Chef Manager Job at CH&CO at Queens Park Community School in London, UK

CH&CO is recruiting an experienced Chef Manager to oversee the catering operation at Queens Park Community School in London, United Kingdom. The full-time position offers a salary of £39,000 per year and follows a Monday-to-Friday schedule during term time. The successful candidate will manage kitchen operations, lead the catering team, maintain food safety standards, and ensure students and customers receive quality meals and service.

Job Overview

• Job Title: Chef Manager
• Company: CH&CO
• Workplace: Queens Park Community School
• Location: London, England, United Kingdom
• Salary: £39,000 per year
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Working Hours: 40 hours per week
• Schedule: Monday to Friday
• Working Period: Term time only, 44.6 weeks per year
• Experience Required: At least two years of catering experience
• Benefits: Free meals, pension scheme, healthcare benefits, employee discounts, and career development programmes

About the Employer

CH&CO operates catering services across a range of venues and is part of Compass Group UK&I. For this vacancy, the company is looking for a Chef Manager to oversee food preparation and service at Queens Park Community School.

The role combines kitchen management, staff supervision, food quality control, and budget awareness within a school catering environment.

Job Description

The Chef Manager will be responsible for the day-to-day running of the school catering operation. This includes organising food preparation, supervising staff, managing supplies, controlling costs, and ensuring that meals meet the required standards.

The successful candidate will also maintain accurate records, follow food safety procedures, and build positive working relationships with the school community. Occasional hospitality and event support may also be required.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage daily catering operations and coordinate kitchen activities.
• Prepare, cook, and serve food according to established standards.
• Lead, motivate, and develop members of the catering team.
• Maintain food quality, presentation, and customer-service standards.
• Organise food orders, deliveries, stock control, and storage.
• Monitor food costs and minimise waste.
• Use kitchen equipment and resources efficiently.
• Follow food hygiene, HACCP, health and safety, and allergen procedures.
• Complete catering paperwork and maintain accurate records.
• Build effective relationships with the school, customers, and colleagues.
• Support occasional hospitality services and events.
• Ensure company procedures and applicable requirements are followed.

Qualifications and Requirements

Applicants should have the following skills and experience:

• Proven experience managing a kitchen or catering operation.
• At least two years of catering experience.
• Strong cooking skills and an interest in preparing quality food.
• Experience supervising, motivating, and developing a team.
• Knowledge of food safety, hygiene, and workplace safety.
• Basic Food Hygiene qualification.
• Budget-management and commercial awareness.
• Good organisation and communication skills.
• Ability to manage a busy kitchen and prioritise tasks.
• Confidence handling catering administration and records.
• A customer-focused approach and commitment to consistent standards.

Previous kitchen management experience is important because the role involves responsibility for both staff and the wider catering operation.

Salary and Benefits

The advertised salary is £39,000 per year for a 40-hour working week, Monday to Friday. The role operates during term time only, covering 44.6 weeks per year.

The advertised benefits include:

• Free meals.
• A contributory pension scheme.
• Digital GP access for employees and their immediate families.
• Additional healthcare benefits.
• Career development through Career Pathways and MyLearning programmes.
• Travel discounts.
• Grocery and cinema discounts.
• Employee rewards and wellness activities.

The advertisement also mentions occasional hospitality duties.

Who Should Apply

This position is suitable for experienced chefs or catering professionals who have managed kitchen operations and can lead a team. Applicants should be comfortable with food preparation, stock management, budget control, food safety, and customer service.

The Monday-to-Friday schedule and term-time working arrangement may appeal to candidates seeking a school-based catering role. Applicants should ensure they meet the experience and Basic Food Hygiene requirements before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Where is the Chef Manager position located?

The job is based at Queens Park Community School in London, England, United Kingdom.

2. What salary does CH&CO offer?

The advertised salary is £39,000 per year.

3. What are the working hours?

The position is listed as 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday, during term time only for 44.6 weeks per year.

4. How much experience is required?

Applicants need at least two years of catering experience, along with proven experience managing a kitchen or catering operation.

5. Is a food hygiene qualification required?

Yes. The listing specifies a Basic Food Hygiene qualification.

6. What benefits are available?

Benefits include free meals, a contributory pension scheme, healthcare support, career development programmes, and various employee discounts and rewards.

7. Does this job offer visa sponsorship?

The supplied advertisement does not confirm visa sponsorship. Applicants who require UK work authorisation should verify their eligibility and sponsorship options with the employer.

8. How can applicants apply?

The listing directs candidates to apply online through the company’s recruitment website.