School Chef - Uppingham

Chartwells Independent; Uppingham; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Contributory pension

Career development

Healthcare benefits

Job summary

Lodestone House is seeking a Deputy House Chef to join the boarding kitchen at Uppingham School. You will assist in preparing meals, ensuring high standards of safety and quality for pupils and staff.

Responsibilities include menu development, dietary accommodation, and supporting the Head House Chef. The role also involves mentoring junior staff and maintaining a welcoming dining environment.

Qualifications

• Professional cookery qualification as a baseline requirement.
• Knowledge of HACCP and food safety practices.
• Ability to manage time and organise kitchen tasks effectively.
• Experience in catering within a school or boarding environment is desirable.
• Strong customer service and interpersonal skills with pupils and staff.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and serve meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinners for boarding pupils and staff.
• Develop nutritious, varied menus meeting dietary needs and cultural preferences.
• Ensure strict adherence to food safety, hygiene, and allergen management.
• Support the Lead House Chef and oversee kitchen operations in their absence.
• Mentor and develop junior catering staff and foster teamwork.

Skills

Organisational skills

Time-management

Food safety knowledge

HACCP procedures

Customer service skills

Teamwork

Independence

Interpersonal skills

Education

NVQ Level 2/3 or equivalent

Job description

Deputy House Chef (Boarding House) - Uppingham School

We ensure you're rewarded for all your hard work, which is why we offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes but is not limited to:

• Contributory pension scheme
• Grow your career with our Career Pathways and MyLearning programmes
• Quick access for you and your immediate family to a Digital GP, and wider healthcare benefits
• Exclusive travel discounts with TUI, Expedia, Booking.com and many more
• Save money on your food shop with discounts on Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrisons and many more
• Up to 44% off cinema tickets to enjoy your favourite blockbuster
• Receive cash rewards every time you spend and use them on a wide range of brands
• Un-wind with us with free wellness, mindfulness and exercise classes
• You can share all discounts and offers with your friends and families
• Working 5 out of 7 days

Job Title

House Chef - Boarding House

Reporting To

House Chef, Group Executive Chef, Contract Director, Deputy Contract Director

Location

Uppingham School, Rutland

Job Purpose

The House Chef plays a key role in supporting the Head House Chef in delivering high-quality, nutritious, and appealing meals for pupils and staff within a boarding house environment. The role helps create a welcoming dining experience that supports pupil wellbeing, promotes healthy eating habits, and contributes positively to the boarding community.

Working closely with the Head House Chef, the House Chef will assist with the preparation, cooking, and service of meals while maintaining the highest standards of food safety, hygiene, and kitchen organisation. The House Chef will also take responsibility for the boarding house kitchen in the absence of the Head House Chef.

Key Responsibilities

Food Preparation and Service

• Support the preparation and service of breakfast, supper, and occasional special meals for boarding pupils and staff.
• Assist in producing fresh, nutritious, and varied menus that meet the needs of a diverse school community.
• Prepare meals in accordance with special dietary requirements, allergies, cultural preferences, and medical needs.
• Ensure food is consistently presented to a high standard and served in a professional and welcoming manner.
• Contribute to house events, themed evenings, celebrations, and special functions.
• Maintain excellent standards of food quality, portion control, and customer service at all times.

Kitchen Operations

• Support the Lead House Chef with the daily operation of the boarding house kitchen.
• Assist with stock control, ordering, receipt of deliveries, and stock rotation.
• Ensure food is stored correctly and in accordance with food safety regulations.
• Help manage food costs and minimise waste through effective planning and production.
• Maintain kitchen equipment and report any faults or maintenance requirements promptly.
• Take responsibility for kitchen operations during periods of House Chef absence.

Health, Safety and Compliance

• Ensure full compliance with Food Safety Act regulations, HACCP procedures, and company policies.
• Maintain exceptional levels of cleanliness and hygiene in all kitchen, dining, and storage areas.
• Complete food safety documentation and records accurately and on time.
• Follow all School safeguarding, health and safety, security, and allergen management procedures.
• Support a culture of safe working practices and continuous improvement.

Team Support and Development

• Support and mentor kitchen assistants and other catering team members where required.
• Assist with training new team members and promoting best practice within the kitchen.
• Foster a positive and collaborative working environment.
• Lead by example through professional conduct, reliability, and commitment to high standards.

Boarding Community Support

• Build positive relationships with pupils, house staff, and colleagues.
• Help create a warm and welcoming dining atmosphere that enhances the boarding experience.
• Respond positively to feedback from pupils and staff regarding menus and food service.
• Act as an ambassador for Uppingham School and Lodestone House, demonstrating the highest levels of professionalism and customer care.

Person Specification

Essential

• Professional cookery qualification (NVQ Level 2/3 or equivalent).
• Previous experience working in a professional catering environment.
• Sound knowledge of food safety, allergens, and HACCP procedures.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Excellent organisational and time-management skills.
• Positive attitude with strong customer service skills.
• Ability to build rapport with young people and staff within a boarding environment.

Desirable

• Experience within education, boarding, or contract catering.
• Experience supervising or mentoring catering staff.
• Food Safety Level 3 qualification.
• Knowledge of nutritional requirements for children and young adults.

Key Behaviours

• Professional and approachable.
• Passionate about food quality and customer experience.
• Reliable, adaptable, and proactive.
• Committed to safeguarding and pupil wellbeing.
• Takes pride in maintaining high standards and supporting colleagues.
• Flexible in supporting the needs of a busy boarding house operation.

About Us

As part of Compass you'll help to feed people, fuel progress and forge connections in around 6,000 venues. Join us to grow your career with the industry leader, and get competitive pay, great perks and unrivalled opportunities for learning and development, at one of the UK's biggest businesses.

Job Reference: com/0608/43928001/52825027/SU #Lodestone House

Compass Group UK&I is committed to fostering an environment where every individual can truly be themselves at work and has equal opportunities to advance in their careers. We strive to build a culture that respects and celebrates the unique talents, beliefs, backgrounds, and abilities of all our team members. We want our colleagues to feel valued, empowered to reach their full potential, and to thrive - because diversity is our strength!