Head Chef

Pertemps Network Catering; England; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Live-in accommodation

Beautiful residential school activity‑

Career development and training

Supportive team culture

Impactful work with children

Job summary

Pertemps Network Catering is seeking an experienced Head Chef to lead a busy kitchen at a residential school activity centre. You will oversee daily operations, manage food production, ensure top-quality meals, maintain food safety standards and deliver outstanding service to children, staff and guests.

You will lead, develop and motivate a catering team, control stock and costs, and ensure HACCP and allergen procedures are followed.

Qualifications

• Head Chef or Kitchen Manager experience
• Experience catering for large numbers in a fast-paced environment
• Strong knowledge of food safety, allergen management and HACCP procedures
• Experience managing complex dietary requirements
• Excellent leadership, communication and organisational skills
• Level 3 Food Safety qualification
• City & Guilds, NVQ equivalent or substantial relevant industry experience
• Positive, team-focused attitude delivering outstanding service

Responsibilities

• Leading and motivating the kitchen team to deliver exceptional food service
• Planning, preparing and overseeing nutritious meals for large groups
• Ensuring compliance with food safety, allergen management and HACCP procedures
• Managing kitchen hygiene standards and health & safety requirements
• Ordering stock, controlling food costs and reducing waste
• Training, coaching and developing catering staff
• Supporting wider residential centre operations when required
• Ensuring all dietary and allergen requirements are catered for safely and effectively

Skills

Leadership

Food safety

HACCP

Allergen management

Budgeting

Stock control

Training

Team management

Communication

Education

Level 3 Food Safety

City & Guilds / NVQ equivalen t

Job description

Are you an experienced Head Chef looking for a rewarding role where your work makes a real difference? We are seeking a passionate and organised Head Chef to lead a catering team within a busy residential school activity centre, providing nutritious, high-quality meals for children, young people, staff and guests.

This is a fantastic opportunity to combine your culinary expertise with leadership responsibilities in a unique environment where no two days are the same. With live-in accommodation available, this role is ideal for someone looking to become part of a vibrant residential community.

The Role

As Head Chef, you will oversee the day-to-day running of the kitchen, ensuring the highest standards of food quality, food safety and customer service. You'll lead and develop a dedicated catering team while managing food production, stock control, budgets and compliance procedures.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading and motivating the kitchen team to deliver exceptional food service
• Planning, preparing and overseeing nutritious meals for large groups
• Ensuring compliance with food safety, allergen management and HACCP procedures
• Managing kitchen hygiene standards and health & safety requirements
• Ordering stock, controlling food costs and reducing waste
• Training, coaching and developing catering staff
• Supporting wider residential centre operations when required
• Ensuring all dietary and allergen requirements are catered for safely and effectively

About You

• Previous experience as a Head Chef, Senior Chef or Kitchen Manager
• Experience catering for large numbers in a fast-paced environment
• Strong knowledge of food safety, allergen management and HACCP procedures
• Experience managing complex dietary requirements
• Excellent leadership, communication and organisational skills
• Level 3 Food Safety qualification
• City & Guilds, NVQ equivalent or substantial relevant industry experience
• A positive, team-focused attitude with a commitment to delivering outstanding service

Desirable:

• Experience working within education, residential, hospitality or activity centre environments
• Management qualification (ILM or equivalent)
• Full UK driving licence

What's on Offer?

• Salary up to £35,034 per annum, dependent on experience and live in requirements
• Live-in accommodation available
• Opportunity to work within a beautiful residential school activity centre environment
• Career development and training opportunities
• Supportive and inclusive team culture
• The chance to positively impact the experiences of children and young people every day

Safeguarding

The successful candidate will be required to undergo an Enhanced DBS check. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff to share this commitment. Information regarding the DBS requirement is stated in