Chef Manager – Job Description
The Ark Atwood Primary Academy in Westminster, London is seeking a full‑time Chef Manager to lead the catering team, develop menus, and deliver food education across the school. The role starts September 2026, is part of a 41‑week term time contract, and offers a salary in the Ark Support Staff (Inner London) Band 7 range.
Key Responsibilities
Meal Service
* Continuously develop the catering service with innovative planning that prioritises health and well‑being.
* Lead cooking for meals, special events and functions.
* Create a three‑week menu cycle for each term, suitable for 4‑11 year‑olds, seasonal and nutritious.
* Prepare individual menus for specific hospitality events.
* Order items required for menus.
* Manage costs and stock, keeping monthly stock counts and calculating food costs.
* Record kitchen wastage, calculate weekly and monthly percentage wasted (target 5 %).
Finance Management
* Operate the catering department within budgetary targets.
* With the headteacher, draw up a draft catering budget at least one term in advance of the financial year, revise it, and agree final targets.
* Monitor financial performance monthly and produce action plans for any overspend.
* Implement best practice costings, wastage monitoring and monthly stock‑takes.
* Arrange rota cover for operational efficiency and cost control.
People Management
* Serve as primary contact for the catering team and oversee welfare, motivation and development.
* Co‑operate in interview and induction processes, set objectives and act as mentor.
* Conduct annual and mid‑year appraisals, set targets and training plans.
* Produce and maintain training plans and individual training records.
Operational
* Maintain exceptional customer‑service standards and interact with customers for feedback.
* Complete daily pre‑service checks and ensure all areas are ready.
* Ensure kitchen staff understand duties, are motivated, and work closely during service.
* Establish and maintain operational procedures to improve service standards.
* Implement and manage a customer‑feedback system for constructive input.
* Introduce new service innovations regularly, such as themed days.
Food Safety
* Prepare food in compliance with safety policies.
* Maintain records for safe storage and preparation.
* Keep all kitchen areas clean with appropriate cleaning schedules.
* Carry out deep cleans as directed by the headteacher.
* Ensure all food handlers are trained.
Health and Safety
* Manage all health, safety, fire and hygiene legislation.
* Ensure staff follow safe working practices.
* Confirm catering equipment safety and report maintenance issues.
Food Education
* Lead food education initiatives, including assemblies, cooking classes and staff meetings.
* Engage children with displays and activities across the school.
* Coordinate communication between departments and the catering team.
* Ensure marketing, menus and communications are appropriate.
Other Duties
* Carry out other tasks directed by senior leadership.
* Attend external meetings or training courses as required.
Person Specification
Qualification Criteria
* Right to work in the UK.
* Education to O Level/GCSE standard with passes in English and Maths.
* Relevant catering qualification (essential).
* Health & Safety and Food Hygiene L2 – desirable.
* First Aid qualification – desirable.
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
* Experience cooking in large quantities.
* Experience managing kitchen staff – desirable.
* Experience working with children – desirable.Experience with cultural diversity in food preparation – desirable.
* Knowledge of healthy eating and nutrition for menu creation.
* Excellent communication skills, verbal and written.
* Strong customer‑care experience.
* Working knowledge of booking, stock management or financial IT packages.
* Diverse culinary and catering career portfolio – desirable.
Personal Characteristics
* Passion for student potential and Ark’s mission.
* Innovation, creative flair, up‑to‑date with modern food trends.
* Conscientious, detail‑oriented, highly organised.
* Strong people‑management, delegation and motivation skills.
* Team player, helpful, friendly, willing to assist as needed.
* Positive role model for students and staff.
* Genuine interest in helping children learn healthy eating.
* Enthusiasm for nutritional standards.
* Hard‑working, flexible, minimal supervision.
* Calm, approachable and resilient under pressure.
* Commitment to environmental issues.
* Well presented and professional.
Additional Requirements
* Commitment to equality of opportunity and safeguarding of all pupils.
* Willingness to undertake training.
* Subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check.
Benefits
* Salary 2.5 % higher than the main pay scale.
* Twice as many training days as standard.
* Generous pension scheme.
* Access to Ark rewards (savings programme with major retailers).
* Interest‑free loans up to £5,000 for season‑ticket or bicycle purchase.
* Gym discounts up to 40 %.
* Employee Assistance Programme offering free, confidential counselling and legal advice.
Safeguarding Statement
Ark is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All employees are required to undertake an enhanced DBS check and provide disclosure of any unspent conviction, caution, reprimand or warning. Disclosure is part of the appointment procedure, and failure to provide necessary information may lead to dismissal. Ark follows strict safeguarding procedures to protect children and young people.
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