Chef Manager

Hours: 35 per week(Monday to Friday, Term-time only- 38 weeks per year)

About Our Client

Our client is a market-leading caterer specialising in school food. They don't just serve meals—they create fantastic food experiences that fuel young minds! By blending deep sector knowledge with the latest culinary trends, they encourage creativity and excitement in every kitchen. Driven by rapid growth and a commitment to quality care, they are now looking for a passionate leader to join their expanding team.

About the Role

Are you an ambitious Chef Manager looking for a rewarding role with fantastic hours? On behalf of our client, we are seeking a visionary leader to take full operational and financial responsibility for a school catering facility.

This role goes beyond the kitchen—our client is looking for someone with the flair and originality to consistently deliver high-quality food and service, elevating the dining experience and establishing their venue as one of the best in the region.

Key Responsibilities

• Financial Control: Manage and improve all controllable costs, including stock, food, and labour.
• Team Leadership: Lead, coach, train, and inspire your kitchen team to deliver excellence every day.
• Culinary Innovation: Oversee menu development and drive engagement through exciting monthly promotions and added-value events.
• Quality Assurance: Guarantee all standards, systems, and essential legislation are met through regular audits and proactive management.

About You

Our client is looking for a passionate leader ready to drive operational excellence and profitability. To succeed in this role, you will need:

• A strong understanding of Gross Profit (GP) management and strategic know-how to achieve targets.
• Fantastic craft skills with a genuine commitment to using fresh ingredients to deliver exceptional quality.
• Proven experience in line management—knowing how to coach, motivate, and inspire a high-performing team.
• Excellent working knowledge of health and safety practices.
• An OND/HND qualification is a bonus, but strong on-the-job experience is what matters most.

Why Apply?

• Unbeatable Work-Life Balance: Monday to Friday during school term-time only (38 weeks a year). No late nights, no weekends, and no Christmas shifts!
• Career Growth: Join a fast-growing, ambitious team with clear pathways for progression.
• Continuous Development: Benefit from a dedicated Learning & Development team offering apprenticeships and specialist training courses to help you continuously develop your skills.

Please note: All staff must share our client's commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. An enhanced DBS disclosure will be required for the successful candidate.

Pineapple Recruitment is acting as a Recruitment Agency on behalf of our client for this vacancy.