Job description
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 work–life 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 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 work–life 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
- 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
- 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
