Culinary Lead

JR United Kingdom; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established culinary school is seeking a Head Teacher to lead and inspire the next generation of chefs. This unique role blends elite culinary knowledge with natural leadership, allowing you to shape innovative course content and engage with students both in-person and online. You'll be a visible presence in the community, representing the school at events and ensuring the highest standards of teaching. If you're passionate about culinary craft and ready to make a significant impact in a vibrant educational environment, this opportunity is for you.

Benefits

Pension Scheme

28 Days Holiday

Professional Development Opportunities

Qualifications

• Classically trained chef with leadership experience in hospitality.
• Natural teacher and presenter, skilled in engaging audiences.

Responsibilities

• Recruit and inspire a diverse team of culinary instructors.
• Deliver engaging teaching across professional and amateur courses.
• Design and evolve course content responding to culinary trends.

Skills

Culinary Knowledge

Leadership Experience

Teaching Skills

Public Speaking

Course Development

Education

Culinary Arts Degree

Professional Chef Certification

Job description

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Head Teacher – Edinburgh New Town Cookery School (ENTCS)

A rare opportunity to shape the future of culinary excellence

Eden Scott is delighted to be working with Edinburgh New Town Cookery School as the team embarks on a new journey.

Located in the heart of Edinburgh, the team are creating a vibrant melting pot of hybrid educational excellence and thought leadership for hospitality professionals, food and drink businesses and entrepreneurs from across the UK and International markets.

In addition, the school is developing a wide offering of unforgettable food and drink events and experiences for corporate clients, the local community and tourists. The school’s ultimate goal is to provide every student and visitor with a window into the joy of food, drink and hospitality and the wealth of career opportunities across the sector.

To support their ambitious growth plans they have created a new position of Head Teacher.

About the Role

This is not your average teaching job. For the first time in the history of the Edinburgh New Town Cookery School (ENTCS), we are opening the Head Teacher role to the wider world – a position previously held by the inspirational Founder, Principal, and Head Teacher, Fiona Burrell since the school's inception.

This is a landmark moment, and we are searching for an extraordinary individual to step into a one-of-a-kind role that blends elite culinary knowledge, natural leadership, and an infectious passion for the craft. As Head Teacher, you will be the beating heart of one of the UK’s most respected cook schools – a teacher, mentor, ambassador, innovator and culinary torchbearer.

You’ll not only lead and inspire a team of talented educators but also spark fire in the bellies of the next generation of chefs and entrepreneurs championing real skill, classical technique, the pure joy of cooking and diverse opportunities across the food and drink industry Whether you’re leading a live demonstration, shaping new course content, mentoring staff, or engaging an online audience – your energy, warmth and gravitas will be felt in every corner of the school.

This is a unique platform for a person of vision – someone who believes in the power of great teaching, thrives on collaboration, and is deeply committed to the enduring value of culinary craft.

Who You Are

• A classically trained chef with deep roots in professional kitchens, ideally with proven leadership experience in the hospitality industry.
• A natural teacher and presenter, equally at ease in a classroom, on stage, or in front of a camera.
• A team builder who nurtures talent and brings out the best in others.
• A standard-bearer for excellence, upholding the school’s professional integrity and creative spirit.
• A charismatic and people-centred leader, whose presence motivates and uplifts both students and staff.
• A true ambassador for the cheffing craft, passionate about preserving and evolving culinary traditions.

Key Responsibilities:

Teaching & Leadership

• Recruit, train and inspire a diverse team of senior and junior culinary instructors.
• Deliver engaging, high-calibre teaching across a range of professional and amateur courses.
• Be a visible and magnetic presence both in-person and online – leading demonstrations, public events, and internal training.
• Maintain the highest teaching standards in line with ENTCS, BAC and CTH guidelines.

Course Development

• Design and evolve in-person and online course content, responding to culinary trends and student demand.
• Create and test recipes that balance innovation with classical technique.
• Ensure alignment with ENTCS curriculum goals, professional standards, and brand values.
• Live and breathe the ENTCS values: Curiosity, Integrity, Progressive thinking, and Sustainability.
• Inspire a culture of excellence, inclusivity, and joy – for staff, students, and guests alike.
• Champion continuous development within your team and across the school.

Public Engagement & Events

• Represent the school at events, in the media, and through social content.
• Work closely with the Commercial Director and Events team to deliver standout culinary experiences for clients and corporate partners.

Operational Oversight

• Collaborate with the Principal and Commercial Director on scheduling, planning, and resourcing.
• Ensure safe, smooth and efficient running of all teaching kitchens and systems.
• Monitor compliance with food safety (REHIS), fire safety, and GDPR standards.
• This role offers an excellent competitive salary.
• Pension: Access to NEST scheme
• Hours: Predominantly Monday–Friday 8:30am–5:00pm (with requirement for evenings/weekends on occasion)
• Holidays: 28 days including public holidays

Eden Scott is dealing exclusively with Edinburgh New Town Cookery School on this vacancy so to be considered for this exciting opportunity with a truly unique and best in class employer, please submit your CV online or to [emailprotected]

Closing date for applications is 5pm on Friday 23rd May 2025.

A Final Word

This is a dream role for the right person – someone ready to lead with passion, purpose and presence. You’ll inherit a legacy of excellence and help define the future of a cook school that has shaped countless careers. ENTCS is more than a training ground; it’s a community, a stage, and a springboard for those who love food and believe in its power to transform.

If you’re ready to light the fire in others and keep the standards of culinary education burning bright – we want to hear from you.