Overview
Chef Manager – Independent Prep School – Monday to Friday – £40,000
Looking for a Chef Manager role where you can run your own kitchen, work daytime hours, and enjoy a genuinely positive environment?
We’re recruiting a Chef Manager to lead the catering operation at a well-regarded independent prep school, delivering fresh, nutritious food across a structured school day in Essex!
This is a fantastic opportunity for a Chef Manager or Head Chef looking for full ownership of a smaller site, with a strong work–life balance and a supportive school environment.
The Offer
- £35,000 to £40,000 salary
- Monday to Friday
- 40 hours per week
- 52-week contract
- Daytime hours (breakfast + lunch focused)
- Stable, long-term role
- Supportive and well-run environment
The School & Operation
- Independent prep school (nursery to Year 6).
- Catering for approx. 250 pupils + 50 staff.
- Breakfast club, lunch and after-school provision.
- Fresh, nutritious food prepared daily.
- Small, structured kitchen team (5 total).
- Termly menus with seasonal reviews.
- Minimal hospitality – focus on core feeding.
The Role
- This is a hands-on leadership role with full responsibility for the kitchen.
- Lead the site as Chef Manager.
- Manage and support a small kitchen team.
- Deliver fresh, high-quality food daily.
- Plan and adapt menus within school structure.
- Manage stock, ordering and kitchen organisation.
- Ensure food safety and compliance standards.
- Build a positive, calm and efficient kitchen culture.
About You
- Experience as a Chef Manager or Head Chef
- Background in education, B&I or contract catering
- Reliable, consistent and committed to long-term roles.
Why This Role?
This is a great move if you’re looking to:
- Run your own kitchen with full ownership
- Work Monday to Friday with daytime hours
- Be part of a friendly, community-led school environment
- Step into a stable, well-structured role with low stress
If you are keen to discuss the details further, please apply today or send your cv to yasmin at COREcruitment dot com
Job Tenure: Permanent
