At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a kitchen team to create fresh, high-quality meals for students and staff.
- Company: Join Holroyd Howe, a top contract caterer in the UK focused on independent schools.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days holiday, volunteering days, and discounts on brands through Perkbox.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for career growth and professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' dining experiences while developing your culinary skills.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Chef Manager with strong leadership and kitchen management skills.
The predicted salary is between 37000 - 37000 £ per year.
Location: East Grinstead (Turners Hill area)
Contract Type: 52-week contract | 5 out of 7 days
Start Date: Early July
Salary: Up to £37,000 (depending on experience)
Why Join Us?
- 28 days holiday (including bank holidays)
- 3 volunteering days to give back to causes you care about
- 3 days grandparent leave for those special family moments
- 24 weeks enhanced maternity leave
- Bespoke training & development opportunities
- Pension & life insurance
- Discounts on high street brands, cinema & holidays via the Perkbox App
- Wellbeing hub & access to employee assistance programme
- Free meals while at work
- Career development through apprenticeships for all experience levels.
About the Role:
We are seeking a passionate and experienced Chef Manager to lead the kitchen team within a growing operation in the East Grinstead (Turners Hill) area. You will be responsible for managing day-to-day kitchen operations, delivering fresh, high-quality meals, and ensuring exceptional food service for pupils, staff, and visitors.
You will be joining Holroyd Howe, one of the UK’s leading contract caterers, providing fresh innovative food services solely to independent schools and colleges. We are a team of experienced professionals who tailor our catering service provision specifically to suit children of all ages in order to meet the bespoke requirements of each school.
The safety and wellbeing of the people we serve is at the heart of everything we do. A key element is effective allergen management; achieved through training, communication, and care, we create mealtimes where every pupil has a safe experience. Our mission is simple: to provide our teams with the right skills to succeed in their job and our exceptional teams of seasoned specialists customise our catering services to fit children of all ages and satisfy the unique needs of our clients.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead kitchen operations ensuring the highest standards of food quality, safety, and presentation
- Manage and support a small kitchen team, fostering a positive working environment
- Oversee menu planning, stock control, and supplier relationships
- Maintain accurate financial records including budgets, ordering, and stock rotation
- Ensure compliance with all food safety, health & safety, and safeguarding policies
- Work collaboratively with the school community to provide a friendly and efficient catering experience
- Accountability for following and championing allergen controls
Qualifications:
Candidate Profile:
- Previous experience as a Chef Manager or similar role within contract catering, ideally the Independent Education sector
- Strong kitchen management and leadership skills
- Passionate about using fresh, seasonal ingredients to create balanced, appealing menus
- Excellent organisational and communication skills
- Knowledge of food safety standards, allergen management, and sustainability best practices
Additional Information:
We pride ourselves on:
- People first: We’re a company of individuals, united in doing our best for our clients.
- Great food, always: Using only the best ingredients, our food is fresh, authentic and tailored to each school, age group, and specific needs and preferences.
- Food education: We educate pupils through food, encouraging them to understand and develop their own personal tastes and make informed food choices.
- Respect in everything we do: Our respectful codes of conduct inform how we behave towards our clients and customers, suppliers and business partners, and each other.
- Fresh thinking: New ideas for food, service and ways of working help us maintain our position as creative leaders in school catering.
In order to be considered for this role you must be able to demonstrate that you have the Right to Work in the UK.
Holroyd Howe is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all employees to share this commitment. All roles within Holroyd Howe involve regulated activity. It is a criminal offence for individuals barred from working with children to apply for such roles. An Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, including a Barred List check will be required for all successful applicants. Shortlisted applicants will be asked to provide information about relevant criminal offences and will be subject to an online search of publicly available information. This search helps identify any issues that may affect suitability to work with children. This appointment is offered on the return of satisfactory professional references.
Chef Manager in East Grinstead employer: WSH Group
Holroyd Howe is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises the wellbeing of its employees. With generous benefits such as 28 days of holiday, enhanced maternity leave, and bespoke training opportunities, we empower our Chef Managers to thrive in their roles while contributing to the development of young minds through food education. Located in the picturesque East Grinstead area, you will be part of a dedicated team that values fresh, high-quality ingredients and innovative catering solutions tailored to the unique needs of independent schools.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef Manager in East Grinstead
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Holroyd Howe and their values. When you walk into that interview, show us you understand what we stand for and how you can contribute to our mission of providing exceptional food services.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your cooking skills! We want to see your passion for fresh, seasonal ingredients. Prepare a few signature dishes that showcase your creativity and ability to manage a kitchen effectively.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with others in the industry. Connect with fellow chefs or join culinary groups online. You never know who might have insights or tips about working with us at Holroyd Howe!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Chef Manager in East Grinstead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food:When writing your application, let your love for cooking and fresh ingredients shine through. We want to see how passionate you are about creating delicious meals that cater to the needs of children and young people.
Highlight Your Leadership Skills:As a Chef Manager, you'll be leading a kitchen team. Make sure to showcase your previous experience in managing teams and fostering a positive work environment. We value strong leadership, so don’t hold back!
Be Specific About Your Experience:Tailor your application by including specific examples from your past roles, especially in contract catering or the education sector. We love seeing how your unique experiences can contribute to our mission.
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 with Holroyd Howe!
How to prepare for a job interview at WSH Group
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with the types of fresh, seasonal ingredients that are popular in school catering. Be ready to discuss how you would incorporate these into appealing menus that cater to children’s tastes and dietary needs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed a kitchen team in the past. Highlight your ability to foster a positive working environment and how you’ve handled challenges, ensuring everyone works together efficiently.
✨Understand Allergen Management
Since allergen management is crucial in this role, brush up on your knowledge of food safety standards and allergen controls. Be prepared to discuss how you would ensure a safe dining experience for all pupils.
✨Engage with the School Community
Think about ways you can collaborate with the school community to enhance the catering experience. Prepare to share ideas on how you would create a friendly atmosphere and engage with pupils and staff alike.
