Chef Manager in Neasden

Chef Manager at Stir Food Ltd.

This is a pivotal and highly rewarding leadership opportunity for a Chef Manager at Stir Food Ltd., a specialized and fast-growing school catering company dedicated to instilling pride and innovation in the education catering sector. The role uniquely balances culinary leadership with strategic business management, all supported by an unparalleled commitment to employee work-life balance.

Exceptional Package and Work-Life Balance

Stir Food Ltd. highly values its teams, offering a structure designed for maximum stability and personal time:

• Fixed Schedule: Strict Monday to Friday working only, eliminating all weekend shifts.
• Ideal Hours: A commitment to 30 working hours per week with no late nights.
• Term-Time Structure: The role is based on 39 working weeks per year, aligning with the academic calendar and maximizing time off for family and friends.
• Competitive Pay: Generous compensation ranging from £15.00 to £16.50 per hour.

The Role: Culinary Mastery Meets Business Acumen

The Chef Manager acts as the point of leadership for their site, demanding both culinary excellence and sharp business capability. The primary mission is to deliver the highest quality food and service, using creative flair and originality to make a significant impact on the school dining experience.

Key Performance Areas:

• Financial Command (P&L): Full responsibility for the unit's profitability, including rigorous management and improvement of all controllable costs (food, stock, and labour).
• Culinary Excellence: Leading the preparation of delicious, nutritious meals using fresh, sustainable ingredients, and proactively guiding continuous menu development.
• Team Leadership & Development: Coaching, motivating, and managing all catering staff to ensure a positive site atmosphere and a consistently fantastic dining experience, while actively supporting their team's professional growth.
• Commercial Growth: Driving sales and revenue through strategic implementation of monthly promotions and added-value catering events.
• Compliance: Upholding uncompromisingly high standards for food safety, operational compliance, and legal legislation across all kitchen procedures.
• Client Relations: Serving as the primary on-site representative for Stir Food Ltd., building and maintaining strong, positive relationships with the school's clients and customers.

The Ideal Candidate Profile

Stir Food seeks a proactive, positive leader with a balanced skill set:

• Financial Expertise: Strong working knowledge of gross profit management and a proven history of achieving demanding sales targets.
• Leadership Track Record: Demonstrated experience in managing and motivating a team, fostering exceptional teamwork, and leading by example.
• Craft Experience: Extensive practical, craft-based culinary experience using fresh, sustainable ingredients.
• H&S Knowledge: Comprehensive understanding of all current Health and Safety practices within a professional kitchen environment.
• Preferred Qualification: An OND or HND qualification is valued but not mandatory.

Our Commitment to Staff and Safeguarding

Stir Food is powered by an exceptional team, unified by a mission to create a significant, positive impact in education catering. The company provides access to a dedicated Learning & Development team, offering pathways for apprenticeships and advanced training to support long-term career growth.

Crucially, all staff must share Stir's commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. This role requires a mandatory enhanced DBS disclosure. Due to high demand, candidates are encouraged to apply promptly.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent, Fixed term contract

Pay: £15.00-£16.50 per hour

Expected hours: 30 per week

Work Location: In person