Regional Development Chef - Surrey, Hampshire & Sussex

Holroyd Howe; Aldershot; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading catering company is seeking a Regional Development Chef to enhance food standards across multiple school sites in Surrey, Hampshire, and Sussex. This role is perfect for a talented Head Chef eager for a broader impact in regional development. Key responsibilities include supporting kitchen teams, training chefs, and promoting fresh and nutritious food. Candidates should have proven culinary expertise and effective communication skills. The position involves travel throughout the region. This is a unique opportunity for a passionate chef to join a respected company committed to quality education through food.

Benefits

28 days holiday

3 volunteering days

Enhanced maternity leave

Training and development opportunities

Pension and life insurance

Discounts via the Perkbox App

Wellbeing support

Free meals while at work

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Head Chef or Chef Manager within school or contract catering.
• Strong culinary skills with a passion for fresh, seasonal and nutritious food.
• Confident communicator with the ability to train and inspire kitchen teams.

Responsibilities

• Support kitchen teams across multiple sites.
• Deliver chef training, menu development, and quality assurance.
• Engage pupils through food and culinary demonstrations.

Skills

Culinary skills

Communication

Leadership

Job description

Regional Development Chef - Surrey, Hampshire & Sussex

Company Description

Job Title : Regional Development Chef

Location : Surrey, Hampshire & Sussex (mobile role)

Salary : 40,000 per annum (term-time only!)

Working weeks : 40 working weeks (although full-time considered)

Travel : Mileage / fuel reimbursement

Why Join us?

• 28 days holiday (including bank holidays)
• 3 volunteering days to giveback 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 seeking a passionate, skilled Area Development Chef to play a key role in shaping and elevating food standards across multiple school sites within Surrey, Hampshire and Sussex.

This is an exciting opportunity for a confident and creative Head Chef or Chef Manager with extensive school catering and event experience, looking to step into a regional development role.

You’ll work independently across your patch, providing hands‑on culinary support, delivering chef development, enhancing food quality, and ensuring consistency across all operations. You’ll also act as an ambassador for fresh, seasonal cooking and student engagement.

Experience in regional or multisite roles is beneficial but not essential – what matters is your culinary skill, creativity, leadership, and ability to inspire others.

This role is ideal for a talented Head Chef looking for the next step and the chance to make a wider impact across several schools.

Job Description

Supporting kitchen teams across multiple sites

Delivering chef training, menu development and quality assurance

Stepping into operational roles when required

Hosting tasting tables, pupil food engagement sessions, and chef demos

Helping drive innovation and high standards across the region

Qualifications

Proven experience as a Head Chef or Chef Manager within school or contract catering

Strong culinary skills with a passion for fresh, seasonal and nutritious food

Experience delivering events such as tasting tables, food presentations and chef demonstrations

Confident communicator with the ability to train, support and inspire kitchen teams across multiple sites

Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel throughout Surrey, Hampshire and Sussex

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.