We’re recruiting a Chef Manager to lead the catering operation at a large Secondary School in Reading, delivering high-quality, all-fresh food for students and staff in a busy education environment. This is a fantastic opportunity for a Chef Manager with experience in education, who enjoys volume and genuine work–life balance. With circa 1,400 people on site, two service areas and a strong team in place, this is a well-supported and rewarding role within Reading.

The offer

• Up to £40,000 per year
• 42-week contract (term time plus inset days)
• 45 hours per week
• Monday to Friday only
• Working hours 6:30am – 4:00pm
• No evenings, weekends or late nights
• Excellent work–life balance within education catering

The role

• Lead and manage the full catering operation within a large secondary school.
• Oversee two service areas: main restaurant and sixth-form dining.
• Manage a structured team including Chef Manager, Commis Chef and General Assistants.
• Deliver consistent, high-quality fresh food for breakfast and lunch services.
• Serve 300+ main meals per day within a high-volume environment.
• Manage staffing, rotas, training and day-to-day team performance.
• Oversee stock control, ordering, GP, wastage and compliance.
• Ensure full adherence to food safety, allergen controls and school standards.

The food

• All-fresh food menus, produced on site.
• Nutritious, balanced and compliant school food offer.
• High-volume lunch service with strong structure and flow.
• Professional, well-organised education catering environment.

The Chef Manager

• Proven experience as a Chef Manager or Senior Chef within education or contract catering.
• Confident leading teams in a high-volume, structured environment.
• Excellent commitment and longevity within previous roles.

If you are keen to discuss the details further, please apply today or send your cv to yasmin at COREcruitment dot com