Chef Manager

Job Overview

Job Title: Chef Manager

Location: Westheath School

Contract Type: 47.6 weeks per year (including 5.6 weeks paid holiday)

Salary: £44,800 per annum

Why Join Us?

• 28 days paid holiday (including bank holidays, pro-rata within contracted weeks)
• 3 volunteering days to support causes you care about
• 3 days grandparent leave
• 24 weeks enhanced maternity leave
• Bespoke training and development opportunities
• Pension scheme and life insurance
• Discounts on high‑street brands, cinema, and holidays via the Perkbox app
• Wellbeing hub and access to an Employee Assistance Programme
• Free meals while on duty
• Clear career progression and HIT Apprenticeships for all experience levels

We are seeking a passionate and experienced Chef Manager to lead the kitchen at Westheath School. You will be responsible for running day‑to‑day kitchen operations, delivering fresh, high‑quality meals, and providing a reliable, caring food service for pupils and staff in a small, supportive school environment.

You will be joining Holroyd Howe, one of the UK’s leading contract caterers, specialising exclusively in independent schools and colleges. We deliver fresh, innovative food tailored to children of all ages, with a strong focus on quality, wellbeing, and individual needs.

Our mission is simple: to give our teams the skills and support they need to succeed. We invest in training and development, enabling our experienced professionals to deliver bespoke catering services that make a real difference.

• Lead kitchen operations ensuring the highest standards of food quality, safety, and presentation
• Manage and support a small kitchen team, fostering a positive working environment
• Oversee menu planning, stock control, and supplier relationships
• Maintain accurate financial records including budgets, ordering, and stock rotation
• Ensure compliance with all food safety, health & safety, and safeguarding policies
• Work collaboratively with the school community to provide a friendly and efficient catering experience

• Previous experience as a Chef Manager or similar role within contract catering, ideally in the Independent Education sector
• Strong kitchen management and leadership skills
• Passionate about using fresh, seasonal ingredients to create balanced, appealing menus
• Excellent organisational and communication skills
• Knowledge of food safety standards, allergen management, and sustainability best practices

We pride ourselves on:

• People first – we’re a company of individuals united in doing our best for our clients.
• Great food, always – using only the best ingredients, our food is fresh, authentic and tailored to each school, age group and specific needs.
• Food education – we educate pupils through food, encouraging them to understand and develop their own personal tastes and make informed food choices.
• Respect in everything we do – our respectful codes of conduct inform how we behave towards our clients and customers, suppliers and business partners, and each other.
• Fresh thinking – new ideas for food, service and ways of working help us maintain our position as creative leaders in school catering.

In order to be considered for this role you must be able to demonstrate that you have the Right to Work in the UK.

Holroyd Howe is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all employees to share this commitment. All roles within Holroyd Howe involve regulated activity. It is a criminal offence for individuals barred from working with children to apply for such roles. An Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, including a Barred List check, will be required for all successful applicants.

Shortlisted applicants will be asked to provide information about relevant criminal offences and will be subject to an online search of publicly available information. This search helps identify any issues that may affect suitability to work with children.

This appointment is offered on the return of satisfactory professional references.