Regional Chef

Bright Horizons; Brentwood; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A childcare organization in Brentwood seeks an Early Years Chef to prepare and cook nutritious meals for children. Responsibilities include meeting dietary requirements and leading cookery sessions. The ideal candidate has cooking experience, a passion for nutrition, and strong communication skills. Benefits include a starting salary of £30,000 per year, childcare discounts, and a professional development program. A full UK driving license is essential.

Benefits

Childcare discount of 50% for first child

Enhanced parental leave

20 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Pension

Financial and wellbeing benefits

Professional development programme access

Qualifications

• Previous experience within a cooking role, in a domestic or commercial property.
• Ability to demonstrate knowledge of managing different dietary requirements.
• Great communication skills with colleagues, children, and parents.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Cooking experience

Passion for nutrition

Food Safety CIEH L2 or above

Communication skills

Ability to work under pressure

Education

Food Safety certification

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 support with covering the division during sickness and annual leave. Although your 'base' will be Phoenix nursery in Brentwood, there will be regular travel required which could be for long periods of time. A full UK Driving license is essential for this role.

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

• £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!

We look forward to receiving your application!