Head Chef - Innovative School Catering Leader

WSH Group; Bushey; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

28 days holiday incl. bank holidays

Volunteer days

Grandparent leave (3 days)?

Enhanced maternity leave (24 weeks)?

Pension & life insurance

Free meals at work

Perkbox discounts

Job summary

Holroyd Howe is recruiting a passionate Head Chef to lead the school's culinary team at St Margarets. You will design exceptional menus, oversee kitchen operations, and deliver outstanding dining experiences to pupils, staff, and visitors.

Joining Holroyd Howe means working with a leading contract caterer for independent schools in the UK. You will manage budgets, recruit and train staff, ensure food safety and allergen controls, and develop fresh, seasonal menus in a collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• Experience as Head Chef in contract catering preferred.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Passion for fresh ingredients and innovative menus.
• Excellent organisational, communication, and financial skills.
• Knowledge of current food trends and allergen controls.

Responsibilities

• Lead kitchen operations ensuring the highest standards of food quality, safety, and presentation.
• Create innovative and seasonal menus tailored to the school’s requirements.
• Manage kitchen staff recruitment, training, and development.
• Control budgets, stock, and supplier relationships efficiently.
• Ensure compliance with all food safety, health & safety, and safeguarding policies.
• Collaborate with the wider catering and school teams to deliver outstanding customer experiences.
• Accountability for following and championing allergen controls.

Skills

Leadership & team management

Food quality & menu development

Organisational & communication skills

Financial management

Allergen control knowledge

Sustainability & trends awareness

Job description

Holroyd Howe is recruiting a passionate Head Chef to lead the school's culinary team at St Margarets. You will design exceptional menus, oversee kitchen operations, and deliver outstanding dining experiences to pupils, staff, and visitors.

Joining Holroyd Howe means working with a leading contract caterer for independent schools in the UK. You will manage budgets, recruit and train staff, ensure food safety and allergen controls, and develop fresh, seasonal menus in a collaborative environment.