Caterlink - Chef Manager

Caterlink is the education sector catering specialist. For over 20 years, the Company has delivered fresh food solutions to pupils and staff at Primary Schools, Secondary Schools and Colleges across the UK. The company caters more than 1,000,000 meals a week. Our “Fresh Food Policy” is the foundation of our success and growth in the market coupled with a desire to truly deliver on the promises we make to our clients and support our site-based teams.

Caterlink is seeking an experienced and passionate Chef Manager to join our team in Newmarket, United Kingdom. As a Chef Manager, you will play a crucial role in ensuring that our future generations are provided with nutritionally balanced and delicious meals whilst leading a dedicated kitchen team.

• Oversee the daily operations of the kitchen, ensuring high standards of food quality and presentation
• Develop and implement nutritionally balanced menus that cater to various dietary requirements
• Lead, coach, and develop a team of kitchen staff, fostering a collaborative and positive work environment
• Plan and execute theme days and added value events to enhance customer engagement
• Manage food costs, inventory, and budgets to maintain profitability
• Ensure compliance with all health and safety regulations and food safety standards
• Collaborate with school administrators and staff to meet the needs of students and staff
• Maintain accurate records and reports, including GP calculations and inventory management
• Actively participate in the food preparation and cooking process as needed
• Continuously seek ways to improve kitchen efficiency and food quality

The position is Monday - Friday, 9am - 2pm approx, term time only.

• Proven experience as a Chef Manager or in a similar role within a school or catering environment
• Strong leadership and team management skills
• Excellent culinary skills with a passion for creating nutritious and appealing meals
• Knowledge of food safety regulations and health and safety standards
• Strong organisational and time management skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and adapt to changing needs
• Proficient in IT systems relevant to kitchen management and reporting
• Experience in budget management and cost control
• Creativity in developing themed events and special menus
• Commitment to ongoing professional development in the culinary field

There are many advantages to working for us including:

• With Caterlink you have the opportunity to a blended learning programme that can include formal qualifications including Apprenticeships, classroom training, eLearning and on the job training to support and encourage your development and enable you to be the best you can be. Everyone who joins us is provided with an induction where they learn more about us and enable them to be the best they can be. We invest in development opportunities and are always looking to recruit, train and retain the best people for our own future talent and your own future development.
• Working for Caterlink ensure you are able to enjoy a great work/life balance – this is the beauty of working term-time only and no weekends!
• We offer you access to our Employee Discount Platform where you can make great savings at supermarkets, cinema, restaurants as well as holiday discounts, family days out and many more!
• Our Employee Assistance Program and Virtual GP benefits are there for you and your family to use free of charge at any time
• You may be eligible to join our Pension scheme