Job Title: School Chef Manager Location: Watford WD25 Salary: £35,000 per annum Contract Type: Permanent, 42 weeks per year (term time + inset) Hours: 45 hours per week, 6?am 3:30?pm Start Date: As soon as possible About the Role Were looking for an experienced, talented Chef Manager to lead the catering service at our large secondary school site in Watford. This is a fantastic opportunity for a passionate and organised chef with a strong restaurant or high-volume catering background who is ready to make a real impact on students dining experience. The site caters for approximately 700 meals per day (600 students plus around 120 staff), with a total school roll of approximately 1200. The service includes a main restaurant and two additional pods , delivering a high-quality, varied food offer that meets client expectations. You will lead a dedicated team of 7 General Assistants across breakfast, break, and lunch service, ensuring a smooth, efficient operation that consistently delivers excellent food and customer service. Key Responsibilities Oversee all aspects of the daily catering operation, delivering consistently high standards of food and service.

Plan, prepare, and present balanced, appealing menus in line with school food standards and client expectations.

Lead, train, and motivate your team of 7 catering assistants to ensure smooth service across multiple outlets (main restaurant and pods).

Manage stock, orders, and supplier relationships to maintain cost control and quality.

Maintain excellent standards of cleanliness, food hygiene, and health & safety in line with legislation and company policy.

Accurately record and communicate allergen information.

Build a strong working relationship with school leadership to meet dietary requirements, manage expectations, and continuously improve the service.

Drive customer engagement through a welcoming, professional approach to students and staff.

About You Were looking for someone who: Has proven experience managing a busy, high-volume catering operationideally with a restaurant background and an understanding of delivering quality at scale.

Brings strong organisational and leadership skills, able to motivate and develop a team.

Demonstrates a real passion for fresh, nutritious, and appealing food.

Has excellent knowledge of food hygiene, health & safety, allergens, and best practice in catering operations.

Can work collaboratively with school staff, suppliers, and team members to deliver the highest possible standards.

Is proactive, reliable, and committed to exceeding client expectations in every service.

Other Perks & Benefits Term-time working pattern (42 weeks per year), with school holidays off

Supportive school environment and client relationship

Opportunities for training and professional development within the company

Company rewards and recognition schemes

Access to employee wellbeing and assistance programmes

Pension scheme (employee contribution 3%)

TPBN1_UKCT