Chef

Busy Bees; Shoeburyness; On-site; GBP 17,000 - 22,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Birthday off

Up to 28 days holiday

Career progression & training

Wellbeing resources

Discounts on retail brands

Cycle to Work scheme

Pension & financial perks

Discounted Private Medical Insurance (

25% childcare discount

Job summary

Busy Bees in Shoeburyness is opening a BRAND-NEW nursery this Winter and seeks a star Chef to craft healthy, appealing meals for our young learners. You’ll lead kitchen operations, ensure food safety, and collaborate with team members to deliver nutritious menus that support growth and development.

We offer a competitive hourly rate of £14.35, a birthday off, up to 28 days holiday, career progression, and wellbeing resources to help you thrive in a caring environment for children.

Qualifications

• Food Hygiene Certificate (Level 2 or above) is required.
• Experience in catering or kitchen operations.
• Passion for creating balanced, nutritious meals for young children.
• Empathy and understanding of children’s needs.
• Previous roles as Chef/Assistant Chef/Cook/Café Manager are welcomed.

Responsibilities

• Prepare healthy, delicious meals that meet children’s dietary needs.
• Oversee kitchen operations and ensure food safety and hygiene compliance.
• Manage kitchen staff and liaise with regulatory bodies during inspections.
• Create nutritious menus that keep little tummies happy.
• Maintain kitchen inventory and efficient purchasing.

Skills

Food hygiene

Catering/kitchen operations

Child nutrition awareness

Empathy

Team collaboration

Education

Food Hygiene Certificate (Level 2+)

Job description

Join the Buzz at Our BRAND-NEW Busy Bees Nursery in Shoeburyness and We Need a Star Chef!

We’re opening an exciting, Busy Bees nursery in Shoeburyness this Winter, and we’re on the hunt for a talented chef to bring delicious, nutritious meals to life for our little learners!

Your Chef Perks & Benefits

Competitive salary – £14.35 per hour

Birthday off – Because chefs deserve to celebrate too!

Up to 28 days holiday – Including bank holidays

Career progression & training – Develop your skills and grow with us

Menopause support & wellbeing resources – A workplace that supports YOU

Discounts on retail brands – Save money with Hive’s exclusive perks

Cycle to Work scheme – Because a healthy commute makes a happy chef!

Pension & financial perks – Helping you plan for the future

Discounted Private Medical Insurance (PMI) – Prioritising your health

25% childcare discount – Supporting your family while you support others

Plus, our Hive Benefits & Wellbeing platform includes: Wellbeing Hub – Packed with resources for physical & mental health Celebrating You – Recognising and rewarding our fantastic team Grow with Us – Exciting training & development opportunities

Your Chef Responsibilities

• Prepare healthy, delicious meals that meet children’s dietary needs
• Oversee kitchen operations, ensuring food safety & hygiene compliance
• Manage kitchen staff & collaborate with regulatory bodies during inspections
• Create exciting, nutritious menus that keep little tummies happy
• Maintain kitchen inventory & ensure efficient purchasing

Are You Our Perfect Chef?

• Food Hygiene Certificate (Level 2 or above)
• Experience in catering or kitchen operations
• Passion for creating balanced, nutritious meals for young children
• Empathy and understanding – Every child is unique
• If you’ve worked as a Chef, Assistant Chef, Cook, or Café Manager, we want to hear from you!