Head Chef – Leading School Kitchen, Term-Time

Principal Recruitment; City Of London; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Term-time schedule

Evening events occasionally

Prestigious school environment

Job summary

Principal Education is seeking an experienced Head Chef to lead the kitchen operation at a prestigious independent school in West London. The role runs Monday to Friday, 7:00am–3:00pm, term-time only, serving around 750 pupils and staff.

You will head the kitchen team, design high-quality menus, manage food costing and stock, ensure HACCP and FSMS compliance, and develop staff through training. The position offers a hands-on leader who thrives under pressure in a high-volume education setting.

Qualifications

• Head Chef or senior chef with proven leadership of a high-volume kitchen.
• Professional cookery qualification (e.g., City & Guilds) or equivalent.
• Level 3 Food Safety qualification.
• Allergy Awareness Certificate.
• Experience in education or high-volume catering is advantageous.
• Strong HACCP and FSMS knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate and develop the kitchen team.
• Plan and deliver fresh, high-quality meals for pupils and staff.
• Design menus aligned with trends and customer expectations.
• Oversee daily food preparation, cooking, presentation and service.
• Lead daily briefings and allocate responsibilities.
• Manage food purchasing, supplier relationships, stock control and costing.
• Monitor costs, portions and waste; drive improvements.
• Maintain high hygiene and safety standards; ensure FSMS compliance.
• Support training and performance management; coordinate events.

Skills

Team leadership

Menu planning

Food costing

Purchasing & stock management

HACCP knowledge

Food safety management

Communication skills

Pressure management

Education

Professional cookery qualification (City & Guilds or equivalent)

Job description

Principal Education is seeking an experienced Head Chef to lead the kitchen operation at a prestigious independent school in West London. The role runs Monday to Friday, 7:00am–3:00pm, term-time only, serving around 750 pupils and staff.

You will head the kitchen team, design high-quality menus, manage food costing and stock, ensure HACCP and FSMS compliance, and develop staff through training. The position offers a hands-on leader who thrives under pressure in a high-volume education setting.