Head Chef | School Catering Leader, Innovative Menus

WSH Group; Buckingham; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

28 days holiday (including bank hols)

3 volunteering days

3 days grandparent leave

24 weeks enhanced maternity leave

Training & development opportunities

Pension & life insurance

Perkbox discounts

Wellbeing hub & employee assistance

Free meals while at work

Apprenticeships for all experience

Job summary

Holroyd Howe is seeking a Head Chef to lead catering across multiple school sites, driving culinary excellence, managing kitchen teams, and delivering fresh, nutritious menus. Based at Stowe Group’s schools, you will influence food standards, safety, and service quality while inspiring through strong team leadership and process improvements.

You’ll supervise menu design, training, and supplier relations in a busy educational environment, ensuring allergen controls and safeguarding policies are

Qualifications

• Experience as a Head Chef within a contract catering environment, preferably in independent education or high-profile settings.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Passionate about fresh, quality ingredients and innovative menus.
• Excellent organisational, communication, and financial management skills.
• Knowledge of current food trends, sustainability, and allergen control.

Responsibilities

• Lead kitchen operations to uphold top food quality, safety, and presentation.
• Create innovative, seasonal menus tailored to school needs.
• Manage kitchen staff recruitment, training, and development.
• Control budgets, stock, and supplier relationships.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, health & safety, and safeguarding policies.
• Collaborate with catering and school teams to deliver outstanding service.
• Ensure allergen controls are followed and championed.

Skills

Head Chef experience

Leadership

Menu development

Financial management

Allergen control

Food trends

Job description

Holroyd Howe is seeking a Head Chef to lead catering across multiple school sites, driving culinary excellence, managing kitchen teams, and delivering fresh, nutritious menus. Based at Stowe Group’s schools, you will influence food standards, safety, and service quality while inspiring through strong team leadership and process improvements.

You’ll supervise menu design, training, and supplier relations in a busy educational environment, ensuring allergen controls and safeguarding policies are