Chef

Busy Bees Childcare; Houghton-le-Spring; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading nursery group in the UK is seeking a passionate Chef to join their team. You will prepare nutritious meals for young children while overseeing kitchen operations and ensuring compliance with food safety standards. Ideal candidates will hold a Food Hygiene Certificate and have experience in catering. This role offers a supportive work environment with opportunities for professional development and competitive benefits.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Ongoing professional development and career progression

Discounts across a range of retailers

Up to 28 days holiday per year

Your birthday off

25% childcare discount

Enhanced family leave

Menopause support through Peppy

Financial support through Salary Finance

Employee Assistance Programme

Cycle to Work scheme

Discounted Private Medical Insurance

Qualifications

• Food Hygiene Certificate (Level 2 or above) is mandatory.
• Experience in catering or kitchen operations preferred.
• Empathy and understanding for children's needs.

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

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 Sunderland Doxford

Our 90 place purpose built nursery has 4 spacious base rooms and a sensory room. Each room has its own free flow garden for constant outdoor access. Very long standing team with staff hitting 10 year and 20 year milestones. We have excellent links with local primary schools. On a popular business park with excellent transport links, including a bus link 2 minutes walk away from the centre - connecting you to the town! Free onsite parking available.

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)

Key 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!