Head Chef

Summary:

Head Chef job opportunity at a leading independent school. Lead a team and create nutritious meals.

About the School:

A school located in a beautiful rural setting, offering a nurturing and inclusive environment for students aged 6 months to 18 years. The school is committed to providing a high-quality education and exceptional pastoral care, with a strong emphasis on student development and well-being.

The Opportunity:

As a Head Chef, you will lead the catering service and be responsible for creating and delivering nutritious, high-quality meals that meet the school’s standards. This is a key role in ensuring the health and satisfaction of students and staff, while managing a dedicated team in a dynamic and supportive environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Plan and prepare creative, balanced menus that meet nutritional standards and accommodate allergies or dietary requirements.
• Lead and manage the catering team to ensure consistent high standards in food preparation and service.
• Order ingredients, manage stock, and control costs effectively to maintain budget efficiency.
• Ensure full compliance with food safety, allergen, and health and safety regulations.
• Maintain the highest standards of hygiene and cleanliness in the kitchen and throughout the catering operation.
• Complete all necessary kitchen paperwork, including cleaning schedules, temperature logs, and allergen records.
• Provide catering for special school events and functions as required.

Qualifications & Skills:

Required

• A Food Hygiene Certificate and allergy-awareness training (or willingness to complete this training).
• Experience managing a busy kitchen, ideally within a school, nursery, or care environment.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to manage and support a small team.
• Creativity in menu planning and confidence in catering for a range of dietary needs.
• Excellent organisational skills and a commitment to high standards.
• The physical fitness and stamina needed for a busy kitchen environment.

Preferred

• Experience in a school or educational setting.
• Knowledge of catering software or inventory management systems.
• Ability to work flexible hours and on a rotating schedule.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Competitive salary based on experience.
• Free lunch provided.
• Company pension and sick pay.
• Wellness programme and mentorship opportunities.