Chef

N Family Club; St Albans; On-site; GBP 27,768 - 37,003; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance bonus

Industry-leading holiday allowance

Development fund

Enhanced parental leave

Childcare discounts

Job summary

A modern nursery group in St Albans is seeking a passionate Chef to prepare nutritious meals for children and staff. The ideal candidate will have experience in kitchen environments, a love for food, and a strong interest in nutrition. You will be responsible for cooking fresh meals, maintaining a clean kitchen, and mentoring apprentice chefs. This full-time position offers a competitive salary, performance bonuses, and generous holiday benefits, along with opportunities for professional development.

Qualifications

• Previous experience working in a kitchen environment.
• A genuine interest in cooking with long‑term culinary career goals.
• Experience of conscious practices within food and cooking.

Responsibilities

• Cook nutritious meals for children and team daily.
• Follow food safety and dietary guidelines.
• Manage kitchen paperwork and maintenance.

Skills

Passion for food and nutrition

Ability to work quickly in busy environments

Customer service skills

Job description

Description

We’re more than just a nursery group. We’re the UK’s most innovative early‑years education provider. At N Family Club, we dreamed of reimagining early years education, becoming a place that fosters creativity, embraces a curriculum‑led approach, and prepares children for the modern world. We’re proudly making our dream a reality – and we want you to be a part of it!

Department

Nursery Operations

Location

St Albans, Hertfordshire

Compensation

£27,768 – £37,003 per year

Role Overview

As a Chef at N Family, you’ll cook breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks for children, as well as a lunch and a smoothie for the nursery team. We’re looking for a creative Chef who’s passionate about introducing young children to new foods and can cater to a range of allergies and dietary needs.

Your key responsibilities

• Cook fresh, tasty, and nutritious meals for the children and team every day, following our set menu and recipes.
• Make sure each meal meets the nutritional needs of different age groups and follows all food safety and choking guidelines.
• Learn every child’s allergy and dietary requirements inside out.
• Prepare daily lunches and smoothies for the nursery team, catering to a variety of diets and preferences.
• Keep on top of kitchen paperwork and checks, including cleaning schedules and daily safety logs.
• Order supplies, manage stock, and make sure the kitchen runs smoothly.
• Maintain the kitchen to a 5‑star Food Hygiene standard.
• Build friendly, professional relationships with parents so they feel confident about the food their children eat.
• Mentor and support apprentice Chefs, helping them grow their skills and confidence in the kitchen.

Qualifications and Experience

• Previous experience working in a kitchen environment.
• A passion for food and nutrition.
• A genuine interest in cooking with long‑term culinary career goals.
• Experience of conscious practices within food and cooking, including recycling and creating as little food waste as possible.
• The ability to work quickly and effectively during busy service times.
• A positive, glass‑half‑full outlook.
• Bags of drive and motivation with a ‘make it happen’ attitude!
• A love for customer service.

The N Advantage package

• Competitive salary – £27,768 – £37,003 per annum
• Performance bonus – Up to £1,200 annually.
• Industry‑leading holiday allowance – Up to 35 days, including a personal ‘Me’ day and Christmas closure.
• Development fund – £100 annual learning fund, plus paid N Academy training (level 3, EY Degrees, Forest School & more).
• Family‑friendly – Enhanced parental/fostering/neonatal leave after 2 years.
• Childcare – 40% discount, plus 6 emergency days annually.

Additional benefits

• Loyalty rewards – 5‑year bonus: around‑the‑world trip + 2 bonus weeks off; 10‑year bonus: “Out of this world” experience + 2 more weeks off!
• Referral scheme – Earn up to £1,000 per successful hire.
• Amazing discounts – Save on groceries, shopping, fitness, and more.
• Travel support – Season ticket loans and cycle‑to‑work scheme.
• Socials & Wellbeing – Annual parties, team events, gym discounts, and online fitness.
• And much, much more!

Why N St Albans?

Our 143‑place brand new nursery will be opening in 2026, in the heart of St Albans, Hertfordshire.

Why N Family Club?

We’re reimagining early years education – and we want you to be a part of it. We’re a certified Great Place to Work and one of the UK’s most innovative early years groups.

Join us today

To spark big ideas in young minds and shape a career you’ll love.

Application Process

If you think you got what it takes, click apply and fill in our super quick (1 min) application form. For more information, visit our Careers website or our Glassdoor Page.