Chef

Busy Bees; Newton Hill; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading nursery group in the UK is seeking a passionate Chef to prepare healthy meals for children. In this role, you will manage kitchen operations ensuring food safety, collaborate with staff, and maintain inventory. A Food Hygiene Certificate is essential, along with experience in catering. Enjoy competitive salary and benefits, professional development, and a supportive work environment focused on children's growth and wellbeing.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Ongoing professional development

Discounted Private Medical Insurance (PMI)

Up to 28 days holiday per year

25% childcare discount

Qualifications

• Experience in catering or kitchen operations.
• Ability to manage kitchen inventory and purchasing.

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.

Skills

Food preparation

Food safety compliance

Team collaboration

Empathy

Education

Food Hygiene Certificate (Level 2 or above)

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

Wakefield is a purpose-built nursery located in a tranquil business park, rated "Good" by Ofsted with a capacity of 112 children. The nursery features four spacious base rooms, each equipped with its own generously sized outdoor area, promoting free exploration and play between indoor and outdoor spaces. Conveniently situated just off Junction 41 of the M1 and near Junction 29 of the M62, it offers easy access for commuters. Additionally, there are nearby bus stops on Paragon Avenue for those using public transport, and the facility provides free parking.

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.

Required Qualifications

• 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