School Head Chef - Uppingham

Equipment Sales & Service Limited.

Oakham

On-site

GBP 55,000 - 70,000

Full time

4 days ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Pension scheme

Training and professional development

Meals during duty periods

Job summary

Uppingham School is seeking a Head House Chef to lead the boarding house catering operation, delivering high-quality meals in a welcoming dining environment. You will plan menus, manage food production, control budgets and stock, and ensure food safety and compliance.

You will lead a catering team, collaborate with House Staff and leadership, and contribute to pupil wellbeing through healthy, attractive dining experiences in a vibrant boarding community.

Qualifications

Professional cookery qualification (NVQ Level 2/3, City & Guilds, or equivalent).
Significant experience as a chef in education, hospitality, contract catering or residential environments.
Experience managing a kitchen operation including food ordering, stock control and budgeting.
Strong understanding of allergen management and dietary requirements.
Excellent knowledge of food safety legislation, HACCP and best practice.

Responsibilities

Lead, motivate and develop the boarding house catering team.
Plan, prepare and oversee breakfast, supper, weekend and special event catering.
Manage purchasing, stock control and budgeting to meet targets.
Ensure safety, quality, presentation and seasonal menus.
Drive health, safety and compliance with all policies.
Engage with pupils, staff and parents to support wellbeing and dining experience.

Skills

Leadership

Nutrition knowledge

Organisational skills

Communication skills

Budget management

Safeguarding awareness

Adaptability

Education

Professional cookery qualification

Job description

The Head House Chef is responsible for leading the catering operation within a designated boarding house, delivering exceptional food and hospitality to pupils and staff. The role focuses on creating a welcoming and inclusive dining environment that supports pupil wellbeing, promotes healthy eating habits, and enhances the boarding experience. The Head House Chef will have overall responsibility for menu planning, food production, financial performance, stock management, compliance, and team leadership, ensuring the highest standards of food quality, customer service, food safety, and operational excellence are consistently achieved. As the culinary leader within the boarding house, the Head House Chef will work closely with House Staff, Catering Leadership, and the wider School community to deliver a catering provision that reflects the values and standards of Uppingham School.

Leadership and Team Management

Lead, motivate, and develop the boarding house catering team.
Manage the day-to-day running of the boarding house kitchen and dining operation.
Ensure team members are appropriately trained, supported, and developed.
Conduct regular performance conversations and support continuous professional development.
Plan staffing requirements and rota arrangements to meet operational needs.
Promote a positive, professional, and collaborative working culture.
Act as the culinary lead and first point of contact for all catering matters within the boarding house.

Food Preparation and Service

Plan, prepare, and oversee the delivery of breakfast, supper, weekend catering, and special event catering for boarding pupils and staff.
Ensure all dietary requirements, allergies, medical needs, cultural preferences, and religious requirements are catered for safely and effectively.
Maintain consistently high standards of food quality, presentation, flavour, and service.
Introduce seasonal menus and initiatives that encourage healthy eating and pupil engagement.
Lead and support house events, themed dining experiences, open days, celebrations, and hospitality functions.

Financial and Commercial Management

Manage food purchasing and stock control within agreed budgets.
Monitor food costs and take responsibility for achieving budgetary targets.
Ensure effective stock rotation and minimise food waste through careful planning and forecasting.
Review consumption trends and adapt menus and purchasing accordingly.
Ensure all purchasing activities comply with School and company procurement procedures.
Seek opportunities to improve efficiency while maintaining food quality and service standards.

Kitchen Operations

Oversee all daily kitchen and food service operations within the boarding house.
Monitor deliveries and ensure correct storage and handling of food products.
Maintain appropriate stock levels to support service requirements.
Ensure kitchen equipment is maintained and reported for repair when required.
Drive continuous improvement in kitchen systems, standards, and working practices.
Ensure the boarding house kitchen remains inspection and audit ready at all times.

Health, Safety and Compliance

Ensure full compliance with Food Safety legislation, HACCP procedures, allergen regulations, and company policies.
Maintain outstanding standards of cleanliness, hygiene, and food safety throughout all kitchen and storage areas.
Complete and oversee all required food safety records, audits, and compliance documentation.
Adhere to all School safeguarding, health and safety, fire safety, and security procedures.
Lead allergen management processes and ensure all team members understand and follow procedures.
Conduct regular checks and reviews to maintain a safe working environment.

Boarding Community Engagement

Build strong relationships with pupils, House Staff, parents, and colleagues.
Create a welcoming dining environment that contributes positively to the boarding experience.
Encourage pupil participation and gather regular feedback on menus and food service.
Respond proactively to feedback and identify opportunities to enhance the catering offer.
Promote healthy eating, wellbeing, and sustainability initiatives within the boarding house.
Act as a positive ambassador for Uppingham School and Lodestone House.

This is an outstanding opportunity for an experienced and passionate chef to lead a unique boarding house catering operation, shaping the daily dining experience of pupils and contributing directly to the wellbeing, community spirit, and success of one of the UK's leading independent schools. The role offers genuine autonomy, leadership responsibility, and the opportunity to make a lasting impact within a vibrant boarding environment.

Professional Cookery Qualification (NVQ Level2/3, City & Guilds, or equivalent).

Significant experience as a chef within education, hospitality, contract catering, or a residential environment.
Experience managing a kitchen operation, including food ordering, stock control, and budgeting.
Strong understanding of allergen management and specialist dietary requirements.
Excellent knowledge of food safety legislation, HACCP, and best practice.

Essential Skills and Attributes

Proven leadership and people management skills.
Passion for producing fresh, nutritious, and high-quality food.
Strong organisational and planning abilities.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to manage competing priorities and work effectively under pressure.
Commercial awareness and budget management capability.
Flexible, proactive, and solutions-focused approach.
Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

Desirable

Experience working within an independent school or boarding environment.
Food Safety Level 3 qualification.
Experience of managing catering teams.
Experience delivering hospitality and special events.
Knowledge of sustainable and seasonal food sourcing.
Understanding of adolescent nutrition and wellbeing.

Working Days

Working 5 days out of 7, The role will involve a flexible working pattern to meet the needs of the boarding house, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and occasional special events.

Safeguarding Statement Uppingham School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff are expected to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory pre-employment screening in accordance with statutory guidance.

Benefits