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- Tasks: Lead a catering team to deliver high-quality meals in a school setting.
- Company: VNA Education Recruitment connects educators with opportunities in schools across London.
- Benefits: Enjoy overtime pay for events and support for your DBS application.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team focused on high standards and making a difference in students' lives.
- Qualifications: Must have NVQ Level 1 & 2 in Catering and at least 3 years of chef experience.
- Other info: Flexibility required for holiday ordering and occasional half-day work during breaks.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Job Description
Are you an experienced Head or Senior Chef looking to step into a management role with support? Do you have a passion for delivering high-quality food in a school environment? If so, we have the perfect opportunity for you!
About the Role
Our client school is seeking a dedicated and confident Head Chef to lead the catering team. As part of the partnership with a sister academy, you will work closely with the Executive Chef to ensure consistency in food quality, presentation, and service across both sites. The academy prides itself on maintaining high standards, and they need a leader who can manage a small team effectively while upholding their expectations.
Key Responsibilities
- Oversee food preparation and ensure high-quality meal service
- Manage the onsite catering team, including training and development
- Order ingredients and manage stock control
- Ensure due diligence, health & safety, and hygiene compliance (meeting EHO and site standards)
- Follow menu guidelines and recipes while maintaining portion control
- Work within set budgets and costings
- Organise and oversee catering for academy functions (overtime paid for events after 5pm)
- Conduct stock rotation and regular stock takes
- Attend annual training to ensure full compliance with food safety regulations
- Plan and oversee holiday ordering, including occasional half-day work during school breaks (incorporated into salary)
Essential Skills & Experience
- NVQ Level 1 & 2 in Catering or equivalent
- Allergen training
- Level 2 Health & Food Hygiene Certificate
- Minimum of 3 years’ experience working as a chef within a catering environment
- Strong organisational and leadership skills
- Ability to work independently and under limited supervision
- Effective communication and team management skills
- Knowledge of safeguarding children
- Enthusiastic and positive approach to work
- Flexibility to adapt to the needs of the academy
Desirable Skills & Experience
- City & Guilds 706 1 & 706 2 qualifications
- Level 3 Health & Hygiene Certificate
- Previous experience as a Head or Sous Chef
- Attendance of safeguarding training courses
- Ability to thrive under pressure
VNA Education Recruitment Ltd is a specialised consultancy dedicated to connecting teachers and support staff with both short-term and long-term opportunities in primary, secondary, and special education schools across London and the Home Counties. We prioritise safer recruitment practices and conduct thorough checks on all candidates we represent.
As part of our registration process, candidates must hold a current DBS Disclosure and subscribe to the DBS Update Service. If you don’t have these in place, we’re here to assist you with your application. Additionally, we require original copies of all relevant qualification certificates before finalising any work placements.
Head Chef (School Catering) employer: VNA Education
Contact Detail:
VNA Education Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef (School Catering)
✨Tip Number 1
Make sure to highlight your leadership experience in previous roles. As a Head Chef, you'll be managing a team, so showcasing your ability to lead and train others will set you apart.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarize yourself with the specific dietary needs and preferences of school-aged children. Understanding how to create appealing and nutritious meals for this demographic can demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with other professionals in the school catering industry. Attend local events or join online forums to connect with others who may provide insights or even referrals for the position.
✨Tip Number 4
Be prepared to discuss your approach to maintaining high standards of hygiene and safety in the kitchen. This is crucial in a school environment, and showing your knowledge in this area will be beneficial.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef (School Catering)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to emphasize your experience as a chef, particularly in a catering environment. Mention any leadership roles you've held and how you've managed teams effectively.
Showcase Your Qualifications: List your NVQ Level 1 & 2 in Catering or equivalent qualifications prominently. If you have additional certifications like allergen training or health & hygiene certificates, include those as well.
Demonstrate Your Passion: Express your enthusiasm for working in a school environment and your commitment to delivering high-quality food. Share any relevant experiences that showcase your dedication to food quality and safety.
Tailor Your Application: Customize your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific requirements of the Head Chef position. Use keywords from the job description to align your application with what the school is looking for.
How to prepare for a job interview at VNA Education
✨Showcase Your Culinary Passion
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for cooking and delivering high-quality meals, especially in a school environment. Share specific examples of how you've created engaging menus or improved food quality in previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Prepare to discuss your experience managing a team. Highlight instances where you successfully trained staff or resolved conflicts, showcasing your ability to lead and inspire a small team effectively.
✨Emphasize Compliance Knowledge
Be ready to talk about your understanding of health and safety regulations, food hygiene standards, and allergen training. Providing examples of how you've ensured compliance in past positions will demonstrate your commitment to maintaining high standards.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Anticipate questions about how you would handle specific situations, such as managing stock control or catering for special events. Think through your responses to show your problem-solving skills and ability to work under pressure.
