Evening Chef - Lead Fresh-Food Service at a School

We are currently recruiting for an experienced and dynamic Chef to join our team at the prestigious independent school, St John's Beaumont, in Windsor SL4 2JN. Wilson Vale is an established, quality-led contract caterer. We work with amazing clients across the UK who place huge value on great food as a key part of their culture and community.

This is a full-time position based on a 40-hour working week, 5 out of 7 days, 11am to 7:30pm. Day-to-day, the kitchen caters for around 250 people and 35 boarders in the evening. As our Evening Chef, you will have a strong culinary background in fresh food and a passion for quality. This is a hands-on, operational role where your expertise in kitchen execution will be essential.

You'll be a key presence in the kitchen, working closely with the Chef Manager and your team to deliver an exceptional dining experience for students and staff. We're looking for a Chef with a proven track record of working in professional kitchens, supporting complex food operations, and maintaining consistently high standards across food safety, service, and presentation.

You should be confident in working at pace, assisting with menu planning, stock management, and bringing creative culinary ideas to the team, all while keeping a close eye on cost efficiency and compliance. This role reflects our commitment to exceptional service, innovation, and team development. It offers a fantastic opportunity for a Chef to contribute to a developing service, support the existing team, and help elevate the operation to the company's high standards across both kitchen and hospitality.

Your responsibilities will include the smooth running of the evening service, assisting with staff development, performance management, and mentoring to ensure your colleagues grow in confidence, skill, and consistency. The kitchen provides a vibrant, freshly prepared food offer across several services. Meals include freshly prepared main dishes, vegetarian options, soups, seasonal salads, and desserts, with attention to allergens and dietary requirements to ensure all students are catered for.

In addition, the kitchen provides supper for boarding students, match-day snacks, and supports hospitality and school events throughout the year. Menus are created weekly by the Chef Manager, with input from the Evening Chef, designed to showcase world cuisines and innovative ideas that encourage students to explore new foods and broaden their palate.

We're looking for a confident, capable chef who is passionate about great food, high-quality service, and team support. You'll be proactive, customer-focused, and ready to assist and inspire your team in delivering a consistently excellent experience, both in the kitchen and in front-of-house service.

Responsibilities, Skills and Experience

• Prepare and cook fresh, high-quality meals using a "little and often" approach.
• Assist with menu planning, presentation, and implement promotions or special events.
• Communicate ingredient changes and update menus as needed.
• Maintain high standards of food and front-of-house presentation.
• Support customer satisfaction programs and develop positive client relations.
• Lead, motivate, and train the catering team, promoting multi-tasking and skill development.
• Manage staff performance, encourage innovation, and ensure efficient operations.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, hygiene, health & safety, and company policies.
• Complete reports, stock takes, and assist with budget management and cost control.
• Adopt sustainable practices, reduce waste, and consider environmental impact (ESG).
• Support special projects and contribute to a positive, customer-focused kitchen culture.

Wilson Vale Perks

• Our working hours are some of the best you’ll find in catering - we are strong believers in work-life balance.
• Our working environment is fun and inspiring, with excellent career development opportunities.
• Craft Works – Free craft-focused career development training programme.
• Paid training bespoke to you.
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme – your wellbeing is very important to us.
• Online employee benefits scheme – monetary savings on everyday items!
• Your Birthday off every year after 1 years' service.
• Enhanced Maternity Pay.

Wilson Vale is an equal opportunities employer that strives to create an inclusive working environment for all. We are committed to supporting our people and do not tolerate discrimination of any kind.