Chef

Busy Bees; West Midlands; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Bee Curious curriculum access

Staff discounts and benefits platform

Birthday off

Job summary

Busy Bees is seeking a Chef for our nursery in the UK, focusing on preparing healthy meals for children and supporting growth and development in a nurturing environment. You will contribute to wellbeing, gain experience in early years catering, and join a team committed to children’s healthiest start in life.

The role offers a supportive workspace, opportunities for progression, and involvement in Busy Bees’ Bee Curious curriculum, plus a range of staff benefits and a strong community ethos.

Qualifications

• Experience in catering or kitchen operations.
• Empathy and understanding - each child is unique.

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

Catering experience

Empathy

Education

Food Hygiene Certificate (Level 2+)

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

Busy Bees Evesham is an Ofsted-rated Good nursery with a capacity of 110, featuring a purpose-built center with free-flow access to the gardens from all rooms. Our longstanding staff team is deeply passionate about providing exceptional childcare, and we maintain close ties with local schools to support smooth transitions for the children. The nursery is actively involved in the community, including a yearly foodbank collection for a local charity. Conveniently located near the A46, with easy access to Bidford, Pershore, and Stratford-Upon-Avon, we also offer excellent parking facilities for both staff and parents. Flexible working contracts are 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)

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:

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.

Required Qualifications:

Ideal Candidate

• Food Hygiene Certificate (Level 2 or above).
• Experience in catering or kitchen operations.
• Empathy and understanding - each child is unique.