School Chef in Bedford

We’re currently recruiting an ambitious Chef to help us create exceptional food experiences for Chartwells on a full‑time basis contracted to 37.5 hours per week. As a Chef, you will be responsible for preparing and serving the kind of food that truly brightens our clients’ and customers’ days, all within the market‑leading food service company in the UK. You’ll get every opportunity to progress within a company that invests in its people, celebrates individuality, and rewards and recognises employees who go beyond the plate.

Shift Pattern:

• Mon: Full‑time (Days)
• Tues: Full‑time (Days)
• Weds: Full‑time (Days)
• Thurs: Full‑time (Days)
• Fri: Full‑time (Days)
• Sat:
• Sun:

This role is contracted to 45 weeks per year.

Key Responsibilities:

• Preparing delicious, high‑quality food that delights our clients and customers.
• Overseeing and implementing menu changes.
• Identifying opportunities to improve our food services.
• Listening and acting on customer feedback to consistently improve our food services.
• Supporting the creation of new menus and creative food concepts.
• Representing Chartwells and maintaining a positive brand image.
• Monitoring inventories to keep our kitchens well‑stocked.
• Overseeing kitchen cleaning responsibilities to maintain hygiene standards.
• Complying with Food Handling, Hygiene and Health and Safety regulations.

Ideal Chef:

• Be passionate about great‑tasting food and exceptional customer service.
• Hold a City & Guilds 706/1 & 2 or NVQ equivalent.
• Have experience supervising a team.
• Have experience in a similar Chef role.
• Hold a Food Hygiene certificate.
• Have a flexible approach to working.

Part of Compass Group UK&I, Chartwells is the leading provider of catering and support services to the education sector. For over a quarter of a century, Chartwells has been focusing on helping those in education to build strong bodies, sharp minds and lead long healthy lives. Every week, Chartwells serves millions of nutritious and delicious meals to pupils and students in primary and secondary schools, academies, independent schools, colleges, and universities across the UK. Chartwells is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all employees to share this commitment. Any offer of employment will be subject to successfully completing pre‑employment checks, including an enhanced DBS disclosure and a Children’s Barred List check. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and we ask applicants to declare all previous convictions and cautions in order to assess their suitability to work with children.

Compass Group UK&I is committed to fostering an environment where every individual can truly be themselves at work and has equal opportunities to advance in their careers. We strive to build a culture that respects and celebrates the unique talents, beliefs, backgrounds, and abilities of all our team members. We want our colleagues to feel valued, empowered to reach their full potential, and to thrive – because diversity is our strength!