Chef in Bedford

Location: Bedford College, Cauldwell Street

Salary/Benefits: Salary is between £26,510.00 and £28,482.00 per annum (pro‑rata). 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays, people’s pension, retail and leisure discounts, and excellent professional and personal development opportunities, including access to college courses. Salary and annual leave entitlement are for that of a qualified lecturer.

Hours/Weeks: 37 Hours | 36 Weeks Per Year

Contract Type: Permanent – Term Time

This is a UK based contract, and you are required to have the right to work in the UK. Unfortunately, we’re unable to offer sponsorship and any offer of employment will be subject to evidence of your right to work in the UK.

About the role

We are currently seeking a Chef to join our Hospitality and Catering department at The Bedford College Group. As a Chef, you play an important role in the success of our students through:

• Food Preparation & Service – Prepare, cook, and present food in line with weekly menus, ensuring consistent quality, sufficient stock levels, and a professional service for staff and students.
• Kitchen Operations & Compliance – Maintain high standards of cleanliness, hygiene, and safety, ensuring full compliance with HACCP, COSHH, and all health & safety regulations.
• Teamwork & Operational Support – Work collaboratively with managers and colleagues to plan menus, manage stock, support catering events, and deliver daily kitchen operations effectively.
• Customer Experience & Engagement – Provide excellent customer service, support promotions and events, handle queries professionally, and create a welcoming dining environment.
• Stock Control, Costs & Continuous Improvement – Assist with ordering, stock taking, waste control, and cost management while keeping up with food trends and contributing to training, development, and service improvements.

About you

• Qualifications & Professional Training – Holds relevant vocational kitchen experience, Level 2 Food Hygiene, and core English and Maths, with a commitment to further training such as Level 3 Hygiene and safeguarding.
• Culinary Expertise & Industry Knowledge – Experienced in large‑scale kitchen environments, with strong skills in enhancing flavour, presentation, food quality, and understanding hospitality trends and cost control.
• Leadership & Practical Skills – Leads by example in food preparation, organisation, creativity, and maintaining high standards, with strong IT skills and attention to detail under pressure.
• Customer Focus & Team Collaboration – Delivers a high‑quality, welcoming experience for customers and students, communicates effectively, and works collaboratively while supporting learning and development.
• Personal Attributes & Flexibility – Proactive, reliable, and enthusiastic, with a flexible approach to working hours, commitment to safeguarding, and willingness to continuously develop skills and adapt to service needs.

If you do not hold a recognised, qualified teaching qualification, please see attached PGCE CertEd information.

Interviews to be held: TBC

Vision values

• Valuing Teamwork – We are one team who by working together can achieve great things, respecting the opinion and valuing the contribution each of us makes.
• Improving Continuously – We challenge ourselves to always do better by trying new things, sharing knowledge, reflecting on practice and learning from others.
• Student Centred – At our heart is always doing what is best for our students. We consider students in all of our decision making to create positive outcomes and memorable experiences for every student.
• Inclusive – We celebrate differences and diversity, recognising that we can learn from each other.
• Open and Caring – We care about the wellbeing of our staff, our students, our community and wider society, creating an environment built on trust where we listen, engage with and support each other.
• Nurturing Education Excellence – We promote educational excellence by delivering programmes that challenge our students to achieve their ambitions.

Safeguarding our Students – The Bedford College Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to thorough vetting process which includes an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

Terms and Conditions - BCPS

• 37 hours per week (1.0 FTE)
• 27 days annual leave per annum, plus bank holidays
• People's Pension
• Retail and leisure discounts