Chef Manager

School Chef Manager
Ascend Learning Trust Enterprise Limited
Based at Lawn Manor Academy

Salary: £16.65 per hour
Actual Salary: £28,003 annually
Contract: Permanent, full time, term time only

Closing date: 09.00 1st October 2026
Interview Date:12th October 2026
Anticipated Start Date: ASAP

Job Overview

We are seeking an enthusiastic and experienced School Chef Manager to lead our kitchen team and provide high-quality, nutritious meals for our pupils each day. The successful candidate will be passionate about food, committed to maintaining high standards, and dedicated to creating a positive dining experience for children and staff alike.

As a successful applicant, you will be organised, reliable and able to manage a busy kitchen environment, ensuring compliance with food safety requirements while delivering excellent customer service. Experience of catering for special dietary requirements and allergies, alongside strong culinary skills, will be essential. As a leader, you will be confident in supervising and supporting kitchen staff, managing stock and budgets, and working collaboratively with school colleagues to deliver an efficient and welcoming catering service.

Full details can be found in the recruitment pack.

Why choose us?

At Enterprise Ltd, we are proud to support the schools of Ascend Learning Trust by delivering the services that help our communities thrive every day. Through our catering, cleaning and facilities teams, we create safe, welcoming and inspiring environments where pupils and staff can succeed.

Guided by our shared motto, Together we Belong, Believe, Become, everything we do contributes to creating schools where people feel valued, supported and able to achieve their potential. We believe in providing environments and services that enable every child and colleague to succeed, fostering inclusive communities where everyone belongs and continuously striving for excellence in all that we do.

Our people are at the heart of our success. We are committed to developing talented and dedicated colleagues who share our passion for service, teamwork and making a positive impact in education. When you join Enterprise Ltd, you become part of a supportive organisation where your contribution is valued, your development is encouraged and your work makes a real difference to the lives of young people every day.

Our culture is shaped by the Trust's values of Compassion, Aspiration, Respect, Dedication and Integrity, which guide the way we work together, support our schools and serve our communities.

What We Offer

We value our people and offer a comprehensive range of benefits to support your health, wellbeing and career development, including:

• Free annual flu vaccines
• 24/7 counselling helpline
• 24/7 GP anytime
• Access to the Sonder wellbeing app, offering 24/7 mental health, medical and personal safety support
• Annual Wellbeing Day*
• Flexible working solutions
• Uniform provided
• Discounts and cashback at hundreds of retailers
• Supportive performance development
• Internal progression pathways
• Ongoing training and development opportunities
• Supportive and inclusive school environment

*Please note some allowances are only applicable on completion of a successful probation.

Please note if we receive sufficient applications, we may close this job role earlier.

Our Commitment to Inclusion

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences. If you need adjustments to support your application, please contact the Recruitment Team on 01793 781485 or recruitment@ascendlearningtrust.org.uk

Safeguarding Statement

Ascend Learning Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Please note that this role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, which means that you are required to disclose any criminal convictions, cautions, warnings, or reprimands, even if they would normally be considered "spent” and a DBS check will be carried out before any employment commences.

In line with KCSIE 2025 and safer recruitment practices, the school will conduct an online search for all shortlisted candidates. The online search is part of our safeguarding checks and will seek publicly available information on candidates’ suitability to work with children. Shortlisted candidates will be provided with further guidance and will be asked to clarify their online presence.

References will be obtained before interview at shortlisting stage and may be used in the interview process. If previous employment has included working with children, then at least one referee must be from this employment regardless of whether this is the current or most recent employment Any gaps in employment must be detailed and an explanation provided in the relevant section.