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- Tasks: Lead the kitchen team to create nutritious meals for students and staff.
- Company: Crookhorn College is a vibrant secondary school focused on student well-being and community spirit.
- Benefits: Enjoy a supportive work environment with opportunities for professional growth and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact on young lives through healthy, delicious food in a dynamic setting.
- Qualifications: Experience as a senior chef, strong culinary skills, and knowledge of food safety regulations required.
- Other info: Join a motivated team dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
Crookhorn College is a thriving and inclusive secondary school committed to providing a supportive and enriching environment for our students. We pride ourselves on our strong community spirit and our dedication to the well-being of both students and staff. Our school catering provision is a crucial aspect to this, by providing nutritious and appealing meals that contribute to a positive school day, helping students to benefit from healthy tasty food.
We are seeking a passionate Head Chef to lead our school kitchen team from September 2025. You will be responsible for the daily planning, preparation and delivery of high-quality, healthy meals for our students and staff. This is a fantastic opportunity for a skilled chef looking for a next step, who is driven and looking to make a positive impact on young people's lives.
Key Responsibilities:- Working with an Executive Chef to offer varied and nutritious meals, taking into account dietary requirements and school food standards.
- Overseeing all aspects of food preparation and cooking, ensuring high standards of quality and presentation.
- Managing and motivating all members of the kitchen team.
- Ensuring compliance with all food safety and hygiene regulations.
- Managing stock levels, ordering supplies, and controlling food costs.
- Understanding of finance and menu costing.
- Maintaining a clean and organised kitchen environment.
- Liaising with the school leadership team regarding catering needs and events.
- Proven experience in a senior chef position, preferably within a school or similar catering environment.
- Excellent culinary skills and a passion for creating appealing and healthy food.
- Strong leadership and team management abilities.
- A thorough understanding of food safety and hygiene regulations (e.g., Level 2/3 Food Safety).
- Excellent organisational and time management skills.
- Good communication and interpersonal skills.
Crookhorn is a vibrant College, offering a challenging role in a forward looking environment, with innovative community developments and collaborations. The successful candidate will join an enterprising, highly skilled and motivated team of teaching and support staff.
The College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. All successful candidates will be subject to Disclosure and Barring Service checks along with other relevant employment checks.
Application forms are available on the Crookhorn College website or by request from the College. The closing date is 20 June 2025.
School Head Chef employer: Crookhorn College
Contact Detail:
Crookhorn College Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land School Head Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific dietary requirements and food standards relevant to schools. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to providing nutritious meals for students.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with other professionals in the school catering industry. Attend local culinary events or workshops where you can meet people who might have insights or connections that could help you land this role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you motivate a kitchen team. Think of specific examples from your past experience that showcase your ability to manage and inspire others in a high-pressure environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Crookhorn College's values and community initiatives. Being able to articulate how your culinary vision aligns with their mission will set you apart as a candidate who is genuinely interested in making a positive impact.
We think you need these skills to ace School Head Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in a senior chef position, especially within a school or similar catering environment. Emphasise your culinary skills and any leadership roles you've held.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for creating healthy and appealing meals. Mention how your values align with the school's commitment to student well-being and community spirit.
Highlight Food Safety Knowledge: Include details about your understanding of food safety and hygiene regulations. If you have Level 2/3 Food Safety certification, make sure to mention it prominently in your application.
Showcase Leadership Skills: Demonstrate your ability to manage and motivate a kitchen team. Provide examples of how you've successfully led a team in previous roles, focusing on collaboration and communication.
How to prepare for a job interview at Crookhorn College
✨Show Your Passion for Healthy Cooking
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for creating nutritious meals. Share examples of how you've incorporated healthy ingredients into your dishes and how you believe they positively impact students' lives.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Prepare to discuss your experience in managing a kitchen team. Highlight specific instances where you've motivated staff, resolved conflicts, or improved team performance, as this role requires strong leadership.
✨Know Your Food Safety Regulations
Brush up on food safety and hygiene regulations relevant to school catering. Be ready to explain how you ensure compliance in your kitchen and how you train your team to maintain high standards.
✨Discuss Menu Planning and Costing
Be prepared to talk about your approach to menu planning, especially in relation to dietary requirements. Discuss how you manage stock levels and control food costs while still delivering quality meals.
