At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a busy school kitchen, preparing nutritious meals and managing kitchen operations.
- Company: Join a warm, community-focused infant school in North West London.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, term-time hours, and excellent work-life balance.
- Other info: Supportive team culture with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by providing healthy meals for children in a nurturing environment.
- Qualifications: Previous school kitchen experience and Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate required.
The predicted salary is between 32000 - 32000 £ per year.
Location: North West London
Salary: Up to £32,000 per annum
Hours: 7:00am - 3:00pm, Monday to Friday
Contract: Term Time Only
Start Date: September 2026
SANZA Teaching Agency are supporting a warm and welcoming infant school in North West London who are seeking an experienced Lead School Chef to join their team as soon as possible. This is an exciting opportunity for a passionate and organised school catering professional to take ownership of a busy and well-run kitchen within a nurturing school environment. The school has a strong community feel and places great importance on providing healthy, nutritious meals for its pupils each day.
The successful candidate will play a key role in overseeing the smooth running of the kitchen, ensuring meals are prepared to a high standard whilst maintaining excellent hygiene and food safety practices. Previous school catering experience is essential for this role.
About the School
- Welcoming and community-focused infant school
- Supportive leadership team and friendly staff culture
- Strong emphasis on pupil wellbeing and healthy living
- Positive and nurturing environment for both staff and pupils
- Well-organised kitchen facilities and established catering provision
- Excellent location with strong transport links
- Stable and supportive working environment
- Term-time only position offering excellent work-life balance
The Role
The Lead School Chef will oversee the day-to-day running of the school kitchen and ensure the delivery of nutritious, high-quality meals for pupils and staff.
- Planning and preparing healthy meals in line with school food standards
- Managing kitchen operations efficiently and safely
- Supervising kitchen staff where required
- Maintaining high levels of hygiene and cleanliness
- Ensuring compliance with food safety regulations and allergen guidance
- Managing stock control and placing orders
- Monitoring food quality and presentation
- Working collaboratively with school leadership and staff
The Ideal Candidate Will Have:
- Previous experience working within a school kitchen environment
- Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate (or equivalent)
- Strong understanding of food safety and allergen management
- Excellent organisational and time management skills
- The ability to work independently and efficiently
- A proactive and positive attitude
- Experience managing or leading a kitchen team is desirable
- A passion for preparing nutritious meals for children
Benefits of working with SANZA
- Top 100 Company to Work For
- PAYE payroll only - no umbrella companies
- Dedicated consultant support throughout your placement
- Competitive salaries and long-term opportunities
- Honest and transparent communication
- Access to a wide network of excellent schools
- Ongoing support from experienced education recruiters
SANZA Teaching Agency are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All applicants will be subject to enhanced DBS and reference checks in line with safer recruitment practices.
Lead School Chef - September Start 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 Lead School Chef - September Start
✨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 Lead School Chef - September Start
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!
