At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic catering team and deliver nutritious meals in a busy school environment.
- Company: Join a respected employer in the education catering sector.
- Benefits: Enjoy a £40,000 salary, term-time only hours, and no evenings or weekends.
- Other info: Long-term career development opportunities in a modern kitchen environment.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact on students' food culture while enjoying a great work-life balance.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in high-volume catering and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 40000 £ per year.
Location: Guildford
Salary: £40,000 per annum
Hours: Monday to Friday Term Time Only (39 weeks plus additional 3 weeks)
We are recruiting on behalf of our client, working within the education catering sector. They are seeking an experienced Chef Manager to lead the catering operation at a large secondary school in Guildford. This is an excellent opportunity for a Chef Manager looking for a senior, stable role offering outstanding work-life balance, while working for a respected and progressive employer.
The Role
The successful candidate will take full responsibility for the day-to-day catering service, delivering high-quality, nutritious food in a high-volume school environment. The role is operational and hands-on, with responsibility for team leadership, menu delivery, compliance, stock control, and financial performance. You will work closely with school stakeholders to maintain excellent service standards and promote a positive food culture across the site.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage the on-site catering team
- Deliver fresh, compliant menus in a busy secondary school setting
- Control food costs, ordering, and stock management
- Ensure all food safety, allergen, and hygiene standards are met
- Build strong working relationships with the school and client
The Offer
- Salary of £40,000 per annum
- Term time only contract – school holidays off
- Monday to Friday working hours
- No evenings or weekends
- Long-term career development and progression opportunities
- Well-supported, modern kitchen environment
Candidate Profile
- Proven experience as a Chef Manager, Catering manager or Support Manager in a high-volume operation
- Minimum 3 years’ culinary experience
- At least 3 years’ experience managing teams and budgets
- Strong operational and compliance knowledge
- Food Safety Level 3 qualification (essential)
- Confident leader with excellent communication and organisational skills
Chef Manager in Guildford employer: The Berkeley Scott Group
As a Chef Manager at our large secondary school in Guildford, you will enjoy a rewarding role that prioritises work-life balance with term-time only hours, allowing you to spend quality time with family and friends. Our supportive work culture fosters professional growth, offering long-term career development opportunities within a modern kitchen environment, all while contributing to the health and well-being of students through high-quality, nutritious meals.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef Manager in Guildford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts 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, organise a small cooking demo or tasting session for potential employers. It’s a great way to showcase your culinary talents and passion for food directly.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the school and its catering needs. Tailor your answers to show how your experience aligns with their goals, especially in delivering high-quality, nutritious meals.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities that might just be the perfect fit for you. Plus, it’s super easy to keep track of your applications there.
We think you need these skills to ace Chef Manager in Guildford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience mentioned in the job description. Highlight your culinary background, team management experience, and any relevant qualifications like your Food Safety Level 3.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for the Chef Manager role. Share specific examples of how you've led teams and delivered high-quality food in previous roles, and don’t forget to mention your passion for promoting a positive food culture!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this role involves managing a team, make sure to emphasise your leadership style and any successful team projects you've been part of. We want to see how you can inspire and motivate others in a busy school environment.
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 in Guildford!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Berkeley Scott Group
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
As a Chef Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your culinary expertise. Familiarise yourself with the types of dishes you might serve in a school setting and be ready to discuss how you would create nutritious, appealing menus that cater to diverse dietary needs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role requires strong team management. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a kitchen team in the past, focusing on how you motivated staff, handled conflicts, and ensured high standards of service.
✨Understand Compliance and Safety Standards
Be ready to talk about food safety regulations and how you ensure compliance in a busy kitchen. Brush up on your knowledge of allergen management and hygiene practices, as these are crucial in an educational environment.
✨Build Relationships with Stakeholders
The role involves working closely with school stakeholders. Think of ways you've built strong relationships in previous roles and be prepared to discuss how you would engage with school staff and parents to promote a positive food culture.
