Head Chef - Brighton

Chartwells; Lewes; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Chartwells is looking for a motivated and ambitious Head Chef to join a prestigious independent school. You'll prepare quality meals, manage a team, and ensure food safety, all while enjoying a comprehensive benefits package. This role offers excellent career growth opportunities in the leading food service company.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Free meals on duty

Uniform provided

Work with celeb chefs!

Contributory pension scheme

Career development programmes

Access to Digital GP

Exclusive travel discounts

Wellness and mindfulness classes

Qualifications

• Excellent culinary and presentation skills required.
• Strong communication and interpersonal abilities are essential.
• Energetic and passionate, with managerial capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Plan, organize, and oversee food preparation and cooking.
• Drive sales through menu planning and promotions.
• Ensure food safety and quality standards are met.

Skills

Culinary skills

Presentation skills

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Financial awareness

Job description

We ensure you're rewarded for all your hard work, which is why we offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes, but is not limited to:

• Competitive salary
• Free meals on duty
• Uniform provided
• Highly accessible via public transport
• Secure bike and scooter parking
• Closed over Christmas and Easter
• Paid events, summer events, social committee
• Amazing facilities
• Work with celeb chefs!
• Contributory pension scheme
• Grow your career with our Career Pathways and MyLearning programmes
• Quick access for you and your immediate family to a Digital GP, and wider healthcare benefits
• Exclusive travel discounts with TUI, Expedia, Booking.com, and many more
• Save money on your food shop with discounts at Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrisons, and others
• Up to 44% off cinema tickets to enjoy your favourite blockbusters
• Receive cash rewards every time you spend and use them on a wide range of brands
• Unwind with free wellness, mindfulness, and exercise classes
• Share all discounts and offers with friends and family
• Working 5 out of 7 days

Fantastic Opportunity at a Prestigious Independent School

Chartwells, part of Compass Group UK & Ireland, is the leading provider of catering and support services to independent schools in the UK. You will be part of a team supporting high-quality education by providing outstanding food and service to pupils and staff. You will play a key role in preparing food daily using fresh ingredients, focusing on enjoyable, healthy, and appealing meals for students.

What you'll be doing:

We have an exciting opportunity for a motivated and ambitious Head Chef with a passion for food to develop your career with the world’s leading food service and facilities management company. We seek a candidate who can:

• Plan, organise, and direct food preparation and cooking, ensuring quality standards are met
• Take responsibility for food production with a hands-on approach
• Drive sales through menu planning, promotions, and supplier relationships
• Ensure all food safety, HS, and COSHH standards are maintained
• Implement and monitor food safety procedures, budgets, and costs

Who you are:

• Excellent culinary and presentation skills
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Energetic and passionate about your work
• Capable of managing and inspiring staff
• Forward-thinking with an eye on waste reduction
• Passionate about food and quality
• Team player with excellent organisational skills
• Numerate, computer literate, and financially aware

About Us

As part of Compass, you'll help feed people, fuel progress, and forge connections across around 6,000 venues. Join us to grow your career with the industry leader, enjoying competitive pay, great perks, and excellent learning and development opportunities.

Job Reference: com/1405/C05801/52738824/SU #Independent

Compass Group UK&I is committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive and reach their full potential. We celebrate diversity and are dedicated to equal opportunities for all team members.