At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic catering team and manage food production for our vibrant school community.
- Company: George Heriot's School, a prestigious institution with a commitment to excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy 38 days of holiday, generous pension contributions, and family-friendly policies.
- Other info: Join a supportive environment with opportunities for professional growth and community involvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' lives through exceptional food and service.
- Qualifications: Experience in hospitality and team management; catering qualifications preferred.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Job Overview
George Heriot's School is seeking a Head Chef to lead the catering team, food production, kitchen, and front‑of‑house management, and to communicate directly with staff at the senior and junior schools.
The role also encompasses the Refectory and the senior S6 cafe.
The Head Chef reports directly to the Catering and Hospitality Management and is responsible for ensuring all catering services are delivered in a timely fashion and to the highest professional standards in line with the ethos and standards of George Heriot’s School.
Responsibilities
- Lead the catering team, food production, kitchen, and front‑of‑house operations.
- Ensure all catering services for the Refectory and the senior S6 cafe are delivered on time and to a high professional standard.
- Manage all aspects of food delivery, including events, and collaborate with multiple departments and external stakeholders.
- Oversee cost management and budgeting for the catering operation.
- Perform people management duties: recruitment, performance management, and training.
Qualifications & Experience
- Previous experience in hospitality (preferably within schools, but not essential).
- Experience of all areas of food delivery, including events.
- Experience of team management at head‑of‑department level.
- Strong understanding of cost management and budgets.
- Good IT skills.
- Hard‑working, a good role model, and a key team member.
- Qualifications: Catering NVQ level 1 & 2 or City & Guilds 706‑1 & 2 or equivalent Food Hygiene Certificate Level 3 and Allergen Awareness Level 2.
Benefits
- 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 general retail discounts.
- Opportunities for involvement in the wider school community
- Additional Information
Heriot’s is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment.
This post is regulated work with vulnerable children and or protected adults under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007 and successful candidates will be required to obtain membership of the PVG scheme.
Parking is not available on campus.
Equal Opportunities
George Heriot’s Trust is an Equal Opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.
George Heriot’s School is governed by George Heriot’s Trust, Scottish Charity number SC011463.
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Contact Details:
The Independent Schools Council Recruitment Team
