At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare nutritious meals and manage a vibrant school kitchen.
- Company: Join a supportive school community in Burnley.
- Benefits: Enjoy daytime hours, competitive pay, and career security.
- Other info: Immediate start with a pathway to permanent employment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' health and well-being.
- Qualifications: Experience as a chef and knowledge of food safety required.
Location: Burnley, Lancashire
Salary: Competitive hourly rate (Equivalent up to £26,000 - £29,000 pro-rata, depending on experience)
Contract Type: Full-Time, Temporary to Permanent (Temp-to-Perm)
Hours: Monday to Friday (Daytime hours only - no evenings or weekends)
Start Date: ASAP
About the Role
Are you a skilled chef looking to trade unsociable restaurant hours for a rewarding role that offers a fantastic work-life balance? We are seeking a passionate, organised, and reliable School Chef to join a vibrant school community in Burnley starting immediately. This is a brilliant temp-to-perm opportunity, allowing you to establish yourself within a supportive school environment with the security of a permanent contract on the horizon. You will take the reins of the school kitchen, preparing nutritious, fresh, and appetising meals that fuel our students' learning and well-being.
Key Responsibilities
- Meal Preparation: Plan, cook, and present high-quality, nutritious breakfasts, lunches, and snacks for students and staff in line with School Food Standards.
- Menu & Nutrition: Maintain appealing, balanced menus while catering to specific dietary requirements, allergies, and cultural food preferences.
- Kitchen Management: Oversee daily kitchen operations, including stock control, ordering, and minimizing food waste.
- Hygiene & Compliance: Ensure strict adherence to food safety, COSHH, and health and safety regulations, maintaining impeccable kitchen cleanliness and robust HACCP documentation.
- Team Leadership: Guide and motivate a small team of kitchen assistants to ensure smooth, timely service during busy lunch periods.
What We Are Looking For
- Proven Experience: A strong background as a Head Chef, Sous Chef, or Cook, ideally within an education, care, or high-volume catering environment.
- Qualifications: City & Guilds 706/1 & 2 or NVQ Level 2/3 in Professional Cookery (or equivalent experience) and a current Level 3 Food Safety Certificate.
- Dietary Knowledge: A solid understanding of food allergens, nutrition, and standard kitchen health and safety.
- Reliability & Pace: The ability to work efficiently under pressure to meet tight service deadlines while keeping a warm, approachable attitude for the pupils.
What We Offer
- Work-Life Balance: Sociable, family-friendly daytime hours with no split shifts, evenings, or weekends.
- Immediate Start: Get to work straight away with weekly pay during the initial temporary period.
- Career Security: A clear, direct pathway to a permanent school contract for the right candidate.
- Community Impact: The genuine satisfaction of providing healthy meals that directly support the health and growth of local children.
How to Apply
If you are a talented chef ready for a refreshing change of pace and want to make a difference in Burnley starting immediately, we want to hear from you. To Apply: Please submit your CV highlighting your relevant catering experience.
School Chef | Catering Lead in Colne employer: Tradewind Recruitment
Tradewind Recruitment is an excellent employer for those passionate about early childhood education, offering a supportive work culture in Northampton. With competitive pay and opportunities for permanent positions, employees can thrive in a nurturing environment that prioritises professional growth and development. Join a dedicated team where your contributions to children's learning and development are truly valued.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land School Chef | Catering Lead in Colne
✨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 Tradewind Recruitment. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Tradewind Recruitment
Don't be shy about reaching out to Tradewind Recruitment 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 School Chef | Catering Lead in Colne
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 Tradewind Recruitment 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 Tradewind Recruitment
✨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!
