Head Chef | School Dining Leader in Luton

Marchant Recruitment; Luton; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Marchant Recruitment is seeking a Head Chef to lead the catering operation at a welcoming school in Luton. You will plan menus, manage a busy kitchen and inspire your team to deliver nutritious meals for students and staff.

This full-time role requires strong kitchen leadership, food safety, budget awareness and a collaborative approach to create high-quality dining experiences in an educational setting.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Head Chef or Senior Chef
• Strong culinary skills and passion for fresh, high-quality food
• Experience leading, supporting and developing a kitchen team
• Sound understanding of food hygiene, health and safety, allergen controls
• Ability to plan menus, manage stock and control costs
• Excellent organisation, communication and problem-solving skills
• Flexible, hands-on approach during busy service
• Genuine interest in nutritious meals in a school setting

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day kitchen operations and service in a school setting
• Develop varied, appealing menus with dietary accommodations
• Inspire and manage the catering team for a high-performance kitchen
• Maintain rigorous food hygiene, safety and allergen controls
• Monitor stock, budgeting and cost control while ensuring quality
• Oversee food preparation, cooking and service delivery to students and staff
• Foster a positive kitchen culture built on teamwork and pride in food quality
• Drive continuous improvement in processes and menus

Job description

Marchant Recruitment is seeking a Head Chef to lead the catering operation at a welcoming school in Luton. You will plan menus, manage a busy kitchen and inspire your team to deliver nutritious meals for students and staff.

This full-time role requires strong kitchen leadership, food safety, budget awareness and a collaborative approach to create high-quality dining experiences in an educational setting.