Chef Manager

Chef Manager – Primary School Catering

Location: Leatherhead, Surrey
Salary: £31,500 per annum
Hours: 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday, 7:00am – 3:00pm
Contract: 42 weeks per year

ETAB Recruits is delighted to be recruiting on behalf of a well-established education catering provider for an experienced Chef Manager to lead catering operations across an Infant and Junior School in Leatherhead.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a passionate catering professional seeking an excellent work-life balance while managing two separate school dining facilities, each serving approximately 250 meals per day.

The Role

As Chef Manager, you will take full responsibility for the day-to-day catering operation, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, nutritious meals while maintaining the highest standards of food safety, hygiene, and customer service.

Leading a team of 4 General Assistants, you will be responsible for the smooth running of both kitchens, delivering an outstanding dining experience for pupils and staff alike.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee catering operations across both Infant and Junior School kitchens.

• Manage the preparation and service of approximately 500 meals daily.

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of 4 General Assistants.

• Ensure compliance with Food Safety, Health & Safety, and HACCP procedures.

• Manage stock control, ordering, and food cost budgets.

• Deliver menus in line with School Food Standards.

• Maintain exceptional standards of cleanliness and presentation.

• Build strong relationships with school stakeholders and catering teams.

About You

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• Previous experience as a Chef Manager, Catering Manager, or Head Chef.

• Experience within education, contract catering, healthcare, or high-volume catering environments.

• Strong leadership and people management skills.

• A passion for delivering fresh, nutritious food.

• Food Safety Level 3 qualification (or equivalent).

• Excellent organisational and communication skills.

What's on Offer

• Salary of £31,500 per annum.

• Monday to Friday working pattern.

• 7:00am – 3:00pm shifts.

• 42-week contract offering an excellent work-life balance.

• School holidays off outside contracted weeks.

• Pension scheme.

• Training and development opportunities.

• A rewarding leadership role within a supportive and professional environment.

If you are an experienced catering professional looking for a role that combines leadership, responsibility, and work-life balance, we would love to hear from you.

Apply today through ETAB Recruits for immediate consideration.