Job Description

Job Introduction

We are seeking a highly skilled

Relief Chef Manager

to provide leadership, stability, and expertise across multiple school sites within your designated area. This pivotal role combines strong culinary capability with sharp commercial awareness. You will champion the delivery of exceptional food and service, using your creativity, originality, and leadership to help elevate and modernise school catering.

Key Responsibilities / Operational & Financial Leadership

Take full responsibility for the financial performance of each catering unit, including profit & loss management. Control and optimise all key cost areas--stock, food, and labour--to drive maximum profitability.

The Ideal Candidate

We are looking for a proactive and adaptable leader who brings both culinary passion and commercial strength:

Full UK driving licence (essential for travel across sites). Strong financial acumen, including gross profit management and experience meeting ambitious sales targets. Proven leadership experience with the ability to inspire teamwork and maintain a positive working environment. Extensive craft-based cooking experience using fresh, high-quality ingredients. Solid understanding of Health & Safety and Food Hygiene regulations within a professional kitchen. OND or HND qualification (preferred but not essential).

Culinary Excellence & Menu Innovation

Lead the preparation of fresh, nutritious, high-quality meals using sustainable ingredients. Support and guide menu development, ensuring continuous creativity, variety, and nutritional value.

Team Leadership & Staff Development

Lead, coach, and inspire catering teams across multiple sites, ensuring a consistent, high-quality dining experience. Provide hands-on support, guidance, and training to promote a motivated and high-performing workforce.

Commercial Growth & Customer Engagement

Implement effective monthly promotions and added-value events to drive sales and increase engagement. Build strong, positive relationships with clients, students, and staff as the primary on-site representative of Stir.

Compliance, Standards & Audits

Ensure full compliance with all company policies, systems, and industry legislation. Conduct regular audits to verify that food quality, safety, and operational standards are consistently met.

What We Offer

At Stir, we empower our teams with the time, freedom, and tools they need to take genuine pride in their work. You will also enjoy:

Monday-Friday working pattern

- no weekend shifts.

40 hours per week

, with

no late nights

.

41 term-time weeks

, giving you more personal time throughout the year. Competitive salary of

35,000 per annum

. The opportunity to grow within a fast-expanding, forward-thinking company. Access to apprenticeships and advanced training through our dedicated Learning & Development team.

Safeguarding Commitment:

We are committed to promoting the welfare of children and young people. An enhanced DBS is required for this role. Due to anticipated interest, the role may close earlier than stated.

About the Company

We are a dedicated school catering company with a passion for high-quality food, community-driven culture, and revitalising pride within school kitchens across the UK. Our team is made up of talented, diverse professionals who bring expertise, creativity, and a shared commitment to excellence.

We are driven by unwavering standards in both food production and kitchen management. Regular support and structured training ensure our teams have the skills and confidence to deliver consistent, exceptional results.

We are looking for forward-thinking, ambitious individuals ready to challenge convention and help us drive innovation within education catering. If our mission inspires you, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 35,000.00 per year

Work Location: In person