Head Chef (School Catering)

Are you an experienced Head or Senior Chef looking to step into a management role with support? Do you have a passion for delivering high-quality food in a school environment? If so, we have the perfect opportunity for you!

About the Role

Our client school is seeking a dedicated and confident Head Chef to lead the catering team. As part of the partnership with a sister academy, you will work closely with the Executive Chef to ensure consistency in food quality, presentation, and service across both sites. The academy prides itself on maintaining high standards, and they need a leader who can manage a small team effectively while upholding their expectations.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee food preparation and ensure high-quality meal service
• Manage the onsite catering team, including training and development
• Order ingredients and manage stock control
• Ensure due diligence, health & safety, and hygiene compliance (meeting EHO and site standards)
• Follow menu guidelines and recipes while maintaining portion control
• Work within set budgets and costings
• Organise and oversee catering for academy functions (overtime paid for events after 5pm)
• Conduct stock rotation and regular stock takes
• Attend annual training to ensure full compliance with food safety regulations
• Plan and oversee holiday ordering, including occasional half-day work during school breaks (incorporated into salary)

Essential Skills & Experience

• NVQ Level 1 & 2 in Catering or equivalent
• Allergen training
• Level 2 Health & Food Hygiene Certificate
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience working as a chef within a catering environment
• Strong organisational and leadership skills
• Ability to work independently and under limited supervision
• Effective communication and team management skills
• Knowledge of safeguarding children
• Enthusiastic and positive approach to work
• Flexibility to adapt to the needs of the academy

Desirable Skills & Experience

• City & Guilds 706 1 & 706 2 qualifications
• Level 3 Health & Hygiene Certificate
• Previous experience as a Head or Sous Chef
• Attendance of safeguarding training courses
• Ability to thrive under pressure

VNA Education Recruitment Ltd is a specialised consultancy dedicated to connecting teachers and support staff with both short-term and long-term opportunities in primary, secondary, and special education schools across London and the Home Counties. We prioritise safer recruitment practices and conduct thorough checks on all candidates we represent.

As part of our registration process, candidates must hold a current DBS Disclosure and subscribe to the DBS Update Service. If you don’t have these in place, we’re here to assist you with your application. Additionally, we require original copies of all relevant qualification certificates before finalising any work placements.