Chef Manager

• Address: The Oaks Primary School Ipswich Suffolk IP2 0NR
• Salary: 28624 pro rata
• Hours: Part Time. 32.5 hours per week 39 weeks per year
• Contract: Permanent. Required from 1 September 2025
• Reference: 7644

About this Role

Are you an experienced and passionate chef looking for a hands-on role to make a real difference We have a fantastic opportunity for a Chef Manager to work at The Oaks Primary School part of the ASSET Education Trust.

We are seeking a passionate and highly organised Chef Manager to lead our school kitchen. You will be responsible for the efficient and effective management of the school kitchen ensuring the provision of fresh high-quality nutritious and appealing meals for our children and staff in line with nutritional guidelines and budgetary requirements. This role requires a strong focus on food safety hygiene teamwork and continuous improvement.

About ASSET Education

ASSET is an Education Trust comprising 15 primary schools in and around Ipswich and north-east Suffolk. We have an ambitious future-facing vision to equip and empower our young people to create a more compassionate equitable and sustainable world where they personally and collectively thrive. Our tagline is Nurturing Humanity. We want to apply these deeply held commitments of nurturing and sustainability by providing a food education that benefits childrens health and wellbeing and minimises the impact on the planet both in terms of what children eat whilst at school and the food choices they make as adults.

The Oaks Primary School

The Oaks is a large vibrant primary school committed to providing an exceptional learning environment for our pupils. We believe that good nutrition is fundamental to childrens well-being and academic success. Our catering team plays a vital role in delivering healthy delicious and appealing meals to our diverse school community.

Key Responsibilities

Kitchen Management and Operations

• Oversee the daily operation of the school kitchen including meal preparation cooking and service for breakfast clubs lunch and after-school activities as required.

Food Safety and Hygiene

• Ensure strict adherence to all food safety regulations including HACCP principles COSHH and Natashas Law. Maintain the highest standards of cleanliness and hygiene in the kitchen and dining areas.

Team Leadership and Management

• Support the recruitment training and supervision of a team of catering staff.

Financial Management

• Monitor expenditure and identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising quality.
• Process invoices and manage financial records accurately.

Customer Service and Communication

• Liaise effectively with the School Business Manager Headteacher staff pupils and parents regarding catering services menu planning and dietary requirements.

Health and Safety

• Ensure compliance with all relevant Health and Safety legislation.
  

Essential Skills and Experience:

• Proven experience as a chef manager Head Chef or similar role in a large-scale catering environment ideally within an education or public sector setting.
• NVQ Level 3 in Professional Cookery or equivalent qualification.
• Intermediate Food Hygiene Certificate (Level 3 or higher).
• Strong understanding of School Food Standards and nutritional guidelines for children.
• Demonstrable experience in menu planning costing and budget management.
• Excellent knowledge of HACCP COSHH and all relevant food safety and hygiene regulations.
• Proven ability to lead motivate and manage a catering team.
• Strong organisational and time management skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple tasks effectively.
• Proficient in basic IT skills (e.g. email spreadsheets for stock management).

Desirable Skills and Experience:

• Experience with catering software systems.
• Allergen awareness training.
• First Aid qualification.

What We Offer:

• A supportive and friendly school environment.
• The opportunity to make a real difference to the health and well-being of our pupils.
• Access to professional development opportunities.
• A competitive salary and benefits package.
• Generous holiday entitlement during school breaks.
• Local Government Pension Scheme.

How to apply

Please read theJob Description (pdf)

All applications to be made through My New Term: (ASSET Education)

Closing date 12 pm 16 July 2025.

Interview date: 23 July 2025.

Safeguarding Statement: ASSET Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check satisfactory references and other pre-employment and online behaviour checks.

ASSET Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Orderand 2020.

The successful candidate will have to meet the requirements of the job description and will be subject to pre-employment checks including an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and childrens barred list check health check online search and satisfactory references. Copies of our safeguarding and safer recruitment policies are available on request.