At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead kitchen operations, design innovative menus, and manage food safety protocols.
- Company: Caterlink is a leading UK school caterer focused on fresh food services for schools.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive hourly rate of £18.00 and a term-time contract for work-life balance.
- Other info: An Enhanced DBS check will be required for successful applicants.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team dedicated to providing nutritious meals for students at St Mary's Grammar School.
- Qualifications: Proven experience as a Head Chef with relevant culinary qualifications and Food Hygiene Level 3/4.
The predicted salary is between 18 - 18 £ per hour.
Location: St Mary's Christian Brothers' Grammar School, Belfast
Contract Type: Term Time
Salary: £18.00 per hour
Company: Caterlink
About Us
Caterlink is one of the UK’s leading school caterers, providing fresh, innovative food services exclusively to schools and colleges. We are a team of experienced professionals who tailor our catering provision to suit children of all ages and meet the bespoke requirements of each school. The safety and wellbeing of the pupils we serve is at the heart of everything we do. Through rigorous training, clear communication, and exceptional care, we ensure robust allergen management so that every mealtime is a safe and enjoyable experience.
The Role
We are seeking a passionate, hands‑on Executive Chef / Head Chef to lead our culinary team at St Mary's Christian Brothers' Grammar School. In this role, you will take full ownership of the kitchen, driving food standards, managing operations, and delivering outstanding, nutritious food experiences to pupils, staff, and visitors.
Key Responsibilities
- Culinary Leadership: Design and deliver fresh, innovative, and compliant menus that appeal to students while meeting nutritional guidelines.
- Kitchen Operations: Oversee daily food preparation, production, and service, ensuring the highest standards of presentation and quality.
- Team Management: Lead, motivate, and develop the kitchen team, managing rotas and fostering a positive working environment.
- Safety & Compliance: Maintain strict health and safety, food hygiene (HACCP), and impeccable allergen management protocols.
- Financial Control: Manage food costs, stock control, and wastage to ensure the catering service operates within budget.
What We Are Looking For
- Proven experience as a Head Chef or Executive Chef, ideally within a high‑volume education, contract catering, or commercial environment.
- Strong leadership skills with a track record of managing and developing a kitchen team.
- Passion for fresh food and a strong understanding of current food trends and nutrition for young people.
- Excellent knowledge of Food Safety, Health & Safety, and Allergen legislation.
- Relevant culinary qualifications (e.g., NVQ Level 3 or equivalent) and Food Hygiene Level 3/4 highly desirable.
Benefits
- Work‑Life Balance: Enjoy the benefits of a Term‑Time contract, offering excellent work‑life balance around school holidays.
- Competitive hourly rate of £18.00.
- Ongoing training, career development, and progression opportunities within Caterlink.
Candidate Profile
- Ideally, you will have experience as an Executive Chef or Head Chef within a contract catering environment, preferably in independent education, or a high‑profile business and industry setting.
- Strong leadership and team management skills.
- Passionate about fresh, quality ingredients and innovative menus.
- Excellent organisational, communication, and financial management skills.
- Knowledge of current food trends, sustainability, and allergen control.
Right to Work
In order to be considered for this role you must be able to demonstrate that you have the Right to Work in the UK.
Equal Opportunities & Safeguarding
Holroyd Howe is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all employees to share this commitment. All roles within Holroyd Howe involve regulated activity. It is a criminal offence for individuals barred from working with children to apply for such roles. An Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, including a Barred List check will be required for all successful applicants. Shortlisted applicants will be asked to provide information about relevant criminal offences and will be subject to an online search of publicly available information. This search helps identify any issues that may affect suitability to work with children. This appointment is offered on the return of satisfactory professional references.
Executive Chef / Head Chef in Belfast employer: WSH Group
Caterlink, located in Belfast, offers ongoing training and career development opportunities. The team prioritises the safety and wellbeing of pupils through rigorous allergen management and high food standards.
