Chef Manager
Location: St Helen’s School – Northwood
Contract: 42 weeks per year – 40 hours per week
Salary: £30,000–£32,000
About the Role
An innovative Chef Manager is required to run our Nursery to Year 2 kitchen at St Helen’s School in Northwood, feeding around 250 pupils per day. Working with four team members, you will report to the Head Chef and General Manager on site, Monday to Friday.
We are seeking a passionate and experienced Chef Manager to lead the kitchen team, delivering fresh, high‑quality meals and ensuring exceptional food service for pupils, staff, and visitors.
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
Qualifications
* 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
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 & HIT Apprenticeships for all experience levels
Additional Information
* 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, customers, suppliers, 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.
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