Early Years Field Chef

Bright Horizons UK; Dartford; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking organization as an Early Years Field Chef, where your culinary skills will help shape the nutrition of children across multiple nurseries. You'll prepare and present healthy meals while managing dietary needs, ensuring that every child receives appropriate nutrition. This role offers a chance to make a meaningful impact in the lives of young children, all while working in a supportive environment that values teamwork and respect. With flexible hours and a commitment to professional development, this position is perfect for those passionate about cooking and child nutrition.

Benefits

50% childcare discount for first child

Enhanced parental leave

20 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Pension

Financial and wellbeing benefits

Professional development programme access

Qualifications

• Experience in commercial catering and knowledge of food safety standards.
• Ability to manage dietary requirements and inspire healthy eating.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and present age-appropriate food for children in nurseries.
• Maintain kitchen records and ensure a clean work environment.

Skills

Commercial catering experience

Nutrition knowledge

Dietary requirements management

Food Safety CIEH L2

COSHH knowledge

Communication skills

Ability to work under pressure

Transport access

Education

Food Safety Certification

Job description

Nursery – Field based across Kent

Salary – £14 - £19 per hour (dependant on qualification/s and experience)

Hours – Part time 30-35 hours a week working 5 days

Location – Kent locations

Are you looking to work for an organisation whose culture is driven by our HEART principles – Honesty, Excellence, Accountability, Respect, and Teamwork? Where you can be yourself, feel supported, and help to make a difference to the next generation? Somewhere you can say: “I did that.”

We’re looking for an Early Years Field Chef to join our team, to provide cover across our nurseries within the Bromley, Bexleyheath, Bickley, Canterbury, Orpington, Dartford, West Malling and Maidstone areas.

Our Benefits

• Childcare discount of 50% for first child*
• Enhanced parental leave
• 20 days annual leave, plus bank holidays and paid Christmas closure. Ability to also purchase additional leave*
• Pension
• Financial and wellbeing benefits including 24/7 virtual GP appointments, early access to wages, and more
• Professional development programme access for every stage of your career, including access to a careers coach
• Shift options: 40 hours over 4 or 5 days, 24 hours over 3 days, or 16 hours over 2 days

*Subject to T&Cs

The Role

As an Early Years Field Chef, you will travel to nurseries within a region where cover is needed, when the permanent Chef is on annual leave, or at times of sickness or absence. You will prepare, cook, and present age-appropriate food for all the children in the nursery, with minimum wastage. You will ensure all dietary requirements are catered for and clearly communicated to teams and will work in partnership with the nursery teams to support the nursery care and education provision. You will also keep accurate kitchen records, maintain a clean and safe work environment, and support nursery management with food ordering.

What we’re looking for

• Previous experience within a commercial catering role
• Passion for nutrition, and inspiring others in healthy eating
• Ability to demonstrate a sound knowledge of managing different dietary requirements, particularly food allergies
• Food Safety CIEH L2 or above (or equivalent) – this must be passed on day 1 in post
• Sound knowledge of COSHH
• Great communication skills, with colleagues, children, and parents
• Ability to work under pressure
• Ability and willingness to work across multiple sites, with access to own transport, and clean driving license

We are an inclusive employer and welcome people from all ages and backgrounds to apply. We will consider reasonable adjustments required by applicants. Please note, due to our sector all roles are subject to an Enhanced DBS.

If you want to make a difference, with a company who has been voted Great Place to Work every year since 2006, apply today!

INDSM

We look forward to receiving your application!

If you experience any problems, please email [e-mail] and we will be happy to help.