School Chef (Temporary Assignment)

Manpower Group (UK); Oxford; Hybrid; GBP 11,000 - 18,000; Full time

Job summary

Manpower Group (UK) is seeking an experienced School Chef in Oxford to join a friendly catering team. The role is a temporary 4-week assignment with potential extension, working 23.75 hours per week, from Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 2:30pm.

The position requires a valid Enhanced DBS check and the ability to prepare nutritious meals in line with school menus and dietary needs. Competitive pay up to £13.20 per hour.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Chef or Cook, ideally in school/education or high-volume catering.
• Strong understanding of food hygiene and health and safety practices.
• Ability to cook from scratch and adapt recipes to dietary needs (gluten/dairy/allergies).

Responsibilities

• Prepare, cook and present school meals to a high standard following menus/recipes.
• Ensure meals meet nutritional guidelines and dietary requirements.
• Maintain food hygiene, health and safety, and COSHH compliance.
• Support portion control, plating and timely service.
• Assist with stock checks and kitchen cleanliness.
• Work with the Catering Manager and wider team.
• Complete required food hygiene and safeguarding training.

Skills

Experience as a Chef

Teamwork

Food hygiene knowledge

Able to cook from scratch

Education

Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate

Job description

Manpower Recruitment is recruiting for a School Chef on behalf of an established school in Oxford.

This is a temporary assignment for an initial 4-week period, with the potential to be extended subject to ongoing sickness cover requirements.

The pay rate is up to £13.20 per hour, depending on experience, working 23.75 hours per week.

Due to the nature of the environment, a valid Enhanced DBS check is required.

Location

Oxford, Oxfordshire

Hours & Pattern

• Monday to Friday
• 8:30am to 2:30pm
• No evenings or weekends

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced School Chef to join a friendly catering team, responsible for preparing and cooking nutritious, high-quality meals for pupils and staff in line with school menus and dietary requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare, cook and present school meals to a high standard, following set menus and recipes.
• Ensure all food is prepared in line with nutritional guidelines and allergen and dietary requirements, including gluten-free, dairy-free and cultural or religious needs.
• Maintain high standards of food hygiene, health and safety, and COSHH compliance at all times.
• Support portion control, plating and timely meal service.
• Assist with stock rotation, stock checks and maintaining a clean and organised kitchen environment.
• Work closely with the Catering Manager and wider catering team.
• Complete any required food hygiene and safeguarding training.

Essential Requirements

• Proven experience as a Chef or Cook, ideally within a school, education or high-volume catering environment.
• Strong understanding of food hygiene and health and safety practices.
• Ability to cook from scratch and adapt recipes to meet dietary requirements and allergies.
• Reliable, punctual and able to work effectively as part of a team.
• Enhanced DBS check (child workforce).

Desirable

• Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate (or willingness to obtain).
• Previous experience working within a school environment.
• Basic knowledge of menu planning and cost control.