Chef Manager

JR United Kingdom; Leicester; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job description

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We’re a specialist catering company dedicated to providing delicious, healthy and exciting food for Independent Schools. We know the crucial role that food can play on a pupil’s ability to learn, develop and ultimately flourish. Food isn’t simply fuel, it’s critical to creating happy, healthy and inquisitive young minds.

Lexington is committed to safeguarding children and colleagues. Candidates that are shortlisted for this role, will be required to have an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, including Children's Barred List.

About the Role

We are looking for a dedicated Chef Manager to lead and inspire our catering team at a prestigious Girl’s School. You will be responsible for managing day-to-day kitchen operations, ensuring exceptional food quality, and maintaining high standards of service. This role requires strong leadership skills, financial awareness, and a passion for excellent customer service.

With approximately 250 students to feed per day, the catering offer includes tuck and lunch services, focusing on both retail and core feeding. There is minor hospitality with an appetite to elevate standards further.

What You’ll Be Doing…

As a Chef Manager, you will proactively manage teams on site while ensuring the highest quality of service for Elior UK, our customers, and clients. Your responsibilities include:

• Motivating and managing a team of 5 to deliver high standards of catering and service.
• Controlling and managing a budget, including stock control, waste reduction, and cost efficiency.
• Recruiting, inducting, training, and supporting colleagues to build a skilled and engaged team.
• Ensuring ongoing team communications, fostering strong internal and external relationships, and liaising with management and clients to maintain operational excellence.
• Building lasting client relationships and ensuring a high standard of customer satisfaction.
• Using systems such as Star Chef (menu building) and Insight/basic Excel to manage operational efficiency.
• Ensuring corporate compliance with food safety, best practices, and health & safety regulations.

Working Pattern:

• Monday to Friday 7 am - 3 pm with occasional hospitality / handful of weekend events

What Can You Bring?

We are looking for someone with:

• A genuine interest in customer service excellence and a passion for great food.
• The ability to focus on the front line, ensuring smooth day-to-day operations.
• Proven experience in leading a team, with strong motivational and management skills.
• A self-motivated approach, able to work independently and take initiative.
• Previous experience in education catering is desirable, along with an understanding of the school environment.
• Retail experience is desirable to enhance the offering.
• Good nutritional knowledge to ensure balanced, high-quality meal planning.

If you are a dynamic leader with a commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, we would love to hear from you!

Apply today to join our team at Lexington Independents.