Chef Manager - Stanford-le-Hope SS17

About the Employer:

Our Client is a school catering company that loves food, encourages a community spirit, and has a mission to put pride back into school kitchens across the UK.

They have an amazing team that they value greatly. Our Client continually maintains high standards both in terms of the food they serve and the management and safety of their kitchens which is driven by their committed team.  Their on-site teams receive regular support and training which means they have the right skills to deliver the standards and performance that are expected.

On behalf of our Client, we are looking for people with the creative initiative to grow with them and offering exciting opportunities that will attract the big thinkers and bold movers. If you think this is you, we'd love to hear from you.

Job Introduction:

As Chef Manager, you will be the point of leadership for your site. This pivotal role demands culinary mastery combined with sharp business acumen. You will place emphasis on delivering the highest quality food and service, leveraging your creative flair, originality, and leadership to make a significant stir in the school catering industry

Main Responsibilities:

• Financial Command (P&L): Assume full control of the catering operation, including managing and improving all controllable costs (stock, food, and labour) to ensure maximum profitability.

• Culinary & Menu Excellence: Lead the preparation of delicious, nutritious, high-quality meals utilising our fresh and sustainable ingredients. Oversee and guide continuous menu development.

• Team Leadership & Development: Lead, coach, and motivate all staff, setting a positive tone and guaranteeing a consistently fantastic dining experience for students and staff in line with company standards. Provide outstanding support and guidance to ensure team success.

• Commercial Growth: Actively drive sales and revenue growth through the implementation of effective monthly promotions and added-value events.

• Compliance & Audit: Ensure full compliance with all company systems, procedures, and relevant legislation. Conduct regular operational audits to verify standards are consistently met.

• Client Relations: Build and maintain strong, positive relationships with both clients and customers, acting as the primary representative for our clients site.

Why Apply?

 Our client gives their teams the time, freedom, and tools they need to feel pride in their work every single day! You'll also benefit from a true commitment to work-life balance:

This role is:

• Monday to Friday working only—say goodbye to all weekend shifts!

• 22.5 hours working with no late nights.

• 39 working weeks per year, structured around the term-time calendar (maximising time with family and friends!).

• £17 per hour

• Join a fast-growing, ambitious company dedicated to supporting your long-term career development.

• Access to our dedicated Learning & Development team for apprenticeships and advanced training courses available to all staff

The Ideal Candidate:

Our client is seeking a proactive leader who balances culinary passion with demonstrated business capability:
 

• Strong working financial understanding of gross profit management and a track record of achieving demanding sales targets.

• A natural, positive leader with proven experience in managing a team and fostering exceptional teamwork.

• Extensive craft-based experience using fresh ingredients.

• Strong knowledge of all current Health and Safety practices within a professional kitchen environment.

• Possession of an OND or HND Qualification is preferred, but not essential.