School Kitchen Lead: Nutritious, Inclusive Meals

Positive Futures Recruitment Ltd; Newport; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Positive Futures Recruitment Ltd is seeking a School Chef/Cook for a brand-new specialist school opening in January 2027. You will lead day-to-day operations in the school kitchen, developing balanced menus, ensuring high hygiene standards and catering to diverse dietary needs.

You will work with students, staff and families to deliver nutritious, home-cooked meals in a warm, inclusive environment and manage stock, budgeting and staff rotas accordingly.

Qualifications

• Experience preparing and cooking meals using a wide range of fresh ingredients.
• Strong understanding of food hygiene, food safety and relevant catering legislation.
• Experience managing stock, portion control and working within a budget.
• Knowledge of special diets, allergens and nutritional requirements.
• Experience supervising or supporting staff in a catering environment.
• Excellent communication skills with internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to maintain accurate records.
• Awareness of learning disabilities and/or additional needs and how these may impact catering provision.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, cook and serve nutritious meals using fresh ingredients wherever possible.
• Plan balanced, appealing menus that meet diverse dietary, allergen and sensory requirements.
• Manage stock control, ordering, portioning and budgeting to deliver an efficient catering service.
• Supervise and support kitchen staff, including rotas, training and daily guidance.
• Build positive relationships with students, encouraging healthy eating and gathering feedback.
• Maintain the highest standards of food hygiene, health and safety and compliance with catering legislation.
• Work collaboratively with students, staff and suppliers to ensure meals are nutritious, appealing and inclusive.

Skills

Food hygiene

Stock management

Staff supervision

Dietary requirements

Communication

Organization

Allergens awareness

Meal preparation

Job description

Positive Futures Recruitment Ltd is seeking a School Chef/Cook for a brand-new specialist school opening in January 2027. You will lead day-to-day operations in the school kitchen, developing balanced menus, ensuring high hygiene standards and catering to diverse dietary needs.

You will work with students, staff and families to deliver nutritious, home-cooked meals in a warm, inclusive environment and manage stock, budgeting and staff rotas accordingly.