At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to create delicious, home-cooked meals for students and staff.
- Company: Join a vibrant school catering team with a focus on quality and community.
- Benefits: Enjoy free lunch, gym access, and a generous pension scheme.
- Other info: Flexible hours with opportunities for professional development and training.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives through your culinary skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in high-volume catering and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 37095 - 39531 € per year.
We are seeking an experienced and dedicated Head Chef to join our Catering team. This is a permanent, full-time position of 37 hours per week, across 42 weeks of the year (term time plus four weeks). The post holder is expected to work a rotating shift pattern, involving weekday morning and afternoon shifts, and weekend shifts.
Reporting to the Catering Manager, you will be overseeing the preparation and delivery of fresh, home-cooked meals for approximately 1,500 pupils and staff, as well as a boarding community of around 120 boarders.
The successful candidate should:
- Have relevant training and certificates in catering
- Have experience of high volume catering to a high standard
- Have line management experience of at least a team of 10 staff
- Demonstrate good communication skills with a wide range of stakeholders
- Be proactive with strong problem-solving skills
Contract: Full-time, Permanent contract
Grade: H9 (Full-time equivalent salary: £39,152 to £41,771 per year, plus outer fringe allowance of £729 per annum)
Actual Salary: £37,095 to £39,531 per annum (inclusive of outer fringe) based on a Term time plus 4 weeks (42 weeks) contract, with opportunity to work additional hours.
Hours: 37 hours per week with a rotating shift pattern, working across 42 weeks of the year, with opportunity to work additional hours.
Weekday shifts: include morning shift (6:30am - 3:00pm) and afternoon shift (11:00am - 7:30pm).
Weekend shift: 10:00am - 7:00pm.
Expectation to work one week in three of evenings and one weekend in three, depending on business needs.
Start Date: September 2026 (or sooner) - subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks.
Selection Process: The selection process will consist of two stages. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend a face-to-face interview at St George's School. Candidates who are successful at interview stage will then be invited to complete a practical assessment within the catering environment to further demonstrate your skills, knowledge and suitability for the role.
We can offer:
- Additional training and support
- Ongoing professional development
- Free Lunch on working days
- Free parking on school site
- Generous Pension Scheme
- Use of the schools fitness suite/Gym
- Staff Wellbeing Programme
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Exclusive discounts, cashback and vouchers
As a permanent member of staff you benefit from the application being favourably ranked if you apply for a day admission place for your child at St Georges school, subject to meeting the requirements of our published Admissions Criteria and Policy.
Head Chef employer: St George s School
At St George's School, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that values professional development and employee wellbeing. As the Head Chef, you will enjoy benefits such as free lunches, access to fitness facilities, and a generous pension scheme, all while contributing to the nourishment of our vibrant school community. With opportunities for additional training and a unique advantage of prioritised admission for your child, working here is not just a job, but a rewarding career choice.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school and its catering needs! Research St George's School, their values, and what they offer. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your interview skills! We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or family. Focus on showcasing your experience in high-volume catering and line management, as these are key for the Head Chef role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the practical assessment! Brush up on your cooking techniques and be ready to demonstrate your problem-solving skills in a real kitchen environment. Show them you can handle the pressure while delivering high-quality meals.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant training and experience in catering. We want to see how you've managed high-volume kitchens and led teams before, so don’t hold back!
Tailor Your Application:Take a moment to customise your application for the Head Chef role. Use keywords from the job description to show us you understand what we're looking for and how you fit the bill.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read, so avoid fluff and get straight to the good stuff!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at St George s School
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with the types of meals you’ll be preparing. Research the school’s catering style and think about how you can contribute to it. Be ready to discuss your ideas for fresh, home-cooked meals that cater to a large number of pupils and staff.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head Chef, you’ll be managing a team of at least 10 staff. Prepare examples of how you’ve successfully led teams in high-pressure environments. Think about specific challenges you faced and how you resolved them, demonstrating your proactive problem-solving skills.
✨Communicate Like a Pro
Good communication is key in this role. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve effectively communicated with various stakeholders in the past. Whether it’s discussing menu changes with staff or addressing dietary needs with parents, show that you can handle diverse conversations with ease.
✨Prepare for Practical Assessments
Since there’s a practical assessment involved, brush up on your cooking techniques and time management skills. Think about how you can showcase your ability to deliver high-quality meals under pressure. Practise cooking in a timed environment to simulate the assessment conditions.
