Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a passionate catering team and create delicious meals for students.
- Company: Join George Heriot's School, a community-focused institution with a rich history.
- Benefits: Enjoy 38 days of 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 difference in students' lives through quality food and service.
- Qualifications: Experience in hospitality and team management is essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
George Heriot's School is seeking a Head Chef to lead the catering team, food production, kitchen and front of house management, and direct communication with staff at the senior and junior schools. The role is also responsible for the Refectory and the senior S6 cafe. The Head Chef is responsible for ensuring all catering services are delivered timely and to the highest professional standards in line with the ethos and standards of George Heriot's School. The Head Chef reports directly to our Catering and Hospitality Management and will ensure that catering is delivered to an exceptional standard. The successful candidate will be motivated by a passion for quality and great service delivery and hold a positive attitude towards young people, their parents, and teachers.
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
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. Please note that parking is not available on our campus. George Heriot's Trust is an Equal Opportunities employer and we welcome applications from all sections of the community.
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 the school - distributing kindness, support, and 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
We aim to attract and retain a diverse group of talented people, who are committed to upholding the school's ethos. As an Equal Opportunities employer, we welcome applications from all sections of the community.
Head Chef in Edinburgh employer: Teacheroo
Contact Detail:
Teacheroo Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef in Edinburgh
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections 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 culinary skills! If you get the chance, organise a tasting session or a demo for potential employers. It’s a great way to showcase your passion for quality and service delivery.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the school’s ethos and values. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their commitment to quality and community spirit.
✨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 are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for quality food and service shine through. We want to see that you genuinely care about creating a positive dining experience for students and staff alike.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in hospitality, especially any roles where you've managed teams or worked in schools. We love seeing how your background aligns with our values and the role of Head Chef.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to describe your skills and experiences. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see why you're the right fit.
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 the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Teacheroo
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
As a Head Chef, you’ll need to showcase your culinary expertise. Familiarise yourself with the school's menu and be ready to discuss your ideas for enhancing it. Think about seasonal ingredients and how you can incorporate them into dishes that appeal to both students and staff.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role requires strong team management. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a kitchen team in the past. Highlight your experience in training staff, managing performance, and fostering a positive work environment. Be ready to discuss how you handle conflicts and motivate your team.
✨Understand the Importance of Budgeting
Cost management is key in this position. Brush up on your budgeting skills and be prepared to discuss how you’ve managed food costs in previous roles. Bring examples of how you’ve maximised quality while keeping expenses in check, as this will show your understanding of the financial side of catering.
✨Emphasise Your Passion for Service
The school values great service delivery. During the interview, express your passion for providing high-quality food and service. Share stories that demonstrate your commitment to customer satisfaction, especially in a school setting where young people are involved. This will resonate well with the interviewers.