Early Years Field Chef

Bright Horizons; Hatching Green; Remote; GBP 24,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading childcare organization in the UK seeks an Early Years Field Chef to prepare nutritious, age-appropriate meals across various nurseries. Candidates should have experience in commercial catering and knowledge of dietary requirements. This role involves traveling to different nurseries, ensuring meals align with children's health and nutrition needs. Benefits include childcare discounts, enhanced parental leave, and professional development opportunities.

Benefits

50% childcare discount for first child

Enhanced parental leave

20 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Pension

Financial and wellbeing benefits

Access to professional development programs

Qualifications

• Experience in a commercial catering role is essential.
• Must manage dietary requirements, especially allergies.
• A clean driving license and own transport are required.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, cook, and present age-appropriate food for children.
• Collaborate with nursery teams to support care and education.
• Maintain a clean and safe kitchen environment.

Skills

Commercial catering experience

Passion for nutrition

Knowledge of dietary requirements

Excellent communication skills

Ability to work under pressure

Education

Food Safety CIEH Level 2 or above

Job description

As an Early Years Field Chef, you will travel to nurseries within a region where cover is needed, such as during the permanent Chef's annual leave, sickness, or absence. You will prepare, cook, and present age-appropriate food for all children in the nursery, minimizing wastage. Ensuring all dietary requirements are catered for and clearly communicated to teams is essential. You will collaborate with nursery teams to support care and education provision, keep accurate kitchen records, maintain a clean and safe environment, and assist nursery management with food ordering.

Requirements include:

1. Previous experience in a commercial catering role
2. Passion for nutrition and inspiring healthy eating
3. Knowledge of managing dietary requirements, especially allergies
4. Food Safety CIEH Level 2 or above (or equivalent) - to be obtained on day 1
5. Knowledge of COSHH
6. Excellent communication skills with colleagues, children, and parents
7. Ability to work under pressure
8. Willingness to work across multiple sites with own transport and a clean driving license

We offer a culture driven by our HEART principles — Honesty, Excellence, Accountability, Respect, and Teamwork. Join us to be yourself, feel supported, and make a difference to the next generation. Our role involves traveling around nurseries in areas including Enfield, Harpenden, Loughton, Sawbridgeworth, and Saffron Walden.

Benefits include:

• Childcare discount of 50% for the first child
• Enhanced parental leave
• 20 days annual leave, plus bank holidays and Christmas closure, with options to purchase additional leave
• Pension
• Financial and wellbeing benefits, including virtual GP, early wage access, and more
• Access to professional development programs and career coaching