Head Chef - Independent School | West London
Monday to Friday | 7:00am - 3:00pm | Term-Time Only
Principal Education is seeking an experienced and passionate Head Chef to lead the kitchen operation at a prestigious independent school in West London.
This is an excellent opportunity for an established Head Chef or an experienced Senior Chef looking to take ownership of a busy school catering operation, delivering high-quality meals for approximately 750 pupils and staff.
Working closely with the Catering Manager, you will lead the kitchen team, oversee daily food preparation and service, and ensure consistently high standards of food quality, presentation, hygiene and customer satisfaction.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead, motivate and develop the kitchen team, ensuring effective day-to-day kitchen operations.
- Plan, prepare and deliver fresh, high-quality meals for pupils and staff.
- Design innovative menus that cater to customer expectations and current food trends.
- Oversee daily food preparation, cooking, presentation and service.
- Lead daily kitchen briefings, allocating responsibilities and ensuring preparation is completed efficiently.
- Manage food purchasing, supplier relationships, stock control and recipe costing.
- Monitor food costs, portion control and wastage, implementing improvements where necessary.
- Maintain excellent food hygiene, health and safety standards.
- Oversee HACCP procedures, Food Safety Management Systems (FSMS) and all relevant compliance documentation.
- Support staff training, development and performance management.
- Coordinate hospitality, functions and occasional evening events.
Essential Requirements
- Previous experience as a Head Chef, Senior Chef or in a similar kitchen leadership position.
- Professional cookery qualification, such as City & Guilds or an equivalent diploma.
- Level 3 Food Safety qualification.
- Allergy Awareness Certificate.
- Demonstrable experience managing a busy, high-volume kitchen operation.
- Strong knowledge and practical experience of HACCP and Food Safety Management Systems.
- Excellent team leadership and communication skills.
- Experience with menu planning, food costing, purchasing and stock management.
- Ability to work effectively under pressure while maintaining exceptional standards.
- A positive, hands‑on approach with excellent organisational skills.
Experience within education, schools or other high-volume catering environments would be particularly advantageous.
Working Hours & Benefits
- Monday to Friday, 7:00am - 3:00pm.
- Term-time only.
- Occasional evening work for school dinners, functions and special events.
- Opportunity to lead and develop an established catering operation within a prestigious school environment.
Safeguarding
The successful candidate will be required to undertake appropriate safeguarding checks, including an enhanced DBS check, in accordance with the school's safeguarding requirements.
Head Chef - Independent School | West London in City of London employer: Principal Recruitment
Join a high-achieving secondary school that prioritises the academic and personal development of every student. With a supportive work culture, opportunities for professional growth, and a commitment to excellence in teaching, this role offers a rewarding environment for passionate Maths teachers. Located in a vibrant community, you will collaborate with dedicated colleagues and contribute to enriching students' educational experiences.
