Chef Manager

Lexington Independents; Leicester; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 40,000

Job description

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.

Our way of saying thank you…

At Lexington, we strive to ensure that our colleagues feel appreciated & rewarded, which is why we offer generous rewards & benefits in exchange for your dedicated efforts.

• FREE On-Site Lunches:Savour delicious and healthy meals, on us, every day at work
• Flexible Working:Enjoy the freedom to balance work and personal life with our flexible working hours
• Term Time Holidays:Offering you flexibility
• Family Leave:Prioritise your family commitments with our family leave options designed to support you during important times
• Paid Charity Leave:Make a difference in your community with paid time off to volunteer for your favourite causes
• Opportunities for Career Progression:Grow and advance your career with us, supported by continuous learning and development opportunities
• Comprehensive Wellbeing Benefits:Access mental health support and a range of wellbeing benefits to keep you feeling your best, both professionally and personally
• Life Assurance & Pension Schemes:Secure your future with our life assurance and workplace pension schemes
• Exclusive Discounts & Perks:Enjoy discounts and cashback on entertainment, leisure activities, and much more, alongside our popular cycle-to-work scheme

About the Role

We are looking for a dedicatedChef Managerto 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 approximately250 students to feed per day, the catering offer includestuck and lunch services, focusing on bothretail and core feeding. There is minor hospitality with an appetite to elevate standards further.

What You’ll Be Doing…

As aChef 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
• 40 hours p/w

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.

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.