Chef

Our client is a prestigious school near Winchester, Hampshire, with an exceptional catering operation. With a dedicated team of professional staff across the catering operation serving pupils and staff —the school prides itself on producing fresh, nutritious, high-quality food every day. As well as the day to day catering, they also cater for a variety of events and functions. They are currently looking to recruit a skilled and passionate lead Chef to join the team on a permanent 52 week contract.
 
The Role:
 
We are seeking a skilled and confident Chef to join this dynamic catering team. You will play a key role in preparing daily meals for pupils and staff - producing everything fresh on site—hot dishes, salads, pastry items, cakes, desserts, and traybakes. You will also assist with hospitality and event catering. As the lead Chef you will be expected to run a shift independently, catering for around 80 per day, ensuring high standards across all areas of the kitchen. The role also involves supporting school events such as functions, afternoon teas, receptions, and special occasions. You'll work closely with the Head Chef and another Chef on a rotating shift pattern.      
 
Pay & Benefits

This Chef position offers a good hourly rate, great work life balance + excellent benefits including:

• Free use of onsite gym
• Free uniform
• Free parking
• Meal provided on duty
• Pension scheme
• Training & development opportunities
• Discounts on shopping, cinema tickets, clothing, technology, utilities, family activities, and holidays
• Flexible working options
• Additional leave purchase
• Recognition and awards programmes
• Employee assistance programme
• Health & wellbeing support
• Health cash plan
• Life assurance

...and much more!

Hours

• Permanent - 52 week contract
• 40 hours per week
• Daytimes (latest finish is usually 7pm)

Key Responsibilities:

• Prepare fresh, high-quality meals for pupils and staff
• Work confidently across all sections: pastry, sauce, larder, hot service etc
• Produce a range of fresh bakery items including cakes, biscuits, traybakes, and desserts
• Lead and manage the kitchen independently during allocated shifts
• Deliver catering for school events including functions and receptions
• Maintain excellent food safety, hygiene, and due diligence practices
• Ensure compliance with allergen procedures and HACCP requirements
• Support the Head Chef and contribute to ongoing kitchen standards
• Assist with prep, service, cleaning, and record-keeping
• No ordering responsibilities (handled by the Head Chef)

Skills & Experience Required:

• Strong High level cooking ability with experience across all kitchen sections, including pastry
• Confident producing a high standard of fresh food at volume
• Ability to run a kitchen shift independently
• Experience working within an independent school environment ideally
• Experience catering for events and functions
• Solid knowledge of food hygiene, due diligence, and compliance standards
• Reliable, organised, and comfortable working in a busy, varied environment 

If you are a talented chef with previous experience cooking to a high standard at volume, then this could be the perfect role for you!