Menu Management – Prepare, cook, and present food to a high standard, develop menus aligned to food cost targets and industry trends, and ensure excellent quality, consistency, and customer satisfaction.
- Team Development & Customer Experience – Manage, mentor, and develop kitchen staff, promote a positive team culture, support training activities, resolve customer issues, and deliver an exceptional dining experience.
- Cost Control & Compliance – Monitor food costs through effective purchasing, portion control, waste management, and stock control, while maintaining accurate records and adherence to HACCP procedures.
- Health, Safety & Professional Standards – Ensure compliance with food hygiene, health & safety, fire, safeguarding, EDI, and training requirements, maintaining a safe, clean, and professional kitchen environment.
About you
- Qualifications & Industry Expertise – Level 2 catering qualification (or equivalent experience), Level 2 Food Hygiene certification, GCSE English and Maths (or equivalent), with extensive supervisory experience in large‑scale catering operations.
- Culinary, Financial & Commercial Skills – Strong expertise in food production, flavour development, menu planning, food costing, budgeting, stock control, cash handling, and awareness of hospitality industry trends and best practice.
- Leadership & Team Management – Proven ability to lead, motivate, train, and performance‑manage teams, fostering a positive and supportive environment while consistently achieving operational targets.
- Organisation, Communication & Customer Focus – Excellent organisational, planning, IT, and communication skills, with the ability to work under pressure, maintain high standards, and deliver an outstanding customer experience.
- Professionalism & Compliance – Proactive, reliable, and flexible, with a commitment to safeguarding, equality and diversity, health & safety, continuous professional development, and maintaining the organisation’s reputation and professional standards.
Interviews to be held: TBC
Organisational Values
- Valuing Teamwork – We are one team who by working together can achieve great things, respecting the opinion and valuing the contribution each of us makes.
- Improving Continuously – We challenge ourselves to always do better by trying new things, sharing knowledge, reflecting on practice and learning from others.
- Student Centred – At our heart is always doing what is best for our students. We consider students in all of our decision making to create positive outcomes and memorable experiences for every student.
- Inclusive – We celebrate differences and diversity, recognising that we can learn from each other.
- Open and Caring – We care about the wellbeing of our staff, our students, our community and wider society, creating an environment built on trust where we listen, engage with and support each other.
- Nurturing Education Excellence – We promote educational excellence by delivering programmes that challenge our students to achieve their ambitions.
Safeguarding
The Bedford College Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to a thorough vetting process which includes an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.
Legal and Regulatory
This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the Exceptions Order 1975 provide information about which convictions must be declared during job applications and related exceptions. Further information about filtering offences can be found in the DBS filtering guide. The Bedford College Group's policy on Employment of Ex‑Offenders is attached to this vacancy.
Candidates who are barred from working with children are reminded that it is a criminal offence to apply for this post.
Chef Manager in Biggleswade employer: The Bedford College Group
The Bedford College Group is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and success of its employees, offering a supportive work culture where collaboration and innovation thrive. Located at Chicksands Military Base, this role provides unique opportunities to make a meaningful impact on learners' lives while enjoying generous benefits such as 27 days of annual leave and a competitive salary. With a commitment to professional development and a focus on inclusivity, you will find a rewarding environment that fosters both personal and career advancement.
