Are you passionate about creating nutritious, high-quality meals? Do you have the leadership skills to manage and inspire a busy school kitchen team? This could be the role for you
We are currently looking for an experienced and enthusiastic Head Chef to lead our catering service at our excellent independent school in Leominster.
About Lucton School
Lucton School is a friendly, co-educational day and boarding school with an outstanding reputation for first-class education and care for children between the ages of 6 months to 18 years old.
Excellent teaching and pastoral care in our nurturing and encouraging environment allow our pupils and staff to flourish. Our students thrive in an exceptionally positive learning environment and benefit from many opportunities to encourage their love of learning. Our class sizes are small meaning that the teaching workload is more manageable, and the behaviour and enthusiasm of our students make every lesson a pleasure.
About the Role and You
Contract type: Full -time, Maternity Cover, Term Time
Working pattern: 40 hours per week on a rotation basis between Mon to Sun
Salary: Based on experience
Start date: Immediate start available
Your Main Responsibilities will include:
* Plan and prepare creative, balanced menus that meet school nutritional standards and accommodate allergies or dietary requirements.
* Lead all cooking operations to a consistently high standard.
* Manage, motivate, and support the catering team to ensure smooth daily service.
* Order ingredients, manage stock, and control costs effectively.
* Maintain the highest standards of hygiene and cleanliness in line with legal requirements.
* Ensure full compliance with food safety, allergen, and health & safety regulations.
* Complete kitchen paperwork including cleaning schedules, temperature logs, and allergen records.
* Provide catering for special school events and functions as required.
About You : We are looking for someone who has:
* A Food Hygiene Certificate and allergy-awareness training (or willingness to complete this training).
* Experience managing a busy kitchen, ideally within a school, nursery, or care environment.
* Strong leadership skills with the ability to manage and support a small team.
* Creativity in menu planning and confidence in catering for a range of dietary needs.
* Excellent organisational skills and a commitment to high standards.
* The physical fitness and stamina needed for a busy kitchen environment.
Why Choose Us?
At Lucton School, we're dedicated to creating an environment where both students and staff flourish. In addition to being part of an exceptional team, here's what you can expect:
* Access to a collaborative learning community.
* Coaching development.
* Excellent pastoral care and development.
* Refer a friend scheme with a financial reward.
* Wellness programme.
* Attractive life assurance package which is 3* your annual salary.
* Mentorship programme.
* Free lunch.
* Company Pension
* Company Sick Pay
If you feel like this role aligns with your skill set and experience, we encourage you to apply.
We look forward to welcoming you to Lucton School.
Lucton School is committed to safer recruitment practice and pre-employment checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed. This post is subject to enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service, costs covered by the school. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect staff to share this commitment.
Job Types: Full-time, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 12 months
Expected hours: 40 per week
Benefits:
* Company pension
* Discounted or free food
* Health & wellbeing programme
* On-site parking
* Referral programme
Ability to commute/relocate:
* Leominster: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Work authorisation:
* United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person