Regional Chef

Bright Horizons UK; Brentwood; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading childcare provider in Brentwood is seeking a Regional Early Years Chef to manage food preparation and support children's nutritional needs. The ideal candidate will have experience in cooking, a passion for nutrition, and a strong understanding of dietary requirements. This role offers a competitive salary, generous benefits including childcare discounts, and an inclusive workplace culture.

Benefits

Childcare discount of 50%

Enhanced parental leave

20 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Pension

24/7 virtual GP appointments

Professional development programme access

Qualifications

• Previous experience within a cooking role, in a domestic or commercial property.
• Ability to demonstrate sound knowledge of managing dietary requirements, particularly food allergies.
• Ability to prepare age-appropriate food for children.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, cook, and present age-appropriate food for all children.
• Ensure all dietary requirements are communicated to teams.
• Lead cookery club sessions and support nursery activities.

Skills

Experience in a cooking role

Passion for nutrition

Knowledge of dietary requirements

Food Safety Certificate level 2

Communication skills

Ability to work under pressure

Education

Food Safety CIEH L2 or above

Job description

Nursery – Bright Horizons Phoenix Day Nursery & Preschool,Merrymeade Coach House, Merrymeade Chase, Brentwood, Essex, CM15 9BG

Salary – Starting from £30,000 per annum (dependent on qualification/s and experience)
Hours - Full time, 40 hours, Monday - Friday

Location – Brentwood, CM15 9BG

Are you looking to work for an organisation whose culture is driven by our HEART principles – Honesty, Excellence, Accountability, Respect, and Teamwork? Where you can be yourself, feel supported, and help to make a difference to the next generation? Somewhere you can say: “I did that.”

We’re looking for a Regional Early Years Chef to join our ofsted rated ''Outstanding'' Phoenix Day Nursery & Preschool located in Brentwood, CM15 9BG.

Our stunning nursery is situated in a quiet location surrounded by lots of trees, open space and wildlife along with being conveniently located close to Brentwood Train stations.

Our Benefits

• Starting from £30,000 per annum

• Childcare discount of 50% for first child

• Enhanced parental leave

• 20 days annual leave, plus bank holidays and paid Christmas closure. Ability to also purchase additional leave*

• Pension

• Financial and wellbeing benefits including 24/7 virtual GP appointments, early access to wages, and more

• Professional development programme access for every stage of your career, including access to a careers coach

*Subject to T&Cs*

The Role

As an Early Years Chef you will prepare, cook, and present age-appropriate food for all the children in the nursery, with minimum wastage. You will ensure all dietary requirements are catered for and clearly communicated to teams, and work in partnership with the team and parents to encourage a healthy and nutritious diet. You will also have an active role in leading cookery club sessions with the children, and support with other nursery activities, such as BBQs, Fetes, and staff meetings.

What we’re looking for

• Previous experience within a cooking role, in a domestic or commercial property

• Passion for nutrition, and inspiring others in healthy eating

• Ability to demonstrate a sound knowledge of managing different dietary requirements, particularly food allergies

• Food Safety CIEH L2 or above (or equivalent) – this must be passed on day 1 in post

• Sound knowledge of COSHH

• Great communication skills, with colleagues, children, and parents

• Ability to work under pressure

We are an inclusive employer and welcome people from all ages and backgrounds to apply. We will consider reasonable adjustments required by applicants. Please note, due to our sector all roles are subject to an Enhanced DBS.

If you want to make a difference, with a company who has been voted Great Place to Work every year since 2006, apply today!

INDLEM

We look forward to receiving your application!

If you experience any problems, please [e-mail] we will be happy to help.