Chef

Busy Bees; England; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading nursery group in the UK is seeking a Chef to join their kitchen team. The role involves preparing healthy meals for children, managing kitchen operations, and ensuring compliance with food safety regulations. Ideal candidates will possess a Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate, relevant catering experience, and a nurturing attitude towards young children. This position offers a supportive working environment with opportunities for professional development and a comprehensive benefits package, including generous holidays and wellbeing support.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Ongoing professional development and career progression

Discounts across a huge range of retailers

Up to 28 days holiday per year (including bank holidays)

Your birthday off

25% childcare discount

Enhanced family leave and bonus

Menopause support

Financial support through Salary Finance

Employee Assistance Programme

Cycle to Work scheme

Discounted Private Medical Insurance

Qualifications

• Must have a Food Hygiene Certificate (Level 2 or above).
• Experience in catering or kitchen operations is essential.
• Demonstrates empathy and understanding, acknowledging each child's uniqueness.

Responsibilities

• Prepare healthy, nutritious meals that meet dietary needs.
• Oversee kitchen operations ensuring food safety and hygiene compliance.
• Manage kitchen staff and collaborate with regulatory bodies during inspections.
• Maintain kitchen inventory and efficiently manage purchasing.

Skills

Food Hygiene Certificate (Level 2 or above)

Experience in catering or kitchen operations

Empathy and understanding

Job description

Role Overview

Join Our Team at Busy Bees – Leading Nursery Group in the UK

Are you passionate about cooking and providing nutritious meals for young children? As a Chef at Busy Bees, you’ll be a key part of our kitchen team, preparing healthy meals that support children's growth and development. This is an exciting opportunity to work in a nurturing environment where you will contribute to the wellbeing of children while gaining valuable experience in catering within the early years sector.

About Us

Busy Bees is the UK's leading nursery group, with nearly 400 nurseries across the UK and more overseas. We are dedicated to giving every child the best start in life and are proud to have won awards for our workplace culture. At Busy Bees, we ensure that every member of our team feels heard, valued, and nurtured.

Why Work at Busy Bees?

We offer a supportive environment that empowers you to create engaging, educational spaces where children can thrive. As part of our team, you’ll be introduced to our unique Bee Curious curriculum, designed to foster curiosity and confidence in young learners.

Our Charitable Commitment

Through our partnership with BBC Children in Need, we offer fantastic opportunities for community involvement and fundraising to support children's lives.

About our Nursery

Maidstone Hospital, rated Good by Ofsted, is a purpose-built nursery with a capacity of 112 children, featuring a single-level layout with eight base rooms. Our facility includes onsite parking and separate garden areas tailored for each age group, promoting outdoor play and learning. We have strong links with the hospital, enhancing our community connections, and are conveniently located near the train station and bus routes. The nursery boasts two chefs on site, providing nutritious meals at NHS fee rates. Each self-contained room is equipped with toileting areas and milk kitchens, ensuring a comprehensive and nurturing environment for all children. Free parking is available for staff, making access convenient.

Busy Bees Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Ongoing professional development and career progression
• Our ‘Hive’ benefits and wellbeing hub, with discounts across a huge range of retailers
• Up to 28 days holiday per year (including bank holidays)
• Your birthday off – it’s our gift to you!
• 25% childcare discount
• Enhanced family leave and return to work bonus
• Menopause support through Peppy
• Financial support through Salary Finance
• Employee Assistance Programme and Mental Health First Aiders
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Easy access to your workplace pension through Cushon
• Discounted Private Medical Insurance (PMI)

But wait, there’s more! You'll also enjoy access to our Benefits and Wellbeing platform, Hive - offering huge array huge of retail discounts helping your money to go further, along with a Wellbeing Hub featuring resources to support your physical and mental health. A Celebrating You section showcasing the ways we recognise and reward our valued team members. Plus, a dedicated Grow with Us area sharing the exciting development opportunities and training designed to support you to thrive and grow at Busy Bees.

Role Responsibilities

• Prepare healthy, nutritious meals that meet dietary needs.
• Oversee kitchen operations ensuring food safety and hygiene compliance.
• Manage kitchen staff and collaborate with regulatory bodies during inspections.
• Maintain kitchen inventory and efficiently manage purchasing.

Ideal Candidate

• Food Hygiene Certificate (Level 2 or above).
• Experience in catering or kitchen operations.
• Empathy and understanding – each child is unique.

If you’re passionate about food and nutrition and maybe you have experience as Chef, an Assistant Chef, a Cook or managed a cafe apply now!