Chef Manager

Company Description

At Aramark we empower our people to create experiences that matter.

We share a passion for hospitality, it’s at the foundation of everything we do. Hospitality excellence is brought to life by our people every day. We embrace our responsibility to our people, our communities, and our planet. While the services we provide, and the industries we serve, are extensive, we never waver from our people-first approach.

Job Description

Are you a passionate and innovative catering professional looking for your next challenge? We are seeking an experienced Catering Manager to lead the food service operation at Goodison 6th Form College. This is an exciting opportunity to take full responsibility for delivering a high-quality catering service, creating fresh and balanced menus, and ensuring an exceptional dining experience for students, staff, and visitors alike.

Working closely with operational leadership and our client, you will drive commercial performance while maintaining the highest standards of food quality, health & safety, and customer satisfaction. You will lead and develop a dedicated catering team, bring new ideas to enhance the service offering, and play a key role in creating a welcoming and successful catering environment within a busy educational setting. If you have strong leadership skills, commercial awareness, and a passion for food, we would love to hear from you.

Key Benefits:

• Competitive rate of up to £18.97/ hour depending on experience
• Generous annual leave that increase in line with service, with the opportunity to buy extra
• Life assurance and pension scheme
• Benefits app: access to 100s of discounts, free mortgage advice, cycle to work scheme, health cash plans, online GP appointments, and our Employee Assistance Programme
• FOOD! Opportunities to attend in-house events and try the culinary genius of our teams (we are a food business after all!)

Key Responsibilitie:

• Lead and manage the day-to-day catering operation, ensuring a high-quality food service is delivered at all times

• Plan, prepare and introduce innovative, nutritious, and appealing menus that meet customer requirements and dietary needs.

• Take full responsibility for financial performance, including driving sales, controlling labour costs, managing budgets, and achieving gross profit targets.

• Ensure compliance with all food safety, health & safety, allergen, and HACCP requirements, maintaining the highest operational standards.

• Build, motivate, train, and develop the catering team to maximise performance, engagement, and customer service delivery.

• Develop and maintain positive relationships with the client, students, staff, and other stakeholders, ensuring service expectations are consistently exceeded.

• Monitor stock levels, purchasing, and waste management processes to ensure cost-effective and efficient operation of the catering service.

• Analyse performance, identify areas for improvement, and implement initiatives to enhance customer satisfaction, operational efficiency, and commercial results.

Key Requirements:

• Previous experience managing a catering operation within an education, hospitality, or contract catering environment.

• Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop a catering team to deliver excellent customer service and operational standards.

• Strong understanding of food safety legislation, HACCP principles, and health & safety requirements.

• Commercially minded with experience managing budgets, controlling costs, and achieving sales and gross profit targets.

• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with the confidence to engage effectively with clients, colleagues, and customers.

• Enhanced DBS clearance, experience working within a school environment, and the flexibility to work within school operating hours.

Additional Information

At Aramark UK, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone is valued and empowered to thrive.

As a proud Disability Confident Employer, we actively encourage applications from individuals of all abilities and are dedicated to supporting employees with disabilities throughout their career journey.

We are an Armed Forces Friendly organisation and proud signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant. We welcome applications from veterans, service leavers, cadet forces adult volunteers, reservists and military families.

For roles requiring security clearance, any offer of employment will be conditional upon the successful completion and maintenance of the required level of security clearance. Applicants must meet the relevant eligibility and residency requirements applicable to that level of clearance.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and we expect all employees and workers to share this commitment. Where relevant to the role, safer recruitment checks will apply, including references and an enhanced DBS check in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE).

We ensure our recruitment process is accessible, and reasonable adjustments are available at every stage, from application to interview and employment. If you require any adjustments or have any questions, please reach out to our recruitment team –

Join us in fostering a workplace where everyone can achieve their full potential.

All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.