Head Chef New City Eats

New City College; Loughton; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

An educational institution in Loughton is seeking a Head Chef to provide a high-quality catering service supporting pupils and staff wellbeing. This role offers the freedom to create menus with no weekends, bank holidays, or split shifts. Candidates should have proven leadership skills and experience in industrial catering. The position offers valuable perks including pension, staff development, and discounts on everyday expenses.

Benefits

Pension scheme

Staff development opportunities

On-site facilities

Health cash plan

Discounts on expenses

Qualifications

• Proven experience in an industrial kitchen or catering establishment.
• Ability to manage kitchen operations while adhering to health and safety standards.
• Willingness to work occasional Saturdays and attend training.

Responsibilities

• Provide a high-quality catering service to support the wellbeing of pupils and staff.
• Oversee all kitchen operations and manage a team.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety standards.

Skills

Leadership skills

Customer service skills

Knowledge of catering legislation

Education

Level 3 Food Safety or NVQ equivalent

Job description

The Role :

You will be working on a lovely campus with an in-house operator who will give you the freedom to write and produce your own menus. Your main role will be to provide a high-quality catering service which supports the wellbeing of pupils and staff. This is a fantastic opportunity for a Head Chef who is looking for a change of pace with the added benefit of no weekends, bank holidays or split shifts.

Key Responsibilities :

• Level 3 Food Safety (or NVQ equivalent)
• Experience of working in industrial catering
• Knowledge of Legislative requirements to include healthy eating, allergens, COSSH, HACCP.
• Strong customer service skills
• Experience of managing a team

Who You Are :

Proven experience of working in an industrial kitchen or catering establishment including mass catering and / or hospitality catering would be highly beneficial. You will have excellent leadership and management skills and the ability to oversee all kitchen operations whilst meeting the college catering and health and safety standards.

You will be required to work 4 Saturdays in a calendar year to help support our enrolment events. You will be required to attend Catering CPD days or supplier training.

On occasion you may be asked to work at a Hubbed local campus to support that campus on a temporary basis. At present our Hubbed campuses are:

• Hackney and Hackney Sixth Form
• Poplar and Arbour
• Rainham and Ardleigh Green
• Redbridge, Epping and 6th form

What We Offer :

• Pension : New City College provides a career average pension scheme for all staff. Support staff fall under the Local Government Pension Scheme
• Accessibility : All college sites are easily accessible for wheelchair users and via public transport (bus, DLR, or tube).
• On-Site Facilities : Free access to on-site gym facilities at some campuses and on-site cafes serving subsidised food and drinks.
• Staff Development : Five CPD (Continuing Professional Development) days per year, with access to industry-standard facilities and a collaborative working environment. Leading to opportunities for career advancement and professional development in a supportive setting.
• Financial Perks : Interest‑free loans for annual travel season tickets. Health cash plan (reimbursement for dental, optical, and therapy treatments) and a completely confidential Employee assistance program.
• Discounts : Save money on day‑to‑day expenses, shopping, dining out, DIY, and travel.

About New City College :

New City College is proud to be an Ofsted Outstanding college, the largest in England to receive this top rating. With campuses across east London, south‑west Essex, and two language schools, we are a sector leader in further education.

Joining NCC means becoming part of a forward‑thinking, collaborative team committed to delivering high‑quality education and skills that benefit our students and communities. We offer industry‑standard facilities, expert staff, and strong partnerships with leading organisations. Our focus on future‑ready skills and technology ensures students are well‑prepared for higher education or employment, and employers trust us for staff training and development.

Following the merger of seven colleges, NCC has become one of the UK’s most influential FE providers, offering sixth form education, adult learning, apprenticeships, ESOL, EFL and SEND. With a turnover of £130 million, 20,000 students and 1,800 staff, we are a major force in the sector.

We are proud of our inclusive, diverse community and have a zero‑tolerance approach to racism and discrimination. As we look ahead, we remain committed to investing in our people and resources to provide an excellent, supportive learning environment that meets the needs of both students and employers.

We are committed to building a workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve and actively welcome applications from candidates from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds. This does not prevent any other candidate with or without a protective characteristic from applying for our jobs.

As the College supports a number of children and vulnerable adults, all staff are exempt from Section 4(2) of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Accordingly, all staff will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check, along with a check of the Children’s Barred List if engaged in regulated activity. Any offers of appointment may be withdrawn if these checks prove unsatisfactory. Self‑disclosure will be required as part of the recruitment process. Failure to make a full disclosure or to provide sight of your DBS certificate may result in the withdrawal of your offer of employment. The College's DBS policy on the recruitment of ex‑offenders is available upon request.