Chef Manager

Working Contract: 52 working weeks

An innovative Chef Manager is required to run this boutique contract at one of our Stamford School locations! Great opportunity to create wonderful dishes within a excellent kitchen environment. Working with 6 team members. Monday to Friday working hours!!

Benefits

Are you a culinary connoisseur\gastronomic genius? Do you have an insatiable passion for food that delight the senses? Yes? Then this is the role for you. At Holroyd Howe we offer an exceptional culinary playground where your creativity can flourish and your talents shine. We wholeheartedly believe that the best food comes from nurturing talent and empowering our chefs to continuously evolve and refine their craft, that’s why invest in you to develop your professional growth.

As a member of our team, you will be supported in an inclusive environment that encourages growth and celebrates diversity. We will invest in your development with ongoing training, to ensure that you have the skills and knowledge to thrive in your role, and we guarantee a good work-life balance, because we believe that people excel when they are given the space to take care of themselves.

If you are an inspirational and enthusiastic Chef Manager keen to make a difference at our stunning Stamford location, then we would love to hear from you!

Menu Planning & Execution

- Create, plan, and deliver menus that reflect the style, ethos, and customer preferences of the Junior School.
- Work with the Stamford Executive Chef to ensure consistency, seasonality, and innovation across the menu cycle.
- Oversee daily food production and presentation to guarantee high-quality dishes.
- Monitor and control portion sizes and reduce waste in line with sustainability objectives.

Employee Management

- Recruit, train, and supervise all catering team members, including chefs, cooks, and front-of-house colleagues.
- Provide continuous coaching, direction, and performance feedback to develop skills and maintain high morale.
- Lead by example to foster a positive, inclusive, and professional kitchen culture.

Inventory & Cost Control

- Monitor and manage stock levels, implementing a sensible and efficient approach to ordering.
- Ensure accurate stock rotation and minimise wastage.
- Work within agreed budgets and contribute to cost efficiencies without compromising food quality or service.

Customer & Student Engagement

- Build strong relationships with pupils, staff, and parents to understand their catering needs.
- Lead regular engagement with the Student Food Council , using feedback to shape menus, improve service, and encourage student ownership of their dining experience.
- Maintain open and proactive communication channels to address feedback, concerns, and suggestions.

Health, Safety & Compliance

- Support the Director of Catering and Stamford Executive Chef in ensuring full compliance with food hygiene, allergen, and health and safety regulations.
- Embed a culture of safety throughout the kitchen and front-of-house team.
- Ensure all kitchen practices align with school policies and regulatory requirements.

Budget & Financial Management

- Assist in the development and management of the kitchen budget.
- Monitor financial performance, produce relevant reports, and identify opportunities for cost savings.
- Implement efficiency improvements while maintaining excellence in delivery and presentation.

Compliance & Documentation

- Maintain accurate records of stock, orders, wastage, cleaning schedules, and food preparation processes.
- Ensure all regulatory, audit, and internal documentation requirements are consistently met.
- Support external and internal inspections with confidence and professionalism.

Requirements

Proven experience as a Chef Manager or Senior Chef in a school or similar environment.; Strong culinary skills with a passion for delivering high-quality food for children.; Excellent leadership and communication abilities.; Strong understanding of food safety, allergens, and health & safety legislation.; Ability to work collaboratively with senior leaders and cross‑functional teams.

Nice to have

Experience working in an independent school environment.; Knowledge of child nutrition and meal planning for young age groups.; Previous involvement in customer feedback programmes such as student councils or focus groups.

Benefits

28 Days holiday including bank holidays; Plus your birthday off; 3 volunteering days; 3 days grandparent leave; 24 week’s enhanced maternity leave; Secondary carer leave; Wedding/commitment day leave; Free meals on shift; Bespoke training and development opportunities; Apprenticeships opportunities for all experience levels; Pension and life insurance; Discounts available on our Perkbox app, high street shops, holidays & cinema; Wellbeing hub; Access to employee assistance programme; Cycle to work scheme