Assistant Kitchen Manager – Prestigious Independent School (Rugby)
£34,000 | 40 hours | 5 days from 7 | One weekend off each month
Are you a passionate, hands‑on chef ready to take the next step in your career? Do you love fresh food, leading a team, and creating a calm, well‑organised kitchen where quality comes first?
This is a rare opportunity to join a respected independent school just outside Rugby, supporting the daily catering operation for a warm, close-knit residential house of around 60 pupils. If you're looking to grow as a leader while still staying close to the stove, this role offers the perfect balance.
This isn't typical contract catering — it's a chance to cook real food, work in a supportive environment, and enjoy a genuinely healthy work–life balance.
Why You'll Love This Role
A stable, year‑round position with a consistent 40-hour week
The chance to collaborate with the Kitchen Manager on menu creation and new dishes
A friendly, supportive team of 4 chefs and 2 kitchen assistants
A varied service offering: breakfast, lunch, dinner, and the occasional special event or school celebration
A well‑equipped, high‑quality kitchen environment where standards truly matter
A leadership role where your ideas and influence will help shape the kitchen culture
What You'll Be Doing
Supporting everything from menu planning and ordering to daily service
Cooking fresh, nutritious meals for approximately 60 pupils
Upholding excellent food hygiene and safety standards
Working closely with senior school staff to deliver an exceptional dining experience
Bringing creativity, energy, and pride to every service
What We're Looking For
A confident, enthusiastic chef eager to step into management
Experience leading or supervising a team in a busy kitchen
A genuine passion for great food and consistent standards
Willingness to complete an Enhanced DBS check
School catering experience is beneficial but not essential
Relevant food hygiene or cookery qualifications are welcome — but your attitude, leadership, and love for cooking matter just as much
The Setting
A beautiful, prestigious independent school near Rugby
Around 60 covers per service
A mix of everyday meals and exciting one‑off events
Supportive leadership and a strong, quality‑driven catering culture
TPBN1_UKCT