School Head Chef Required in South East London (Over 18, Enhanced DBS)

Constellation Careers; Greater London; On-site; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food service company is looking for a Head Chef to lead a busy school kitchen in South East London. You will manage the team, oversee operations, and create nutritious meals that positively impact children's lives. Ideal candidates will have head chef-level experience, strong leadership skills, and a passion for high-quality food. Join us to shape children's experiences through what they eat every day.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Career progression opportunities

Health & Wellbeing Support Programmes

Access to training and development

Lifestyle Benefits Perks Platform

Qualifications

• Proven leadership and team management skills.
• Exceptional organisation, stock, and budget management abilities.
• Passion for delivering amazing food and maintaining impeccable hygiene.

Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate, and mentor a small team.
• Plan, prepare, and deliver nutritious, high-quality meals.
• Take charge of stock management, ordering, and cost control.
• Maintain hygiene, safety, and compliance standards.
• Innovate menus and introduce creative dishes.

Skills

Leadership

Team Management

Stock Management

Budget Management

Hygiene Standards

Education

Head chef-level experience or equivalent

Job description

Lead. Create. Inspire.

This isn’t just another chef role. This is your opportunity to take charge of a busy school kitchen, lead a team, and craft meals that make a real difference in children’s lives. If you have head chef-level experience, a passion for operational excellence, and a love for creating nutritious, high-quality food, this is the role for you.

The Opportunity :

Take full control of a busy school kitchen in South East London. You will lead the team, manage operations, control stock, and deliver meals that make a real difference. Your ideas will influence menus, your standards will set the bar, and your leadership will drive success.

Schools You Could Be Working In :

• Downderry Primary School, Bromley, BR1 5QL
• Deansfield Primary School, Dairsie Rd, London SE9 1XP

Join our these schools and take pride in delivering meals that fuel students’ learning and wellbeing every day.

Hours :

As required, typically a 5–6 hour day between 08:00 am and 14:30 pm, offering you a great work–life balance.

What You Will Do :

• Lead, motivate, and mentor a small team, creating a high-performing kitchen culture.
• Plan, prepare, and deliver nutritious, high-quality meals that exceed expectations.
• Take charge of stock management, ordering, and cost control.
• Maintain top-tier hygiene, safety, and compliance standards.
• Innovate menus and introduce creative dishes that excite students and staff alike.

What We’re Looking For :

• Head chef-level experience or equivalent senior kitchen experience.
• Proven leadership and team management skills.
• Exceptional organisation, stock, and budget management abilities.
• Passion for delivering amazing food and maintaining impeccable hygiene.
• Over 18 years old.
• Enhanced DBS preferred – Compass Group can provide this for the right candidate.

Presentation & Hygiene :

We uphold a high standard of personal presentation and hygiene to maintain a professional image. Team members are expected to have excellent personal hygiene, wear minimal and natural-looking makeup, and keep jewellery simple and discreet. Facial piercings and visible body modifications (such as facial tattoos or other prominent body art) should not be visible while on duty.

About Compass Group :

At Compass Group, we don’t just serve food—we create experiences. As the world’s leading foodservice provider, we deliver fresh, inspiring meals across schools, shaping healthier, happier futures. We invest in our people, embrace innovation, and value leadership. Your expertise will be recognised, your creativity celebrated, and your impact felt every day.

What Compass Group Offers :

• Competitive salary reflecting your experience and responsibility.
• A supportive, professional environment with real career progression.
• Compass Exclusive Benefits for our staff.
• Lifestyle Benefits “Perks” Platform to make your life easier and more enjoyable.
• Health & Wellbeing Support Programmes, including access to our Employee Assistance Programme.
• Access to training, development programs, and recognition schemes.
• The chance to lead a kitchen that truly matters, shaping children’s lives with every meal.

Step into a role where your skills are valued, your creativity celebrated, and your leadership makes a difference.

Apply today, it only takes a few minutes to complete.

THIS IS NOT A TEACHING POSITION,

PLEASE DO NOT APPLY IF YOU DO NOT HAVE HEAD CHEF LEVEL EXPERIENCE / QUALIFICATIONS.

Previous applicants need not apply