Kitchen assistant / commis chef

Holroyd Howe; Hertford Heath; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading contract catering company is seeking a Commis Chef to join the kitchen team at Haileybury School. The role involves assisting with food preparation and maintaining high standards of hygiene. Ideal candidates should be eager to learn, have a keen interest in cooking, and work well in a team. Previous experience is a plus but not mandatory. This is a permanent, term-time only position offering a competitive salary.

Benefits

28 days holiday

Volunteering days

Enhanced maternity leave

Pension and life insurance

Discounts via Perkbox

Wellbeing hub

Free meals

Career development opportunities

Qualifications

• Eager to learn and develop culinary skills.
• Understanding of hygiene practices.
• Previous kitchen experience beneficial but not essential.

Responsibilities

• Assist in food preparation and mise en place.
• Support kitchen colleagues with daily service.
• Follow food safety and hygiene procedures.
• Keep kitchen areas clean and organised.
• Learn culinary skills under senior chefs.
• Support catering for special events.

Skills

Keen interest in food and cooking

Good attention to detail

Team player

Positive and flexible attitude

Job description

Overview

Job Title: Commis Chef

Location: Haileybury School

Contract Type: Permanent - Term time only - Monday to Friday

Salary: £12.21 per hour, 40 hours per week

Why Join us?

• 28 days holiday (including bank holidays)
• 3 volunteering days to give back to causes you care about
• 3 days grandparent leave for those special family moments
• 24 weeks enhanced maternity leave
• Bespoke training & development opportunities
• Pension & life insurance
• Discounts on high street brands, cinema & holidays via the Perkbox App
• Wellbeing hub & access to employee assistance programme
• Free meals while at work
• Career development & HIT Apprenticeships for all experience levels

About the role

We are looking for a motivated and eager Commis Chef to join the kitchen team at Haileybury School. This is a fantastic opportunity to develop your culinary skills in a supportive, food-led environment. You will assist with food preparation, learn from experienced chefs, and help maintain the highest standards in food safety and quality.

You will be joining Holroyd Howe, one of the UK’s leading contract caterers, providing fresh innovative food services solely to independent schools and colleges. We are a team of experienced professionals who tailor our catering service provision specifically to suit children of all ages in order to meet the bespoke requirements of each school.

Our mission is simple: To provide our teams with the right skills to succeed in their jobs, we invest in their training and development. Our exceptional teams of seasoned specialists customise our catering services to fit children of all ages and satisfy the unique needs of our clients.

Job Description

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in food preparation and mise en place
• Support kitchen colleagues with daily service and presentation
• Follow food safety, hygiene, and allergen control procedures
• Keep kitchen areas clean and organised
• Learn and develop culinary skills under the guidance of senior chefs
• Support catering for special events and functions

Qualifications

Candidate Profile:

• A keen interest in food and cooking, eager to learn and develop skills
• Good attention to detail and understanding of hygiene practices
• Team player with a positive and flexible attitude
• Previous kitchen experience or relevant training is beneficial but not essential
• Willingness to work in an education or high-profile catering environment is desirable

Additional Information

We pride ourselves on:

• People first We’re a company of individuals, united in doing our best for our clients.
• Great food, always Using only the best ingredients, our food is fresh, authentic and tailored to each school, age group, and specific needs and preferences.
• Food education We educate pupils through food, encouraging them to understand and develop their own personal tastes and make informed food choices.
• Respect in everything we do Our respectful codes of conduct inform how we behave towards our clients and customers, suppliers and business partners, and each other.
• Fresh thinking New ideas for food, service and ways of working help us maintain our position as creative leaders in school catering.

In order to be considered for this role you must be able to demonstrate that you have the Right to Work in the UK.

Holroyd Howe is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all employees to share this commitment. All roles within Holroyd Howe involve regulated activity. It is a criminal offence for individuals barred from working with children to apply for such roles. An Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, including a Barred List check will be required for all successful applicants. Shortlisted applicants will be asked to provide information about relevant criminal offences and will be subject to an online search of publicly available information. This search helps identify any issues that may affect suitability to work with children.

This appointment is offered on the return of satisfactory professional references.