Head Chef | Fresh-Menu Leader for School Kitchen

Select Appointments; Ipswich; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free meals on duty

Free on-site parking

Employee discounts

Cycle to Work scheme

Training and development

Team and company social events

Employee Assistance Programme

Workplace pension

Job summary

Select Appointments in Ipswich, Suffolk, is seeking a Head Chef to lead the kitchen at an independent school site. You will manage a busy, fresh food operation for around 450 pupils and staff, delivering high-quality menus and mentoring the kitchen team throughout the year.

The role requires strong leadership, a passion for seasonal menus, and a focus on food hygiene and customer service. Competitive salary and benefits are offered including free meals on duty and on-site parking.

Qualifications

• Experience as a Head Chef or an experienced Sous Chef ready for the next step.
• A genuine passion for fresh food and exceptional customer service.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and develop a team.
• Creativity and enthusiasm for producing innovative seasonal menus.
• Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Experience within a fresh food, high-volume catering environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire the kitchen team across breakfast, lunch, supper and hospitality services.
• Prepare and deliver high-quality dishes using fresh, seasonal ingredients.
• Ensure food is prepared to company brand standards and specifications, maintaining the highest standards of food hygiene, allergen management and health & safety.
• Deliver excellent customer service to pupils, staff and visitors.
• Support the development and training of the kitchen team.

Skills

Leadership

Menu development

Customer service

Creativity

Organisational skills

High-volume catering

Job description

Select Appointments in Ipswich, Suffolk, is seeking a Head Chef to lead the kitchen at an independent school site. You will manage a busy, fresh food operation for around 450 pupils and staff, delivering high-quality menus and mentoring the kitchen team throughout the year.

The role requires strong leadership, a passion for seasonal menus, and a focus on food hygiene and customer service. Competitive salary and benefits are offered including free meals on duty and on-site parking.