School Kitchen Leader - Part-Time, Term-Time Chef

Compass Group UK; Greater London; On-site; GBP 14,000 - 17,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Career progression programmes

Healthcare benefits

Contributory pension scheme

Travel discounts

Discounts on groceries

Job summary

Chartwells, part of Compass Group UK&I, is recruiting an experienced School Cook to oversee kitchen and service operations in a school environment. The role is 25 hours per week, with term-time scheduling and a focus on delivering high‑quality meals and service to pupils.

You will lead catering teams, ensure food safety and hygiene standards, monitor KPIs with your line manager, and contribute to a positive dining experience across the school community. Prior catering experience is essential.

Qualifications

• Two years of catering experience required.
• Hold a Basic Food Hygiene certificate.
• Experience managing teams in a catering setting.
• Excellent communication and organisational skills.

Responsibilities

• Preparing delicious food to high standards.
• Supervise culinary and catering teams to ensure service excellence.
• Regularly communicate with line manager to monitor KPIs and targets.
• Represent Compass Group UK&I and maintain a positive brand image.
• Coordinate between customers and teams to exceed expectations.
• Train and support teams, leading from the front.
• Implement and oversee Health & Safety standards across teams.

Skills

Catering experience

Team leadership

Communication skills

Organisational skills

Education

Basic Food Hygiene certificate

Job description

Chartwells, part of Compass Group UK&I, is recruiting an experienced School Cook to oversee kitchen and service operations in a school environment. The role is 25 hours per week, with term-time scheduling and a focus on delivering high‑quality meals and service to pupils.

You will lead catering teams, ensure food safety and hygiene standards, monitor KPIs with your line manager, and contribute to a positive dining experience across the school community. Prior catering experience is essential.