Relief Chef Manager

Cidarieducation; Blackburn; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

An educational trust in Blackburn is looking for a skilled Relief Chef Manager to oversee catering across its academies. This full-time, permanent role demands strong leadership and a comprehensive understanding of food safety and allergen compliance. Responsibilities include managing kitchens during staff absences and ensuring high-quality service across multiple sites. Ideal candidates will possess relevant qualifications and excellent organisational skills, providing a meaningful impact on the catering experience for students and staff.

Benefits

Flexible, term-time hours

Supportive working environment

Access to health and wellbeing support

Employee benefits through Perkbox

Cycle to work scheme

Qualifications

• Recognised qualification in catering or hospitality.
• GCSE English and Maths at grade C or above.
• Proven ability to lead and motivate teams.

Responsibilities

• Ensure quality and continuity in school kitchens.
• Manage kitchens during absence or operational needs.
• Support teams in delivering catering services.

Skills

Leadership

Food safety compliance

Customer service

Organisational skills

Education

Qualification in catering or hospitality at Level 4

GCSE English and Maths at grade C or above

Tools

Catering systems

Job description

## Relief Chef Manager### We are searching for the best education professionals* Relief Chef Manager# Relief Chef ManagerEmployerLocation: Blackburn, LancashireContract Type: PermanentHours: Full TimeSalary: NJC Grade 7 SCP 19 - 25 (32,061 - 36,363 fte)Posted: 16th December 2025Start Date: As Soon As PossibleExpires: 5th January 2026 01:00 PMContract Type: PermanentStart Date: As Soon As PossibleJob ID: 1526474Start Date: As Soon As Possible* Contract Type :Permanent* Job ID: 1526474* Share :**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, with mileage paid.**WHAT WE OFFER:*** Flexible, term-time hours* The opportunity of 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**THE RIGHT CANDIDATE WILL HAVE:*** 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: Tuesday 13th 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.### Attachments### Safeguarding Statement: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.### Cidari Multi Academy Trust