Part-Time School Chef & Kitchen Lead

Vertas Group; Ilkeston; Hybrid; GBP 16,000 - 22,000; Part time

Job summary

Vertas Group is seeking a School Chef to join our Catering Team at Westwood Infant & Nursery, NG16 5JA. This part-time role (20 hours/week, 09:00–13:00, 39.2 weeks/year) leads kitchen operations, delivering nutritious meals while upholding food safety and high service standards.

You will manage stock, ordering and budgeting, supervise kitchen colleagues, and maintain records, ensuring excellent customer service to pupils, staff and visitors.

Qualifications

• Previous experience as a School Chef or similar catering role.
• Experience in a school or commercial kitchen environment.
• Knowledge of food safety, allergens and health & safety requirements.
• Strong organisational and leadership skills.
• Passion for delivering high-quality food and customer service.
• Ability to work independently and use initiative.
• Ability to adapt and respond to change in a growing organisation.

Responsibilities

• Preparing, cooking and serving high quality meals
• Managing the day to day running of the kitchen
• Ensuring compliance with food safety and health and safety legislation
• Managing stock levels, ordering and budget controls
• Leading and supporting kitchen colleagues
• Maintaining accurate records and documentation
• Delivering excellent customer service to pupils, staff and visitors

Skills

School kitchen experience

Leadership

Food safety knowledge

Allergens awareness

Customer service

Organisational skills

Independent working

Adaptability

Job description

Vertas Group is seeking a School Chef to join our Catering Team at Westwood Infant & Nursery, NG16 5JA. This part-time role (20 hours/week, 09:00–13:00, 39.2 weeks/year) leads kitchen operations, delivering nutritious meals while upholding food safety and high service standards.

You will manage stock, ordering and budgeting, supervise kitchen colleagues, and maintain records, ensuring excellent customer service to pupils, staff and visitors.