School Head Chef

Chartwells Schools; St Albans; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

Chartwells, part of Compass Group UK&I, is recruiting an ambitious Head Chef for schools on a full-time basis, contracted to 35 hours per week.

You will lead a kitchen team, create high-quality menus, manage stock and budgets, and ensure hygiene and safety standards across a busy education catering operation.

This role offers a clear career path within a company that values individuality and rewards strong performers who deliver exceptional food experiences.

Qualifications

• Hold a City & Guilds 706/1 & 2 or NVQ equivalent.
• Proven experience in a Head Chef role in a catering environment.
• Ability to lead a kitchen team and manage budgets.

Responsibilities

• Preparing high-quality food that delights clients and customers.
• Identifying opportunities to improve food service.
• Create a positive kitchen environment for the team.
• Delivering food concepts to customers.
• Representing Compass Group UK&I and maintaining brand image.
• Ordering food, stock control and waste management.
• Overseeing kitchen cleaning to maintain hygiene.
• Managing budgets and meeting financial targets.
• Complying with Food Handling, Hygiene, and Health & Safety standards.
• Fostering safety-first mindset and passion for food.

Education

City & Guilds 706/1 & 2

Job description

We're currently recruiting an ambitious Head Chef to help us create exceptional food experiences for Chartwells on a full time basis, contracted to 35 hours per week.

As a Head Chef, you will be responsible for creating an outstanding culinary experience. In return, you will have the chance to progress your career with a company that invests in its people, celebrates individuality, and rewards and recognises employees who go beyond the plate.

Could you bring your spark to Chartwells? Here's what you need to know before applying for a Head Chef position with Compass Group UK&I.

Here's an idea of what your shift patterns will be: Mon-Fri (Full Time Days)

Please note: This role is contracted to 43.6 weeks per year

Your Key Responsibilities Will Include

• Preparing delicious, high-quality food that delights our clients and customers
• Identifying opportunities to improve our food service
• Creating a positive kitchen environment where your team feel welcomed and supported
• Delivering our tasty food concepts to our customers
• Representing Compass Group UK&I and maintaining a positive brand image
• Ordering food, looking after stock control and controlling food waste
• Overseeing kitchen cleaning responsibilities to maintain hygiene standards
• Managing budgets and successfully meeting financial targets
• Complying with Food Handling & Hygiene standards
• Complying with Health & Safety regulations

Our Ideal Head Chef Will

• Hold a City & Guilds 706/1 & 2 or NVQ equivalent
• Create a positive work environment where the whole team can thrive
• Be a brilliant communicator and easily build relationships
• Have experience in a similar Head Chef role
• Strive for excellence in an enthusiastic and motivated manner
• Take initiative and make decisions that are right for our customers
• Have a desire to succeed in your role
• Possess the ability to work under pressure
• Demonstrate exceptional timekeeping and reliability
• Have a safety-first mind set
• Passionate about food

Part of Compass Group UK&I, Chartwells is the leading provider of catering and support services to the education sector. For over a quarter of a century, Chartwells has been focusing on helping those in education to build strong bodies, sharp minds and lead long healthy lives. Every week, Chartwells serves millions of nutritious and delicious meals to pupils and students in primary and secondary schools, academies, independent schools, colleges, and universities across the UK. Chartwells is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all employees to share this commitment. Any offer of employment will be subject to successfully completing pre-employment checks, including an enhanced DBS disclosure and a Children's Barred List check. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and we ask applicants to declare all previous convictions and cautions in order to assess their suitability to work with children.

Job Reference: com/1809/86219001/52834324/BU #State Schools

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!