Head Chef

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

Job summary

A leading educational organization in Crowthorne seeks an experienced Head Chef to oversee catering at Ravenswood Village. You will manage kitchen operations, lead a team, and ensure meals meet Kosher standards and dietary needs. The position includes duties like menu design, compliance adherence, and team development, offering a supportive work environment with career growth opportunities. The role demands a strong focus on food quality and safety while providing training and support across services.

Benefits

25 days annual leave + 8 Bank Holidays

Enhanced parental pay

Employee Assistance Programme

Health cash plan

Cycle to Work scheme

Career development pathway

Free on-site parking

£300 refer-a-friend bonus

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the kitchen team, providing supervision and support.
• Plan, prepare, and deliver meals in line with Kosher laws.
• Ensure food is purchased, stored, prepared, and served safely.
• Design balanced, nutritious menus accommodating dietary needs.
• Maintain compliance with Food Standards Agency regulations.

Skills

Team leadership

Food hygiene knowledge

Communication skills

Dietary needs accommodation

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