Chef Manager
Independent Prep School
Loughton Area - Essex
Salary: £40,000
40 hours week,52 weeks per year
A well-regarded independent prep school in Loughton, Essex is looking to appoint a dedicated and experienced Chef Manager to lead its catering operation.
This is an excellent opportunity for a hands-on chef who enjoys working in a structured environment, values quality ingredients, and takes pride in delivering nutritious meals for a school community.
Working hours will generally be 7:00am 3:30pm or 10:30am 7:00pm, depending on the needs, with some flexibility required on occasion, but the role offers a strong worklife balance overall.
This is a hands-on leadership role, where you will be actively involved in food preparation as well as managing the operation and working within a small & dedicated team.
Independent day prep school with approximately 300 pupils and 50 staff on site
Daily catering: Breakfast club, Lunch service, After-school provision
Minimal hospitality requirements
Key Responsibilities
Oversee the full day-to-day running of the kitchen and catering service
Prepare and serve high-quality, nutritious meals tailored to a young age group
Plan seasonal menus that meet dietary, nutritional, and allergen requirements
Ensure full compliance with H & S, COSH, Food Safety and allergen regulations
Manage ordering, stock control, and food cost budgets effectively
Lead, train, and motivate the kitchen team to maintain high standards
Build positive relationships with pupils, staff, and the wider school community
About You
Proven experience as a Chef Manager or Senior Chef within education or similar environments
Strong knowledge of health & safety, food hygiene, and allergen management
Confident managing and developing a small team
Passion for fresh food and delivering consistent quality
Well organised with good time management skills
Approachable, reliable, and professional
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