Head chef

Veritas Education recruitment ltd; Greater London; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Veritas Education is recruiting a Head Chef for a prestigious West London school. The role leads a busy catering operation, delivering high-quality, nutritious meals for pupils, staff, and visitors.

You will oversee kitchen management, ensure food safety, and maintain exceptional service standards in a demanding educational environment. The ideal candidate has strong leadership, budget awareness, and a passion for excellence in school catering.

Qualifications

• Experience as a Head Chef in a high-volume catering environment.
• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Knowledge of food safety, HACCP and allergen management.
• Experience managing budgets, ordering and stock control.

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.

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.'