Head Chef: Lead Menu Innovation in Premier School Dining

Compass Group UK; Haywards Heath; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free meals on duty

Contributory pension scheme

Career development through Career Path

MyLearning programmes

Digital GP and healthcare benefits

Exclusive employee benefits

Cash rewards programme

Friends and family referral scheme

Car parking

Job summary

Brighton College Prep Handcross is seeking an experienced Head Chef to lead a busy kitchen supporting pupils and staff across day and boarding environments. You will drive seasonal menus, oversee food preparation, manage budgets and stock, uphold high culinary standards, and mentor a dedicated team in a high-quality, safety-minded setting.

This role offers an exciting opportunity to work within a vibrant school community and event catering, with weekends/bank holidays as required.

Qualifications

• Previous Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef experience in contract catering or premium hospitality
• Proven ability to write, cost and deliver seasonal menus
• Outstanding culinary skills with allergen awareness and attention to detail
• Strong leadership with ability to motivate and develop teams
• Excellent organisational and communication skills
• Proactive, calm under pressure
• Strong financial awareness including budgeting, stock control and food costing
• Good IT skills and confidence using catering management systems
• Level 3 Food Safety qualification (or willingness to obtain)
• Knowledge of HACCP, COSHH, Health, Safety, Food Hygiene and COSHH regulations
• Flexible to weekends/bank holidays and late evenings as per client/business requirements
• Enhanced DBS clearance (or ability to obtain)

Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire the kitchen team to deliver exceptional food and service
• Plan, organise and oversee preparation and delivery of food for pupils and staff
• Drive food innovation and present dishes to high standards
• Take full responsibility for food production with hands-on leadership
• Manage purchasing, production, waste management, stock control and food costs
• Ensure compliance with Food Safety, Health & Safety and COSHH regulations
• Implement food monitoring procedures and maintain records
• Minimise waste through planning and production management
• Develop, coach and motivate your team to high standards
• Build strong relationships with colleagues and stakeholders across the College

Skills

Leadership

Menu costing

Food safety

Organisational skills

Communication skills

Budgeting

Stock control

Food costing

IT skills

Client/customer service

Education

Level 3 Food Safety qualification

Tools

Catering management systems

Job description

Brighton College Prep Handcross is seeking an experienced Head Chef to lead a busy kitchen supporting pupils and staff across day and boarding environments. You will drive seasonal menus, oversee food preparation, manage budgets and stock, uphold high culinary standards, and mentor a dedicated team in a high-quality, safety-minded setting.

This role offers an exciting opportunity to work within a vibrant school community and event catering, with weekends/bank holidays as required.