At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic catering team to deliver exceptional food and service standards.
- Company: Join Thomas Franks, a fresh food catering business focused on excellence and individuality.
- Benefits: Enjoy free meals, discounts, enhanced leave, and excellent career progression.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values growth and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a vibrant school environment while developing your culinary skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in catering management and a recognised cooking qualification required.
The predicted salary is between 46000 - 46000 € per year.
A co-educational independent day and boarding school in Horsham, West Sussex catering for a total of 430 students and teachers. We offer a core feeding of breakfast, lunch and supper. This is a term‑time role, working 46 weeks. Mainly weekdays with occasionally weekends. Additional benefits of this location would be free parking on site.
We are looking to hire an experienced Chef Manager to join the operation at one of our prestigious locations in Horsham. This role will be working closely with the catering team, along with the operations manager to ensure that the day‑to‑day catering and hospitality is delivered to a high standard. You will be experienced in a similar role. Whilst ensuring all catering operations are executed well, you will also be able to manage the financial budget for the location.
Job Summary
- To lead the catering team with the day‑to‑day production and service of the member and staff dining facilities across the site, to liaise with the centre in the delivery of internal or external hospitality events.
- To deliver both the client‑agreed budget and the company annual budget.
- To develop and implement the members and staff dining and hospitality facilities across the site ensuring the quality of food and level of customer service and presentation of the dining and service areas are maintained to the agreed standards.
- To prepare, comment and report upon the monthly and annual Profit & Loss Operating Statements for Thomas Franks.
- To develop each area of the catering offer in line with client expectations, budgetary constraints and agreed offer development plans.
- To be responsible for the day‑to‑day operations of all catering facilities throughout the year working in line with the requirements of the business.
- To assist in the process of change in the departments through setting standards and motivating staff to deliver them.
- To liaise with members and client via customer interaction and relevant member forums to make sure their requirements are met at all times.
- To deliver the Food Services operations as directed by the Operations Manager to include members/staff dining and any internal and external hospitality.
- Create and nurture an environment that emphasises motivation, empowerment, teamwork and a passion for service.
- To provide excellent food and customer service and respond quickly and proactively to customers’ needs.
- To develop the food offer in line with current market trends and to the standards outlined in the Thomas Franks company values.
- To ensure age‑appropriate food is available in all locations throughout the dining period ensuring all special dietary requirements of members are adhered to at all times.
- Establish and maintain open, collaborative relationships with all departments and ensure all members of your team do the same.
- Ensure compliance with all Thomas Franks Food & Beverage policies, standards and procedures by training, supervising, follow‑up and hands‑on management.
- Maintain and develop service standards in all dining areas including the cleanliness and presentation of the room.
- To have full knowledge of the clients Safeguarding, Health & Safety, Fire and Accident and reporting procedures.
- To carry out effective induction, review and development plans for staff within the areas managed and to maintain appropriate records.
- To support any rehabilitation activity as required by the centre in support of open days and centre delivery requirements.
- To undertake any reasonable duties that may be required relating to the effective operation and development of commercial areas as directed by the Operations Manager.
Proven experience of delivering excellent food standards. Be a hands‑on Catering Manager leading the team in food production and service. Proven ability to communicate with clients and deliver agreed objectives and goals. High level of communication, to include reading, writing, oral and listening. Customer and personal service skills, proven track record of customer service achievements. Ability to work as part of a team. Analytical/critical thinking, ability to gather and organise information using logical and systematic processes. Excellent interpersonal skills. Proven ability to manage a team and achieve high performance through motivation. Must have the flexibility to work to the needs of the business. Ability to demonstrate a good understanding and use of verbal English. Ability to demonstrate a good standard of written English and reading skills. Similar experience of customer and/or food preparation environment is essential. Hold a recognised cooking qualification such as City & Guild 706/1 & 2 or equivalent.
About us Thomas Franks is a founder‑led, fresh food catering business with a focus on excellence and service delivered with individuality, passion and style. We are unique in every approach and our clients, and our people are paramount to our daily success.
Diversity and Inclusion at Thomas Franks: We actively encourage applications from candidates from diverse backgrounds and continue to develop a culture of growth and inclusion and would like to invite applications from groups who are currently under‑represented, because we believe greater diversity leads to exceptional results and provides a better working life.
Chef Manager in Warnham employer: Thomas Franks Ltd
At Thomas Franks, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters teamwork, motivation, and a passion for service. Located in the picturesque Horsham, West Sussex, our independent school environment provides unique opportunities for professional growth, including unrivalled training and development programmes, enhanced family leave policies, and a supportive community that values diversity and inclusion. With benefits like free meals on duty and a cycle to work scheme, we ensure our employees feel valued and empowered to deliver excellence in catering.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef Manager in Warnham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the catering industry, especially those who might know about openings at schools or similar establishments. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, organise a small tasting event or showcase your culinary creations on social media. This not only highlights your talent but also gives potential employers a taste of what you can bring to their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the school and its catering needs. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their values and expectations. Remember, they want to see how you can enhance their dining experience!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Chef Manager in Warnham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience:When you're writing your application, make sure to highlight your previous experience as a Chef Manager or in a similar role. We want to see how you've led teams and delivered excellent food standards, so don’t hold back!
Tailor Your Application:Take a moment to tailor your application to the job description. Mention specific skills and experiences that align with what we're looking for, like managing budgets or ensuring high-quality customer service. It shows us you’re genuinely interested!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read, so make sure your passion for food and service shines through without any fluff.
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 the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about who we are and what we do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Thomas Franks Ltd
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
As a Chef Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your culinary expertise. Familiarise yourself with the school's menu and be ready to discuss how you would enhance it. Think about seasonal ingredients and dietary requirements that could impress the interviewers.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role requires strong team management. Prepare examples of how you've motivated and led a team in previous roles. Be ready to discuss your approach to training staff and maintaining high service standards.
✨Understand Budget Management
Since managing the financial budget is key, brush up on your experience with profit and loss statements. Be prepared to discuss how you've successfully managed budgets in the past and any strategies you used to stay within financial constraints.
✨Engage with Customer Service Scenarios
Customer interaction is crucial in this role. Think of examples where you've gone above and beyond for customers. Be ready to discuss how you would handle feedback and ensure a high level of satisfaction among students and staff.
