Relief Chef Manager

Overview

Relief Chef Manager – 37 hours per week, Full Time, Permanent. Term‑time, 1 week, 44.67 weeks per year.

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a skilled and flexible Relief Chef Manager to join Cidari Multi Academy Trust and support catering provision across our academies. This Trust‑wide role is key to ensuring continuity, quality and high standards within our school kitchens, providing operational cover where required and supporting teams to deliver a safe, efficient and welcoming catering service.

You will work across multiple sites stepping in to manage kitchens during periods of absence, transition or increased operational need. The role requires a confident catering professional with strong leadership skills, a thorough understanding of food safety and allergen compliance and the ability to quickly adapt to different environments while maintaining consistent standards.

This is a varied and hands‑on role ideal for someone who enjoys working autonomously, supporting teams and contributing to the smooth running of catering services that positively impact pupils and staff every day. Travel across Trust academies is required; mileage paid.

• Flexible term‑time hours
• Working within a supportive friendly environment across a well‑run and respected Trust
• Good opportunities for personal and career development
• Access to health and wellbeing support for you and your family
• Employment within a Trust committed to equality and opportunity and nationally and locally negotiated pay arrangements
• Terms and conditions protected through a formal trade union recognition in agreement with all major education and support staff unions supported through regular JCNC meetings
• Access to employee benefits & rewards through Perkbox
• Cycle to work scheme

• A recognised and relevant qualification in catering or hospitality at Level 4 or equivalent
• GCSE English and Maths at grade C or above
• A proven ability to lead and motivate teams across multiple sites
• A high level of communication and organisational skills
• The ability to use relevant technology and catering systems
• A can‑do attitude and strong customer service ethos
• A commitment to the health, wellbeing and positive experience of pupils through the catering provision

Advert End Date :
Monday 5th January 2026 at 1pm

Proposed Interview date :
Wednesday 14th January 2026

Please note that in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education 2025 an online search will be carried out as part of our safer recruitment pre‑employment checks on shortlisted candidates.

We are a member of Cidari Multi Academy Trust established in November 2013, a growing educational trust and part of the Blackburn Diocese. Cidari Education is committed to providing high‑quality education for all children in our academies based on clearly established Christian values and principles.

Cidari Multi Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Any offer of employment will be subject to a satisfactory check supplied by the Disclosure & Barring Service including cautions, reprimands, final warnings or convictions.