Head chef

Veritas Education Recruitment; Acton; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Veritas Education Recruitment is partnering with a prestigious West London independent school to recruit a Head Chef who will lead a busy catering operation and deliver high-quality, nutritious meals for pupils and staff. The successful candidate will manage all kitchen operations, including menu planning, purchasing, stock control and budgeting, while ensuring compliance with food safety and allergen regulations.

A passion for excellence and service is essential.

Qualifications

• Extensive leadership experience in a busy, high-volume catering operation.
• Strong knowledge of food safety and HACCP requirements.
• Experience planning menus and managing budgets.

Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate, and manage the catering team.
• Plan and deliver varied, nutritious menus.
• Manage food purchasing, stock control, and kitchen budgets.
• Ensure compliance with food hygiene, health and safety, and allergen regulations.
• Maintain high standards of food preparation, presentation and service.
• Support catering provision for school events, functions and hospitality requirements.

Skills

Leadership

Menu planning

Budget management

Food safety

HACCP

Staff development

Education

Catering qualifications

Food hygiene qualifications

Job description

Head Chef

Location: West London
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience
Contract: Full-Time, Permanent

Veritas Education is delighted to be supporting a highly regarded independent school in West London in the recruitment of an experienced Head Chef.

This is an excellent opportunity for a talented and passionate culinary professional to lead a busy and successful catering operation, delivering high-quality, nutritious meals for pupils, staff, and visitors. The successful candidate will oversee all aspects of kitchen management, ensuring exceptional food standards, compliance, and service delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate, and manage the catering team.
• Plan and deliver varied, nutritious, and high-quality menus.
• Manage food purchasing, stock control, and kitchen budgets.
• Ensure compliance with food hygiene, health and safety, and allergen regulations.
• Maintain high standards of food preparation, presentation, and service.
• Support catering provision for school events, functions, and hospitality requirements.

Essential Requirements

• Previous experience as a Head Chef or senior-level chef within a high-volume catering environment.
• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Excellent knowledge of food safety, HACCP, and allergen management.
• Experience managing budgets, ordering, and stock control.
• Passion for delivering exceptional food and customer service.
• Relevant catering and food hygiene qualifications.

Desirable

• Experience working within an educational, hospitality, contract catering, or similar setting.
• Experience catering for large numbers while maintaining quality and consistency.

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a prestigious educational environment that values excellence, professionalism, and innovation.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR VERITAS EDUCATION

• All applications are subject to an Enhanced DBS Disclosure, professional reference checks, Overseas Police Clearances (if applicable) in line with our stringent safeguarding policy
• Your CV must cover the last 10 years of employment history where possible and all employment breaks must be explained
• You must have legal right to work in the UK
• You must be willing to attend a registration interview

Veritas Education work with a variety of schools covering a wide geographical area. We deal with teaching placements at Primary, Secondary and college level as well as support staff positions also within these.

Disclaimer

'Nothing within the above advert was in any way designed or intended to discriminate on the grounds of age, gender, race, colour, religion, disability or sexual orientation. Veritas Education is an Equal opportunities employer and is proud in the knowledge that all placements are made on merit and suitability. We accept applications from all sections of the community.'