Working pattern Permanent, full-time position 37 hours per week, 38 weeks per year (0.84 FTE) Primarily Monday to Friday, 7am-3pm Occasional planned evening and weekend work for Open Days and College events Salary up to £15.18ph/£29,277 pro rata Term-Time Working: You will be required to work 38 weeks per year and will be paid for 44 weeks per year, which includes your annual leave entitlement About the role as a Chef/Cook We are looking for an experienced and enthusiastic Chef/Cook to join our in-house Catering team at Merrist Wood College.
You will prepare and cook fresh food from scratch to a high standard for students, staff and visitors, while supporting the smooth day-to-day operation of our kitchen and catering service. Working alongside the Chef Manager, you will take responsibility for food preparation, cooking, food safety and maintaining high standards across the kitchen. You will also supervise and support staff and students and, when required, take responsibility for the kitchen as the duty chef in the Chef Manager's absence.
This is a hands-on role suited to an experienced chef or cook who enjoys preparing food from fresh ingredients and has experience working in a professional or commercial kitchen. We would welcome applications from candidates who have worked in roles such as Chef, Cook, Catering Chef, Chef de Partie, Sous Chef, School Chef, College Chef or similar professional kitchen roles.
Key responsibilities:
Prepare and cook fresh food from scratch to a consistently high standard, ensuring meals are produced on time and presented to the required quality. Support the day-to-day running of the kitchen, including supervising staff and students and taking responsibility as duty chef when required. Maintain high standards of food safety, hygiene and health & safety, including allergen management and completion of relevant records and checks. Support kitchen management, including food ordering, stock control, menu planning, portion control and effective use of the catering budget. Work collaboratively with the Chef Manager and Catering team to deliver a consistent food and hospitality offer and support College events and activities.
About you
An experienced and enthusiastic chef or cook who takes pride in preparing and cooking food from scratch using fresh ingredients. The successful candidate will have practical experience working in a professional or commercial kitchen, with the confidence to produce high-quality food consistently in a busy service environment. You will be organised, reliable and safety-conscious, with a positive approach to working in an education environment. The role requires someone who can work independently, support colleagues and students, and take responsibility for the kitchen when required.
You will have: Strong practical chef/cook skills, with experience preparing and cooking fresh food from scratch in a professional or commercial kitchen. Relevant professional kitchen experience, which could include roles such as Chef, Cook, Catering Chef, Chef de Partie, Sous Chef, School Chef, College Chef or a similar position. Experience of kitchen supervision or basic management, with the confidence to work independently and take responsibility for kitchen operations when required.
Food safety knowledge, including a Food Hygiene Certificate or willingness to work towards one, together with an understanding of allergen management, HACCP principles and safe food handling. Good communication and teamwork skills, with an understanding of kitchen health and safety, including manual handling, COSHH and the safe use of kitchen equipment. Please note: This role does not meet the criteria for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship.
Who we are:
Activate Learning is a pioneering education group with a global reach, committed to transforming lives through our approach to learning. We see our employees as individuals, empowering them to make the right choices for their ambitions and careers. We value our people as vital to our continued success and aspire to a diverse, open and inclusive environment that provides the motivation for everyone to pursue their career goals and flourish. When you work for Activate Learning, you're working for an organisation that provides you with the advantages of a large employer, a trusted partner in your career development, and a transformational way of working whilst also investing in building a community environment for everyone. Together, we will bring out the best version of yourself.
Chef/Cook in Fairlands employer: Activate Learning
Activate Learning is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and development of its staff, offering a supportive work culture where educators can thrive. With comprehensive induction programmes, continuous professional development opportunities, and a commitment to employee wellbeing, you will be empowered to inspire the next generation of barbers in a vibrant and inclusive environment at our Reading College campus. Join us to make a meaningful impact while enjoying competitive salaries, generous annual leave, and a range of employee benefits.
