Chef Manager - Education Site - Reading - £40kp/a

👨‍🍳 Chef Manager - Education Site - Reading - £40k p/a + Bonus Potential 👨‍🍳

We're looking for an experienced and motivated Chef Manager to lead the catering operation at a large education site in Reading. This is a fantastic opportunity for a strong leader who thrives in a high‑volume environment and wants a great work-life balance with Monday-Friday, term-time hours.

📍 The Role

• Salary: £40,000 per year
• Monday to Friday
• 6:30am - 4:00pm (45 hours per week)
• 42 weeks per year
• (term time, inset days + 3 additional weeks)
• Bonus potential up to 10% of salary
• (Company discretion)

You will manage:

• The main restaurant
• The 6th form outlet
• A team including Chef Manager, Commis Chef, and others
• A high‑volume service for 1,400 students onsite, delivering large‑scale main meals daily

🔥 Responsibilities

• Leading and motivating the kitchen team
• Menu planning and ensuring high standards of fresh, nutritious food
• Controlling stock, GP, ordering and compliance
• Managing a 7‑gas kitchen and multiple service points
• Ensuring smooth delivery across a busy, fast‑paced education environment
• Maintaining excellent relationships with school staff and students

🌟 What We're Looking For

• Strong Chef Manager or Head Chef experience (education experience ideal but not essential)
• Confident managing high-volume catering
• Excellent organisational and leadership skills
• Passion for delivering quality food in a structured environment
• Strong understanding of allergens, H&S, and compliance standards

✨ What We Offer

• Competitive salary + bonus potential
• Term‑time work for better work-life balance
• Supportive management team
• Opportunity to lead a large, busy operation with autonomy

Blue Arrow is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to helping find great work opportunities for great people.