Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic kitchen team and create delicious meals for our school community.
- Company: Join Heriot’s, a historic school with a strong community spirit.
- Benefits: Enjoy 38 days holiday, generous pension, and family-friendly policies.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive environment where your contributions are valued.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' lives through your culinary skills.
- Qualifications: Catering NVQ level 1 & 2 or equivalent, plus food hygiene certification.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 ÂŁ per year.
Main Responsibilities
Please see attached Job Description for full duties.
Ideal Candidate
- Previous experience in hospitality essential, preferably within schools but not essential
- Experience of all areas of Food delivery, including Events
- Experience of team management at Head of Department level
- Experience of collaborative working across numerous departments and external stakeholders
- A strong understanding of cost management and budgets
- Experience of all aspects of People Management, including recruitment, performance management and training
- Good IT skills
- Hard-working; a good role model; a key team member
Qualifications required:
- Catering NVQ level 1 & 2 or City & Guilds 706-1 & 2 or equivalent
- Food Hygiene Certificate Level 3
- Allergen Awareness Level 2
Additional Information
Heriot’s is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share in this commitment. This post is considered Regulated Work with Vulnerable Children and/or Protected Adults, under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007 and the successful candidates will be required to obtain membership of the PVG scheme.
Package Description
When you join the team at Heriot’s, you become part of our community, where the contribution of every individual is important and valued. The Heriot’s motto, to “distribute chearfullie”, is at the heart of school - distributing of kindness, of support and of generosity remains as live today as it was in 1628 when George Heriot founded the school. Our most recent staff survey reported that 97% of employees at Heriot’s feel motivated and happy to work here and we aim to provide a friendly, welcoming, and supportive environment for all of our people. This aim is reflected in the package we offer which, for Support Staff, in addition to basic salary, includes:
- Enhanced holiday allowance (38 days minimum)
- Generous pension scheme (up to 11% employer contribution with 5% employee contribution)
- Enhanced sick pay, maternity and paternity pay
- Family friendly policies (including Personal Emergency Leave Days)
- Annual review and opportunities for training and continued professional development
- Travel to work schemes
- School Fee Remission (non-contractual benefit)
- Employee Assistance programme, including 24/7 counselling helpline and high street, supermarket, and general retail discounts
- Opportunities for involvement in the wider school community
Equal Opportunities
George Heriot’s Trust is an Equal Opportunities employer and we welcome applications from all sections of the community. George Heriot’s School is governed by George Heriot’s Trust, Scottish Charity number SC011463.
Head Chef employer: Scottish Council of Independent Schools
Contact Detail:
Scottish Council of Independent Schools Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the hospitality industry, especially those who have experience in schools. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you’ve got a portfolio of your culinary creations or events you’ve managed, bring it along to interviews. It’s a great way to demonstrate your expertise and passion for food delivery.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by researching Heriot’s values and culture. Knowing their motto and commitment to community will help you align your answers with what they’re looking for in a Head Chef.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your previous experience in hospitality, especially if you've worked in schools or similar environments. We want to see how your background aligns with the role of Head Chef, so don’t hold back!
Team Management Matters: Since this role involves leading a team, share examples of your team management experience. Talk about how you've collaborated with others and managed performance – we love a good team player!
Budget Savvy? Let Us Know!: Understanding cost management is key for this position. If you’ve got experience managing budgets or costs in food delivery, make sure to mention it. We’re keen to see how you can contribute to our financial goals!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get to know you better. Don’t miss out on the chance to join our fantastic community!
How to prepare for a job interview at Scottish Council of Independent Schools
✨Know Your Culinary Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your culinary skills and knowledge. Be ready to discuss your experience in food delivery, especially in events, and how you've managed costs and budgets in previous roles. This will show that you understand the financial side of running a kitchen.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head Chef, you'll be leading a team, so it's crucial to demonstrate your team management experience. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed a team, handled performance issues, and trained new staff. This will highlight your ability to lead and inspire others.
✨Collaborate Like a Pro
Since the role involves working with various departments and external stakeholders, think of instances where you've collaborated effectively. Share stories that showcase your communication skills and ability to work well with others, as this is key in a school environment.
✨Be Prepared for the Unexpected
Given the nature of the job, be ready for questions about safeguarding and working with vulnerable groups. Familiarise yourself with the relevant policies and be prepared to discuss how you would ensure a safe and supportive environment for children and young people.