Deputy Chef Manager
Location: St Christopher School, Letchworth Garden City, Hertfordshire
Contract: 40 hours per week, 40 weeks per annum (including 18 weekends per year on a rota basis)
Salary: FTE £32,488 - £39,245 (Actual salary: £28,490 - £34,415)
Join Our Dynamic and Supportive Catering Team
Are you an experienced chef with a passion for high-quality food and a commitment to innovation? St Christopher School is seeking a dedicated Deputy Chef Manager to support the Chef Manager in delivering exceptional vegetarian cuisine for our students and staff. This is a fantastic opportunity to work in a vibrant school environment, contributing to nutritional, well-balanced menus that align with our ethos and commitment to excellence.
About the Role
As our Deputy Chef Manager, you will:
* Plan, prepare, cook, and present food to the highest standards required by the school.
* Assist in developing nutritional and healthy three-week rotational menus each term, ensuring they are well-planned and fully costed.
* Support the procurement, delivery, storage, and appropriate use of catering supplies and equipment .
* Provide guidance to catering staff on service, portion control, and food safety.
* Assist in budget management, waste control, and allergen monitoring.
* Ensure all food safety and health & safety standards are adhered to at all times.
* Assist in the day-to-day running of the kitchen, including staff rotas, recruitment, and training.
* Monitor staff performance, providing feedback and recognising training needs.
* Maintain high standards of kitchen hygiene, ensuring all equipment is well-maintained.
* Contribute to the school’s sustainability goals, particularly around food waste and the Net Zero agenda.
* Support the planning and execution of school functions and events .
About You
We are looking for someone who:
* Is a qualified chef, holding a Level 3 Food Safety Certificate and Allergen Training/Qualification .
* Has experience catering on a large scale, preparing meals for over 500 covers daily.
* Has a strong knowledge of food safety, allergens, and health & safety legislation (including COSHH) .
* Possesses excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to manage and motivate a team.
* Has experience deputising for a Head Chef or Chef Manager and leading a team in their absence.
* Is confident using Microsoft Office for menu planning and budgeting.
* Has strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage stock, reduce waste, and control costs effectively.
* Is physically capable of carrying out the demands of the role, including lifting and carrying.
* Has a passion for innovation and sustainability in food service .
Why Join St Chris?
* A supportive and welcoming team, committed to high-quality catering and student wellbeing.
* Competitive benefits, including free vegetarian lunches, a pension scheme (8% employer contribution), and access to a health plan.
* On-site facilities, including a gym and swimming pool.
* A school culture that encourages innovation, sustainability, and lifelong learning .
How to Apply
Application Deadline: 12:00pm, Wednesday 5 March 2025
Interview Date: Thursday 13 March 2025
Interested? Apply via. Please complete an application form (CVs not accepted) and submit it along with a covering letter to hr@stchris.co.uk .
For an informal conversation about the role, contact Susana Silva, Chef Manager at 01462 650850 .
Safeguarding Commitment
St Chris is dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All applicants will be subject to child protection screening, including references and an Enhanced DBS check .
We Welcome Diversity
We actively encourage applications from all backgrounds, regardless of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or age.
Join us in delivering an outstanding food service that supports and nourishes our school community.