Area Chef Manager at Omni RMS, Southall, Greater London

Culinary Lead (Education) / Area Chef Manager

Contract: Education

Location: London, UB2 4HT

Hours of work: 37.5

Contract Type: Permanent

Our client, ISS, is seeking a passionate food professional to lead food-focused educational initiatives across the ISS Ealing school contract, supporting 57 primary schools.

The successful candidate will combine expertise in food, nutrition, sustainability and hospitality with the ability to deliver engaging workshops, presentations and practical learning experiences that promote healthy eating habits among children.

Job Description

We are looking for an experienced chef and confident communicator who can work closely with schools, parents, clients, kitchen teams and operational colleagues to enhance food quality, support menu development, drive meal uptake and strengthen community engagement through food education and hospitality initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide expertise on food service, sustainability and food production across the ISS Ealing school contract.
• Deliver food-related initiatives, programmes and training to primary schools, parents and kitchen teams.
• Support menu development and content, helping to drive school meal uptake.
• Develop client-specific menus, including three menu cycles, picture menus and front-facing menus.
• Collate menu feedback through client meetings, school councils and local cluster meetings.
• Support and expand the current hospitality offering through menu development, training and promotion of hospitality and staff meals.
• Deliver and support assemblies, workshops and educational events across all schools within the contract.
• Build positive relationships with clients, schools, parents and pupils while supporting communication and local community engagement activities.

Professional and Personal Competencies/Qualifications

• Educational background with a good understanding of food and nutrition.
• Sound knowledge of basic cooking techniques and food preparation.
• Experience delivering engaging workshops, presentations and interactive food activities.
• Passionate about working with children and creating positive learning experiences.
• Ability to promote healthy eating habits through practical and engaging activities.
• Strong experience within professional kitchen environments, including food preparation and menu planning.
• Confident and engaging presenter with excellent communication skills.
• Creative thinker with the ability to encourage participation and engagement.
• Experience coaching, training and supporting kitchen teams to improve food quality and share best practice.
• Ability to work collaboratively with area managers, nutritionists and hospitality teams.
• Must hold full UK driving licence (company van provided).