Chef Manager - Private Education

Posted 30 March 2026
Salary Dependent on Experience
LocationNorthamptonshire
Sector Education
Reference934724
Expiry 09 April 2026

Job description

Kitchen Manager – Prestigious Independent School (Rugby)

£38,000 | 40 hours | 5 days out of 7 | One weekend off each month
Are you a passionate, hands‑on chef who loves fresh food, team leadership, and running a smooth, well‑organised kitchen?
This is a rare chance to take the lead in a prestigious independent school just outside Rugby, managing the daily catering for a warm, close‑knit residential house of around 60 pupils.
This isn’t your typical contract catering role — it’s a chance to cook real food, lead your own team, and be part of a high‑quality, well‑respected environment with great work‑life balance.
  
Why You’ll Love This Role
  • A stable, year‑round position with a 40‑hour week
  • Creative freedom to design menus, develop dishes, and champion fresh ingredients
  • Lead a friendly team of 4 chefs and 2 kitchen assistants
  • Cook for breakfast, lunch, and dinner — plus the occasional special event or school gala
  • Be part of a prestigious, well‑equipped environment where quality really matters
  • A role where your leadership genuinely shapes the kitchen culture
  
What You’ll Be Doing
  • Running your kitchen like it’s your own — from menu planning to ordering to daily service
  • Cooking fresh, nutritious meals for around 60 pupils
  • Coaching and developing your small team so the kitchen runs like clockwork
  • Maintaining exceptional food hygiene and safety standards
  • Working closely with senior school staff to deliver a great dining experience
  • Bringing fresh ideas, passion, and pride to every service
  
What We’re Looking For
  • A confident, enthusiastic kitchen leader with strong culinary skills
  • Experience managing a team in a busy kitchen
  • Passion for great food and consistent standards
  • Someone happy to undergo an Enhanced DBS check
  • School catering experience is a bonus — but not essential
  • Food hygiene and cookery qualifications are desirable, but we value attitude and leadership just as much
  
The Setting
  • Beautiful, prestigious independent school near Rugby
  • Around 60 covers per service
  • A mix of everyday meals and exciting one‑off events
  • Supportive leadership and a high‑quality catering culture

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