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: Up to £18 per hour, term-time hours, and a great work-life balance.
- Other info: Join a respected team in a well-equipped kitchen with growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives through healthy meals.
- Qualifications: Experience in school catering and strong leadership skills required.
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 with 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.
Essential Requirements
- Proven experience working in school catering (essential).
- Experience leading or supervising within a kitchen environment.
- Strong understanding of food hygiene and safety regulations.
- Relevant food safety qualifications (Level 2 minimum; Level 3 desirable).
- 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).
- 7:00am - 3:00pm working hours.
- 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.
Interested?
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.
Catering Lead (School) in London employer: SANZA Teaching Agency
Join a large, thriving primary school in Brent as a Catering Lead, where you will enjoy a supportive work culture and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on pupil wellbeing through nutritious meals. With excellent facilities, a strong leadership team, and a focus on employee growth, this role offers a structured work-life balance with term-time hours, making it an ideal environment for passionate culinary professionals.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Catering Lead (School) in London
✨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 SANZA Teaching Agency. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to SANZA Teaching Agency
Don't be shy about reaching out to SANZA Teaching Agency 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 Catering Lead (School) in London
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 SANZA Teaching Agency 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 SANZA Teaching Agency
✨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!
