Head Chef - Ascot

Blue Arrow - Southampton; Ascot; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational catering provider in Ascot is seeking an experienced Head Chef to oversee kitchen operations and ensure quality meals. This role requires strong leadership, creativity in menu design, and the ability to manage a busy kitchen environment effectively. The ideal candidate will hold NVQ chef qualifications and possess excellent time management and organizational skills. Competitive salary along with comprehensive employee benefits are offered.

Benefits

Mental health support

Employee assistance programs

Health & wellbeing app

Career development opportunities

Cycle to work scheme

Flexible work environment

Volunteering opportunities

Qualifications

• Experienced head chef who has led and operated in a client-facing environment.
• Ability to work efficiently and competently in a busy environment.
• High level of self-motivation and flexibility in the role.

Responsibilities

• Ensure highest quality food production and presentation.
• Plan, cost, and implement high-quality menus with variety.
• Manage kitchen team effectively and ensure high standards.

Skills

Leadership

Time management

Creativity in menu design

Knowledge of dietary requirements

Organizational skills

Computer literacy

Education

NVQ chef qualifications or equivalent

Job description

Job Description
Job Role - Head Chef
Location - Ascot
Salary - £40,000
Job Overview
Join Our Team as a Head Chef - Make an Impact Every Day
* Days/Shift Pattern: 5 out of 7 days
* Working Hours: 7am - 3.30pm / 11.30am - 8pm
* Total Hours Per Week: 40 hours
* Salary: £38,000 - £40,000, with excellent benefits Parking
* Uniform provided
* Training provided
* All meals whilst on shift
Are you a passionate and experienced chef ready to lead a dynamic kitchen team in a prestigious educational setting? We're seeking a talented Head Chef to take the reins of its culinary operation, delivering high-quality meals for pupils and staff, as well as managing hospitality and catering events to an exceptional standard. This is a rare opportunity to shape menus, mentor a team, and work collaboratively with senior leadership in a role that balances creativity, responsibility, and purpose-supporting both wellbeing and education through food.
What you'll do:
* Ensure that the production, preparation and presentation of food are always of the highest quality.
* Knowledge of all standard procedures and policies pertaining to food preparation, receiving, storage and sanitation.
* Working with the Group Head Chef to provide effective financial control of food.
* Ensure planning, costing and implementation of all menus, ensuring all menus are balanced, provide variety and seasonality, exhibit innovation and current trends and are financially robust.
* To support Group Head Chef with interview, recruitment, induction and manage staff accordingly.
* To ensure that all food is prepared with due care and attention, particularly regarding special dietary requirements, allergens and shelf life.
* To carry out planning, ordering and implementation of core feeding and functions in the absence of Executive Group Head Chef.
For a full list of responsibilities please view the attached job description

What you bring:
* Experienced head chef who has led and operated in a client facing environment
* NVQ chef qualifications, or equivalent
* Ownership and accountability of the role and that of their team.
* Computer literate
* Ability to work efficiently and competently in a busy environment.
* Excellent time management and organisational skills
* Able to demonstrate positive attitude to self-development, willingness to learn in the role and identify own training needs.
* High level of self-motivation and recognition of a flexible approach to the role.
* Strong leadership skills to motivate, communicate and all elements to lead a team.
* Strong ability to undertake all appropriate training to further both skill and knowledge within the role held.

What we offer:
Working with us is more than a job; it's a chance to be part of something greater. You'll belong in a company and team that values you for you; you'll act with purpose and have an impact through your everyday actions; and you'll be able to thrive in your own way. In addition, we offer:
* Mental Health Support: Unlimited access to an online platform for mental health and wellbeing.
* Employee Assistance: Access to support for everyday challenges, including legal and financial advice.
* Health & Wellbeing App: Enjoy a free app with rewards for healthy living, plus 24/7 virtual GP access.
* Death in Service Benefit: Protection for your loved ones in the event of your passing while employed.
* Career Development: Opportunities for growth through a variety of learning and development tools.
* Cycle to Work Scheme: Promote a healthier lifestyle while helping the environment.
* Volunteering Opportunities: Engage in meaningful community support initiatives.
* Flexible Work Environment: Enjoy a dynamic workplace with competitive compensation.
We're a Disability Confident Leader employer. We're committed to changing attitudes towards disability, and making sure disabled people have the chance to fulfil their aspirations. We run a Disability Confident interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria for the job.

Blue Arrow is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to helping find great work opportunities for great people.