School Chef

Old Swinford Hospital; Stourbridge; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking educational institution as a chef, where you'll play a vital role in delivering high-quality meals to students. This exciting position involves working closely with a dedicated team to create delicious, home-cooked food while ensuring the highest standards of hygiene and safety. With a focus on creativity and current food trends, you'll have the opportunity to showcase your culinary skills and contribute to a vibrant school community. If you're passionate about food and education, this role offers a fulfilling career path in a supportive environment committed to excellence and student welfare.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in a hotel, restaurant, or contract catering.
• Demonstrate excellent culinary skills with attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Catering Manager in kitchen operations to maintain food quality.
• Plan, prepare, and cook fresh ingredients for pupil meals and events.
• Supervise shifts and ensure meals meet school standards.

Skills

Culinary Skills

Team Management

Food Hygiene Knowledge

Planning and Organisational Skills

Creativity in Food Preparation

Communication Skills

Education

Chef or Cook Qualifications

Experience in Catering Environment

Job description

To be part of a hardworking team which comprises of a Kitchen Manager, 4 chefs and 11 catering assistants.

About OSH

Old Swinford Hospital is one of the country’s leading state boarding schools. A large number of the School’s students are boarders who come from a wide range of backgrounds in the UK and also from the EU and overseas. A third of our pupils are day pupils, who usually go home after lessons, unless they are involved in sport or music, CCF or DofE. The School is now on an exciting journey to become fully co-educational by 2025.

Person Specification

The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate the following skills:

• Experience or qualifications as a chef or cook, preferably in a school, or similar setting;
• Flair and passion for food;
• Excellent culinary skills with an attention to detail;
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in a hotel, restaurant or contract catering environment;
• A creative thinker with sound knowledge of current food trends;
• Sound knowledge of hygiene, health and safety requirements;
• Self-motivated with the ability to work under pressure;
• A team player with managerial experience;
• Planning and organisational skills to run a busy food service area;
• A willingness to adopt a hands-on approach in a varied and demanding team environment;
• Positive and professional attitude;
• Demonstrate a high standard of personal cleanliness and appearance;
• Polite manner in dealing with pupils and staff;
• Good oral communication skills.

Job Specification

Overall Objectives: To assist the Catering Manager in the kitchen operation and ensure the school's reputation for food quality is maintained at all times.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Ensure that all School requirements for catering are met, including pupil meals, events, meetings, and functions.
• Together with the Catering Manager, plan, prepare, and cook with fresh ingredients to produce home-cooked foods and present food to the required standards.
• Ensure that the School’s food from your section is of high quality and that HACCP procedures are followed.
• Ensure the smooth and efficient running of your section.
• Control portion size and monitor waste.
• Ensure supplies are correctly issued, used, and accounted for.
• Assist in the development and planning of menus, including future food trends.
• Ensure the catering team has knowledge of produced dishes to advise students/staff of allergens and content.
• Supervise shifts to ensure meals are produced to the highest quality.
• Maintain health and safety and food safety standards in line with school policy.

Client Service:

• Ensure that students are given prompt and efficient service and expectations are consistently exceeded.
• Be customer-focused and approachable.
• Ensure all food from your section is cooked, presented, and served in line with School standards.

People:

• Supervise and teach trainee chefs in your section.
• Support and encourage catering assistants.
• Ensure standards of food preparation and service are established and achieved.
• Understand food costing and menu planning.
• Check and record stock, deliveries, and wastage.

Health & Safety, Food Safety, the Environment:

• Adhere to the company’s Food Hygiene, Health and Safety, and Environmental policies.
• Maintain food storage areas in accordance with policies and procedures.
• Ensure equipment within your section is well maintained and in good working order.
• Adhere to the cleaning schedule.
• Attend health and safety training courses as required.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Contribute towards your own development with guidance from the Catering Manager.
• Show commitment to the school’s values in all aspects of your role.
• Act as a positive ambassador for the business.
• Carry out all reasonable duties as requested by the Catering Manager or the Bursar.
• Attend training sessions when required.
• Ensure compliance with the school’s policy on safer recruitment and safeguarding.

Remuneration & Hours

A remuneration package will be agreed depending on qualifications or experience. The hours of work are 40 per week for 37 weeks (term time) to suit the needs of the school.

Suitability to Work with Children

Old Swinford Services Ltd is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and applicants are required to undertake an enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service check.