Palmer & Howells
Chef Manager

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Chef Manager
Job Introduction
About Us
At Palmer & Howells, we recognise that food is more than what you eat—it is energy, education, and community. We value our staff deeply, recognising the unique skills each person brings. Our chefs are dedicated to creative, highly nutritious dishes designed to offer optimal energy. We thrive on collaboration, meticulous communication, and a keen desire to explore the potential of high-quality, fresh ingredients.
This is a dynamic, hands-on role. You will be fully involved in everything from preparation work outside of busy service times to creative innovation. While working in a school kitchen offers fantastic hours, be prepared for a varied workload that requires an adaptable outlook alongside your core tasks.
The Role
We're looking for an exceptional individual to lead our team, drive culinary innovation, and ensure an unparalleled dining experience. If you thrive on developing people and achieving above and beyond standards, this could be the role for you!
The Details
- Hours: 40 hours per week
- Weeks: 40 weeks per year
- Rate: £45,000 per annum
In This Role, You Can Expect The Following
- Culinary Vision & Service: Lead kitchen operations, ensuring the preparation of high-quality, nutritious meals and delivery of a fantastic customer service experience.
- Menu Innovation: Own menu development, introducing creative flair and driving continuous improvement and culinary evolution.
- Compliance & Standards: Act as the standard-bearer for all operations, ensuring exceptional, high-level compliance in Food Safety, Hygiene, and H&S.
- Team Development: Mentor and support staff growth, fostering a progressive and high-performing culture where learning is central.
- Financial & Cost Control: Manage all controllable costs (stock, food, labour) to maximise profitability and ensure efficient resource allocation.
- Quality Assurance: Conduct regular audits and implement best practices to maintain consistently exceptional standards.
- Performance Driver: Boost overall site performance and engagement through effective monthly promotions and events.
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
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Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
See breakdownIt searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
What You’ll Need
- Proven experience leading and inspiring teams within fast-paced food service environments, with a track record of driving KPIs and achieving operational excellence.
- A strong passion for and experience in food preparation, particularly using fresh ingredients and developing appealing, nutritious menus.
- Comprehensive, up-to-date knowledge of essential compliance matters, including Health & Safety (H&S), Food Safety, and Hygiene regulations.
- Ability to understand, analyse, and effectively utilise operational reports (e.g., labour cost, waste reports, profitability) to strategically optimise the business.
Why Join Us
- Work for a fast-growing, ambitious company with no ceiling in terms of where you can take your career. We actively look to promote talent from within.
- You'll have access to a dedicated Learning & Development team to support you in developing your skills, including apprenticeships and training courses available for everyone.
- Join a supportive team committed to collaboration and the pursuit of culinary excellence.


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Safeguarding Commitment: Palmer & Howells is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening, including checks with employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
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- Salary: £45,000 per annum (Annual)
- Job Reference: JGT/TP/76/8469
- Contract Type: Full Time
- Closing Date: 31 July, 2026
- Job Category: Unit Level
- Business Unit: Palmer & Howells Ltd
- Location: London, United Kingdom
- Posted Date: 4 June, 2026
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