At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the school kitchen, manage staff, and prepare healthy meals daily.
- Company: A large, inclusive primary school in Brent with a strong focus on pupil wellbeing.
- Benefits: Salary up to £18 per hour and a structured work-life balance with term-time hours.
- Other info: Working hours are from 7:00am to 3:00pm.
- Why this job: Take ownership of a busy kitchen in a vibrant, high-enrolment school setting.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in school catering and relevant food safety qualifications required.
The predicted salary is between 18 - 18 £ per hour.
Lead the Kitchen in a Large, Thriving Brent School.
SANZA Teaching Agency is proud to be recruiting on behalf of a large and well‐established primary school in Brent seeking an experienced and confident School Lead Chef for an immediate start. This is a fantastic opportunity to take full ownership of a busy school kitchen within a vibrant, high‐enrolment setting. The successful candidate will play a vital role in delivering nutritious, high‐quality meals to pupils each day.
Salary available up to £18 per hour, dependent on experience.
About the SchoolThis is a large, inclusive and high‐performing Brent primary school with:
- A substantial pupil roll and busy kitchen operation
- Strong leadership and clear operational systems
- A positive staff culture and supportive senior leadership team
- Excellent facilities and a well‐equipped kitchen
- A strong focus on pupil wellbeing, including high standards of school meals
You will:
- Lead and manage the day‐to‐day running of the school kitchen
- Plan and prepare healthy, balanced meals in line with school food standards
- Manage stock control, ordering and supplier relationships
- Oversee kitchen hygiene, food safety and compliance
- Supervise and support kitchen staff
- Ensure meals are delivered efficiently and on time
Working hours are 7:00am - 3:00pm, providing structure and excellent work‐life balance.
Essential Requirements- Proven experience working in school catering (essential)
- Experience leading or supervising within a kitchen environment
- Strong understanding of food hygiene and food safety regulations
- Relevant food safety qualifications (Level 2 minimum; Level 3 desirable)
- Ability to manage volume catering in a fast‐paced environment
- Excellent organisational and leadership skills
- ASAP start
- Up to £18 per hour (dependent on experience)
- 7:00am - 3:00pm working hours
- Term‐time position
- Supportive and professional school environment
- Stable, long‐term opportunity
Catering Lead (School) in London employer: Tradewind Recruitment
Join a well-established primary school in Brent that prioritises pupil wellbeing and offers excellent facilities. The supportive senior leadership team fosters a positive staff culture, making it an ideal environment for professional growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Catering Lead (School) in London
✨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 Catering Lead (School) in London
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!
