Chef

Matthew Arnold School; Oxford; On-site; GBP 17,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

Matthew Arnold School is seeking a dedicated Chef to join our in-house catering team. This full-time role offers term-time hours (25–30 per week) with 39 weeks plus 12 days, providing a stable schedule within the school calendar.

You will plan menus with the Catering Manager, prepare and cook nutritious meals, manage stock and ordering, and maintain HACCP records to ensure high standards of hygiene and safety during events.

Qualifications

• Experience in catering, food preparation, stock control and ordering supplies.
• Ability to lead by example and motivate colleagues.
• Organised, reliable and able to work under pressure.
• Knowledge of food hygiene and health and safety requirements.

Responsibilities

• Plan with the Catering Manager menus and prepare, cook and serve nutritious meals.
• Create termly menus and associated documentation to develop the catering offer.
• Deputise for the Catering Manager including ordering, stock control and supplier management and HACCP records.
• Maintain high standards of food hygiene and safety during inspections and day-to-day operations.
• Organise catering for school events and support daily catering operations.
• Ensure cost control and waste reduction within budget.

Skills

Catering

Food prep

Stock control

Ordering

Leadership

Organised

Food hygiene

Health and safety

Customer service

Tools

HACCP

Job description

Chef - Immediate Start Available!

Salary: Grade 6 - £16.52-£17.90 per hour

Actual Salary: £16,936 - £22,021

Full-time equivalent: £27,709-£30,023 per annum

Working Weeks: 39 Weeks plus 12 additional days Term Time Only

Hours: 25-30 hours per week -Term time Plus 12 days

Join Our Catering Team

Matthew Arnold School is looking for an enthusiastic and experienced Chef to join our in-house catering team. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is passionate about food and enjoys working in a busy, team-focused environment. You will play an important role in providing high-quality, nutritious meals for our school community, supporting school events.

About the Role

As our Chef, you will be responsible for organising and delivering food for our main dining areas and ensuring that the catering service operates efficiently and on time and to a high standard. While supporting the Catering Manager and team with daily tasks.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Plan with the Catering Manager menus and preparing, cooking and serving Plan menus with the Catering Manager and prepare, cook and serve nutritious meals in line with catering legislation and food safety standards.
• Create termly menus and associated documentation, supporting the continued development of the catering offer.
• Deputise for the Catering Manager when required, including ordering, stock control, supplier management and maintaining accurate HACCP records.
• Maintain high standards of food hygiene, health and safety, including preparation for inspections and visits.
• Organise catering for school events and support the smooth day-to-day operation of the catering service.
• Ensure financial controls, cost management and waste reduction measures are adhered to and remain within budget.
• Carry out any other reasonable duties as requested.

Requirements:

• Experienced in catering, food preparation, stock control and ordering supplies.
• Able to lead by example, motivate colleagues and promote a positive working environment.
• Organised, reliable and able to work under pressure.
• Knowledgeable about food hygiene, health and safety requirements and safe working practices.
• Passionate about preparing nutritious, high-quality food.
• Committed to excellent customer service and supporting the wider needs of the school.

The successful candidate will be expected to follow school policies and procedures and maintain consistently high standards of hygiene, safety and food quality.

What We Offer

You will have the opportunity to develop your catering and management skills through workplace training and formal courses including via apprenticeships. We are committed to supporting staff development and providing a positive working environment. If you are passionate about food and would enjoy making a difference to the daily experience of students and staff, we would love to hear from you.