At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead menu innovation and improve catering services for schools and commercial operations.
- Company: Join Nottingham City Council, a progressive and inclusive workplace.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, pension scheme, and hybrid working options.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional development and sustainability initiatives.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on food provision and community health in Nottingham.
- Qualifications: Strong culinary skills, experience in multi-site catering, and knowledge of food safety regulations.
The predicted salary is between 42123 - 45529 £ per year.
Contract Type: Permanent
Working Hours: Monday - Friday, predominantly working between 7:00am and 3:00pm however flexibility around these hours is essential as is the ability to work very occasional weekend days.
Worker Type: Hybrid worker
Salary: Starting Salary is £42,123 (Level one) rising to £45,529 (Level four) per annum (pro rata for part time)
Location: Loxley House, Station Street, Nottingham NG2 3NG
We’ve got an exciting opportunity available for talented individuals to join our workforce. Working for Nottingham City Council has great benefits, including competitive pay, great leave entitlement and access to a generous pension scheme. We strive to create an innovative, inclusive and progressive work culture where everyone is supported to do and be their very best.
About the Role:
We are looking for an experienced and passionate Development Chef to join our Catering Services team. This is an exciting opportunity to lead the development, implementation and continuous improvement of our education and commercial catering offer, helping to shape the future of food provision across Nottingham. Working across both school meals and commercial catering operations, you will drive menu innovation, enhance customer satisfaction, support income generation and ensure our services remain compliant, sustainable and commercially successful.
You will lead the development of nutritious, seasonal and appealing menus, ensuring they meet statutory requirements, nutritional standards and customer expectations. The role will involve working closely with schools, parents, catering teams and a wide range of stakeholders to improve service delivery, increase meal uptake and support those with special dietary requirements. You will also provide professional leadership on food safety, compliance, training and quality assurance, undertaking audits and identifying opportunities for continuous improvement across multiple catering sites. Supporting business growth and sustainability objectives, you will use performance data and industry insight to develop innovative food concepts, improve operational performance and contribute to Nottingham City Council's wider priorities around health, wellbeing and climate commitments.
About You:
- Strong culinary and menu development skills, with the ability to create innovative, nutritious and commercially viable food offers.
- Experience of working within multi-site catering operations, ideally within education, school meals or large-scale catering environments.
- Sound knowledge of food hygiene regulations, food safety legislation, allergen management and School Food Standards.
- Experience of undertaking audits, identifying compliance issues and implementing service improvements.
- The ability to develop and deliver training, coaching and professional development to catering teams.
- Strong communication and influencing skills, with the ability to build effective relationships with colleagues, schools, parents and external stakeholders.
- Commercial awareness, with experience of menu costing, budget management and supporting income generation.
- The ability to analyse data, review processes and drive continuous improvement across catering operations.
- A proactive approach to problem solving, innovation and service development.
- A commitment to sustainability, equality, diversity and inclusion, and delivering excellent customer service.
This post is covered by the statutory duty under Part 7 of the Immigration Act (2016) (English Language Requirement for public sector workers) and therefore the ability to speak fluent English is an essential requirement for the role. A DBS enhanced check for a regulated activity is required for this post.
At Nottingham City Council we believe that work is what you do, not where you do it. We offer different working arrangements, depending on the role, including hybrid working.
Closing Date: 25th September 2026. Please note there may be occasions where we close the advert before the closing date and we encourage you to apply as soon as possible. Interviews will be held: TBC.
Development Chef - Education & Commercial Catering in Nottingham employer: Nottingham City Council, Leicestershire County Council, East Midlands Group
Leicestershire County Council is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment where Occupational Therapists can make a real difference in the lives of adults and children. With a strong emphasis on collaboration across health, housing, and social care teams, employees benefit from flexible working arrangements and opportunities for professional growth, making it a rewarding place to advance your career while positively impacting the community.
Contact Details:
Nottingham City Council, Leicestershire County Council, East Midlands Group Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Development Chef - Education & Commercial Catering in Nottingham
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Nottingham City Council, Leicestershire County Council, East Midlands Group. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Nottingham City Council, Leicestershire County Council, East Midlands Group
Don't be shy about reaching out to Nottingham City Council, Leicestershire County Council, East Midlands Group directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Development Chef - Education & Commercial Catering in Nottingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Nottingham City Council, Leicestershire County Council, East Midlands Group and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Nottingham City Council, Leicestershire County Council, East Midlands Group
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
