Head Chef

Norwood Schools Careers; England; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

A local educational institution in the United Kingdom is seeking a skilled Head Chef to lead catering services at Ravenswood Village. The ideal candidate will have significant experience in a professional kitchen, particularly in team leadership and food hygiene. Responsibilities include managing a kitchen team, ensuring compliance with Kosher food standards, and preparing nutritious meals tailored to individual dietary needs. The role offers competitive benefits including training, annual leave, and a supportive work environment.

Benefits

Fully funded induction and training

25 days annual leave + 8 Bank Holidays

Enhanced parental pay

Employee Assistance Programme

Health cash plan

Blue Light Card scheme access

Cycle to Work scheme

£300 refer‑a‑friend bonus

Free on‑site parking

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a professional kitchen with team leadership.
• Strong knowledge of food hygiene, health and safety regulations.
• Experience preparing meals for varied dietary needs.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the kitchen team, providing support and development.
• Plan, prepare, and deliver meals in line with Kosher laws.
• Ensure safe purchasing, storage, and preparation of food.

Skills

Team leadership

Food hygiene knowledge

Communication skills

Collaboration with care teams

Education

Formal catering or chef qualification

Job description

Head Chef

Location: Crowthorne, Berkshire RG45 6BQ

Salary: £34,000 to £38,000

Hours: 39 hours per week (rota based, includes weekends)

Contract: Permanent

About the Role

We are looking for an experienced Head Chef to lead the catering provision at Ravenswood Village. This is a hands‑on leadership role, responsible for delivering high‑quality, nutritious meals that meet Kosher (Kashrut) requirements, food hygiene regulations, and the individual needs of the people we support.

You will lead and develop a catering team, maintain high standards across kitchen operations, and work closely with care teams to ensure food provision supports health, wellbeing, dignity, and choice.

This is a role where leadership, structure, and care come together every day.

Your Day to Day

• Lead and manage the kitchen team, providing supervision, support, and development.
• Plan, prepare, and deliver meals in line with Kosher laws, food hygiene standards, and care plans.
• Ensure food is purchased, stored, prepared, and served safely and in appropriate quantities.
• Design balanced, nutritious menus that accommodate dietary needs, vegetarian options, and medical requirements.
• Maintain full compliance with Food Standards Agency and Health & Safety regulations.
• Oversee stock control, cleaning schedules, waste disposal, and kitchen maintenance.
• Complete and record all required checks including temperatures, opening and closing procedures.
• Liaise with care staff, managers, and health professionals regarding individual dietary requirements.
• Support events, functions, and ad hoc catering needs on or off site, working flexibly when required.
• Provide training and guidance to support staff involved in meal provision across other services when needed.

Qualifications, Experience & Training

Essential

• Proven experience in a professional kitchen, including team leadership.
• Strong knowledge of food hygiene, health and safety, and kitchen compliance.
• Experience preparing meals for large groups with varied dietary needs.
• Ability to work within Kosher food preparation standards or willingness to train.
• Confident communicator, able to work collaboratively with care teams and volunteers.

Desirable

• Formal catering or chef qualification.
• Experience working in a care, education, or community setting.

Reward and Benefits

• Fully funded induction and training
• 25 days annual leave + 8 Bank Holidays (FTE)
• Enhanced parental pay
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Health cash plan covering dental, optical, and therapy treatments, with virtual GP access, private consultations, and wellbeing tools via the My Medicash App
• Blue Light Card scheme access
• Cycle to Work scheme
• £300 refer‑a‑friend bonus
• Career development pathway
• Free on‑site parking
• A supportive, experienced team and management