Head Chef School Catering in Enfield

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 dont have these in place, were here to assist you with your application. Additionally, we require original copies of all relevant qualification certificates before finalising any work placements.