We ensure you're rewarded for all your hard work, which is why we offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes but is not limited to:
1. Contributory pension scheme
2. Car or Car Allowance
3. Grow your career with our Career Pathways and MyLearning programmes
4. Quick access for you and your immediate family to a Digital GP, and wider healthcare benefits
5. Exclusive travel discounts with TUI, Expedia, and many more
6. Save money on your food shop with discounts on Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrisons and many more
7. Up to 44% off cinema tickets to enjoy your favourite blockbuster
8. Receive cash rewards every time you spend and use them on a wide range of brands
9. Un-wind with us with free wellness, mindfulness and exercise classes
10. You can share all discounts and offers with your friends and families
Role Purpose
To plan, organise and lead the preparation and delivery of high-quality food, ensuring the company’s reputation for excellence is consistently upheld in line with contractual and brand standards. The role will drive culinary quality, develop teams, deliver outstanding hospitality and ensure full compliance with food safety, HSE and financial controls.
Key Responsibilities
11. Lead and manage the preparation and cooking of food to agreed quality, brand and contractual standards
12. Deliver first-class culinary training to enhance skills, consistency and food quality across onsite teams
13. Plan and deliver exceptional hospitality and event catering
14. Drive sales through centrally developed menus, promotions and preferred supplier usage
15. Take full responsibility for food safety, HSE and COSHH compliance
16. Implement and maintain food monitoring and cost-control procedures, ensuring delivery within agreed budgets
17. Work collaboratively with the wider culinary team to support skills development and central initiatives
18. Support the day-to-day operational requirements of the business, adapting to changing priorities
Key Relationships
19. Executive Chef
20. Business Director and Operations Teams
21. Regional Culinary Team
22. Ingredient and Recipe Manager
23. Onsite Catering Teams
24. Chartwells Marketing and Nutrition Teams
25. Clients, Schools and Senior Leadership Teams
Skills, Knowledge and Experience
26. Proven culinary background within a similar foodservice or catering environment
27. Experience working in an education setting (schools or colleges)
28. Strong leadership and coaching skills with the ability to motivate and develop teams
29. Passion for great food and exceptional service delivery
30. Confident communicator with excellent presentation skills across diverse audiences
31. Financially astute, with experience managing food costs, margins and budgets
32. Experience delivering culinary skills training
33. Ability to analyse information and drive consistent results through planning and process
34. Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to build credibility quickly
35. Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint
36. Flexible approach with the ability to work independently and travel when required
Essential Requirements
37. Operational catering experience
38. Knowledge and understanding of the School Food Standards
39. High standards of personal presentation, professionalism and integrity
40. Strong planning and organisational skills, with the ability to deliver in varied environments
41. Creative and imaginative approach to food presentation for audiences including children, parents, headteachers and governors
42. Ability to perform under pressure and adapt to change
43. Full UK driving licence
About Us
Part of Compass Group UK&I, Chartwells is the leading provider of catering and support services to the education sector. For over a quarter of a century, Chartwells has been focusing on helping those in education to build strong bodies, sharp minds and lead long healthy lives. Every week, Chartwells serves millions of nutritious and delicious meals to pupils and students in primary and secondary schools, academies, independent schools, colleges, and universities across the UK. Chartwells is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all employees to share this commitment. Any offer of employment will be subject to successfully completing pre-employment checks, including an enhanced DBS disclosure and a Children's Barred List check. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and we ask applicants to declare all previous convictions and cautions in order to assess their suitability to work with children.
Job Reference: com/1301/40916001/52634631/SU #State Schools
Compass Group UK&I is committed to fostering an environment where every individual can truly be themselves at work and has equal opportunities to advance in their careers. We strive to build a culture that respects and celebrates the unique talents, beliefs, backgrounds, and abilities of all our team members. We want our colleagues to feel valued, empowered to reach their full potential, and to thrive - because diversity is our strength!