Head Chef

Yarrells: A great big hug of a school!

Yarrells School and Nursery is looking for a skilled, creative and hardworking Head Chef to lead our Catering team. You will work all year round, up to 40 hours per week, with flexibility to work shift hours between 7am and 6pm.

We are seeking a very special person to join us in this catering role.

Our Head Chef will be responsible for leading the school’s catering operation, ensuring the provision of high-quality, nutritious meals for approximately 250 pupils and staff each day. You will set weekly menus, manage a small catering team, oversee food hygiene and safety, cater to dietary and allergy requirements, and take responsibility for ordering and budget management.

Key Responsibilities

Menu Planning & Food Preparation

• Plan and create weekly menus that provide varied, nutritious, and appealing meals for children and adults.
• Ensure menus cater to all dietary requirements, allergies, and cultural or medical needs.
• Oversee and participate in the preparation and cooking of fresh, balanced meals each day.
• Ensure portion control and consistency in food quality.
• Prepare meals for special events or functions as required.

Kitchen & Team Management

• Lead and manage the catering team, ensuring a well-organised and efficient kitchen operation.
• Oversee staff rotas, training, and development to maintain high kitchen standards.
• Foster a positive and professional working environment within the catering team.

Food Safety & Compliance

• Ensure full compliance with all food hygiene, health, and safety regulations.
• Maintain accurate records, including temperature checks, allergen information, and cleaning schedules.
• Take the lead on implementing and maintaining food safety procedures, including staff training on hygiene and allergens.

Budget & Stock Management

• Manage the catering budget efficiently, ensuring cost-effective purchasing without compromising quality.
• Oversee stock control, placing orders with suppliers and ensuring timely deliveries.
• Minimise waste through effective stock management and portion control.

Person Specification

Essential:

• Proven experience as a Head Chef, Senior Chef or Catering Manager in a school, hospitality, or similar setting.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Experience in menu planning and catering for large numbers.
• Knowledge of food hygiene regulations, including allergens and dietary needs.
• Budget management and stock control experience.
• Ability to work efficiently under pressure and maintain high standards.

Desirable:

• Formal catering qualifications (e.g., NVQ Level 3 in Professional Cookery or equivalent).
• Food Hygiene Level 3 or above.
• Experience in school or contract catering.

Working Hours & Conditions:

• Monday to Friday, all full year round, with full time flexible working hours between 7am and 6pm as needed
• Occasional flexibility required for school events and functions.

This is an exciting opportunity for a passionate and experienced Head Chef to lead a dedicated catering team, ensuring that pupils and staff enjoy high-quality, nutritious meals every day.

At Yarrells, we have a genuine team spirit and every single person is uniquely valued for who they are and what they bring to our community.

Blending tradition, informality and innovation, we work hard to offer a vibrant and stimulating professional environment.

If you want to play a meaningful role in the lives of our young people, join our magical school and nursery today!

If you would like to discuss the role in more detail, please call or email.

Start Date: May 2025

Contract: permanent, all year round

Hours: full time, Monday to Friday, with flexible working hours between 7am and 6pm

Salary: £30,000 to £35,000 per annum, dependent on experience

How to Apply: apply via TES today!

All successful candidate will be subject to safer recruitment checks.

Yarrells Preparatory School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All applicants should read the School's Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy, which are available on the School’s website. Applicants are required to declare any criminal convictions or cautions, or disciplinary proceedings related to children and young people and must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.