Head Chef

Framlingham College is a co-educational boarding and day school which comprises of the Senior School in Framlingham and the Prep School in Brandeston. The catering department spans both sites to provide meals to over 700 boarding and day pupils who are the primary focus. The Kitchen team create their own balanced healthy and nutritious menus, all of which are prepared fresh & on site in our well equipped kitchens. 

We are looking for a motivated, efficient, and organised Head Chef to manage the kitchen staff, ensuring the smooth day to day running of the kitchen and dining services.  

The hours are more sociable than industry standard and shifts generally start at 6:00am and finish at 7:30pm with the exception of college functions. We offer straight shifts only; no split shifts and rotas are done in advance to ensure staff can retain a good life work balance. 

Due to the nature of being a boarding school, the department works across seven days, but do enjoy a full two weeks off over the Christmas period as the school shuts down. During term time kitchen staff prepare breakfast, lunch as well as dinners along with other various meals at events such as Boarding House Dinners. During non-term time the school meals are prepared for residential ‘Lets’ and sporting events such as Tennis tournaments, rugby fixtures etc.

JOB PURPOSE

To plan, prepare and cook good quality food, to agreed standards, under the direction of the Catering Manager & Deputy Catering Manager.  To manage and direct kitchen staff and ensure the smooth day to day running of the kitchen and dining services at Framlingham College Senior and Prep School.  

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Food Management:

• Plan menus and provide food within a budgeted food cost.

• In agreement with the Catering Managers, introduce new service and menu innovations on a regular basis including special days. 

• Order and arrange delivery of supplies and ensure that these are properly issued, used and accounted for across both schools. Carry out monthly stock-take and food rotation procedures.

• Personally prepare dishes and participate in all other activities taking place in the kitchen.

• Ensure that dishes are produced to the required standards of quality and attractiveness before serving.

• To ensure school, national and EU policies e.g., nut allergy, allergy labelling information, allergen, and dietary requirements, are being correctly followed.

• Produce, deliver, and evaluate recipes in relation to dietary needs. 

• To ensure an inspection is undertaken for opening and closure of production and service areas. 

• To carry out an effective and legal waste management system in accordance with school policy.

• To ensure a set of pre-service checklists are completed whether within the dining room or at a function, are fully sourced and ready for the service to commence. 

For the full job description, please download the recruitment pack. 

The post is predominantly based at the senior school in Framlingham but on some occasions can be asked to work at the Prep School in Brandeston as necessary. The Chefs at both sites work to the direction of the Head Chef and the whole catering team report to the Catering Manager. 

The College offers its employees free membership to the Sports Centre which includes access to the pool, gym and discounts to fitness classes, squash and tennis courts. Staff have access to; free parking when onsite, an independent pensions advisor, free meals when on duty and free uniform. We have also worked with a number of local businesses to offer discounts to staff. If you are looking for development and training, staff have access to a suite of online courses and receive ongoing training in various areas. 

This is a full-time year-round role, working an average 40 hours a week, on a 5-day rolling rota, the post holder will also enjoy every other weekend off. The post attracts an annual salary of £27,000 - £32,000 dependent on skills and experience. 

To apply please complete an application form, copies of which can be requested along with the recruitment pack from the HR Department on 01728 723789, email: Recruitment@framlinghamcollege.co.uk or from www.framlinghamcollege.co.uk. Click 'Apply Now' to download our application form. 

Close: Midday Tuesday 31 May*

Interviews: to be confirmed as applications are received

*Applications will be reviewed on receipt; you are therefore advised to apply at your earliest convenience. 

Framlingham College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure & Barring Service.