School Kitchen Lead Chef – Creative Menus & Growth

Chartwells Independent; Portsmouth; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Chartwells Independent is hiring an ambitious Chef on a full-time basis (35 hours per week) to deliver exceptional food experiences for our clients and customers across the UK education sector. You will lead kitchen operations, drive menu innovation, and uphold the Chartwells brand with a strong focus on hygiene and customer service.

The role requires leadership experience, City & Guilds 706/1 & 2 or NVQ, a Food Hygiene certificate, and a flexible approach to working hours.

Qualifications

• Hold City & Guilds 706/1 & 2 or NVQ equivalent.
• Food Hygiene certificate is required.
• Experience supervising a team.
• Experience in a similar Chef role.
• Be passionate about great-tasting food and customer service.
• Flexible approach to working.

Responsibilities

• Prepare high-quality food for clients and customers.
• Oversee and implement menu changes.
• Identify opportunities to improve food services.
• Listen to customer feedback and improve services.
• Assist in creating new menus and concepts.
• Represent Chartwells and maintain a positive brand image.
• Monitor inventories to keep kitchens stocked.
• Oversee kitchen cleaning to maintain hygiene standards.
• Comply with Food Handling, Hygiene and Health and Safety regulations.

Skills

Customer service

Food service

Team supervision

Flexibility

Education

City & Guilds 706/1 & 2

Food Hygiene certificate

Job description

Chartwells Independent is hiring an ambitious Chef on a full-time basis (35 hours per week) to deliver exceptional food experiences for our clients and customers across the UK education sector. You will lead kitchen operations, drive menu innovation, and uphold the Chartwells brand with a strong focus on hygiene and customer service.

The role requires leadership experience, City & Guilds 706/1 & 2 or NVQ, a Food Hygiene certificate, and a flexible approach to working hours.