Lead School Chef

Lead School Chef

Full-Time 13 - 18 £ / hour (est.) No home office possible
S

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a busy school kitchen and create nutritious meals for students.
  • Company: A vibrant primary school in Brent with a supportive culture.
  • Benefits: Earn up to £18 per hour, enjoy term-time work, and a great work-life balance.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives through healthy, delicious meals.
  • Qualifications: Experience in kitchen management and strong food hygiene knowledge required.
  • Other info: Join a respected team in a well-equipped kitchen with excellent career stability.

The predicted salary is between 13 - 18 £ per hour.

Lead the Kitchen in a Large, Thriving Brent School

SANZA Teaching Agency is proud to be recruiting on behalf of a large and well-established primary school in Brent seeking an experienced and confident School Lead Chef for an immediate start. This is a fantastic opportunity to take full ownership of a busy school kitchen within a vibrant, high-enrolment setting. The successful candidate will play a vital role in delivering nutritious, high-quality meals to pupils each day. Salary available up to £18 per hour, dependent on experience.

About the School

  • A large, inclusive and high-performing Brent primary school
  • A substantial pupil roll and busy kitchen operation
  • Strong leadership and clear operational systems
  • A positive staff culture and supportive senior leadership team
  • Excellent facilities and a well-equipped kitchen
  • A strong focus on pupil wellbeing, including high standards of school meals

The kitchen is central to the daily life of the school, and the Lead Chef is a respected and valued member of staff.

The Role

  • Lead and manage the day-to-day running of the school kitchen
  • Plan and prepare healthy, balanced meals in line with school food standards
  • Manage stock control, ordering and supplier relationships
  • Oversee kitchen hygiene, food safety and compliance
  • Supervise and support kitchen staff
  • Ensure meals are delivered efficiently and on time

Working hours are 7:00am - 3:00pm, providing structure and excellent work-life balance.

Requirements

  • Experience leading or supervising within a kitchen environment
  • Strong understanding of food hygiene and safety regulations
  • Ability to manage volume catering in a fast-paced environment
  • Excellent organisational and leadership skills

This role requires someone confident, proactive and able to take full responsibility for a large-scale school catering operation.

Salary & Benefits

  • ASAP start
  • Up to £18 per hour (dependent on experience)
  • Term-time position
  • Supportive and professional school environment
  • Stable, long-term opportunity

Why Work with SANZA?

SANZA Teaching Agency works closely with primary schools across Brent and wider London. When you apply through us, you receive:

  • A dedicated consultant supporting you throughout the process
  • Clear communication and quick turnaround
  • Honest guidance and transparent pay information
  • Access to long-term and permanent opportunities

If you are an experienced School Lead Chef with a strong background in school catering and are available for an immediate start, please contact Paige Ferro at SANZA Teaching Agency today.

Lead School Chef employer: SANZA Teaching Agency

Join a large and thriving primary school in Brent as a Lead School Chef, where you will be an integral part of a supportive and inclusive environment dedicated to pupil wellbeing. Enjoy a structured work-life balance with term-time hours, competitive pay, and the opportunity to lead a busy kitchen that plays a vital role in the daily life of students. With excellent facilities and a strong focus on professional development, this position offers a rewarding chance to make a meaningful impact on young lives through nutritious meal preparation.
S

Contact Detail:

SANZA Teaching Agency Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Lead School Chef

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the catering and education sectors. Let them know you're on the lookout for a Lead School Chef role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity!

✨Tip Number 2

Show off your skills! If you can, create a portfolio showcasing your best dishes or any successful kitchen projects you've led. This will give potential employers a taste of what you can bring to their school kitchen.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of food hygiene and safety regulations. Be ready to discuss how you would manage a busy kitchen and ensure high-quality meals for pupils. Confidence is key!

✨Tip Number 4

Don't forget to apply through our website! We’ve got your back with dedicated support and quick communication. Plus, we can help you find long-term opportunities that fit your experience as a Lead School Chef.

We think you need these skills to ace Lead School Chef

Leadership Skills
Kitchen Management
Meal Planning
Food Hygiene and Safety Regulations
Stock Control
Supplier Relationship Management
Organisational Skills
Volume Catering Management
Proactive Problem-Solving
Team Supervision
Time Management
Communication Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Experience: When you're writing your application, make sure to highlight your experience in leading a kitchen. We want to see how you've managed teams and delivered quality meals in a busy environment. Use specific examples to really make your application stand out!

Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid fluff and get straight to what makes you the perfect fit for the Lead School Chef role. Remember, we’re looking for someone who can manage a fast-paced kitchen efficiently!

Demonstrate Your Passion for Food: Let your love for cooking and providing nutritious meals shine through in your application. We want to know why you care about school meals and how you can contribute to the wellbeing of pupils. Share your culinary philosophy and any creative ideas you have!

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to us quickly and securely. Plus, you’ll have access to all the resources we offer to support you throughout the process.

How to prepare for a job interview at SANZA Teaching Agency

✨Know Your Kitchen Inside Out

Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with the school’s kitchen operations. Research their menu, understand their food standards, and be ready to discuss how you would manage a busy kitchen environment. This shows your genuine interest and readiness to take charge.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As a Lead School Chef, you’ll need to demonstrate strong leadership. Prepare examples of how you’ve successfully managed a team in the past, handled conflicts, or improved kitchen efficiency. This will highlight your ability to lead and inspire others.

✨Emphasise Food Safety Knowledge

Make sure to brush up on food hygiene and safety regulations. Be prepared to discuss how you ensure compliance in a kitchen setting. This is crucial for the role, and showing your expertise will set you apart from other candidates.

✨Prepare Questions for Them

Interviews are a two-way street! Think of insightful questions to ask about the school’s approach to pupil wellbeing and meal planning. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the school is the right fit for you.

Land your dream job quicker with Premium

You’re marked as a top applicant with our partner companies
Individual CV and cover letter feedback including tailoring to specific job roles
Be among the first applications for new jobs with our AI application
1:1 support and career advice from our career coaches
Go Premium

Money-back if you don't land a job in 6-months

>