Head Chef
Location: Ipswich, Suffolk
Contract: Full Time (5 days out of 7)
Salary: Up to £50,000 per annum
Free On-Site Parking Available
Benefits
Free meals on duty
Free on-site parking
Volunteers leave up to one day per year
Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoptive leave
Cycle to work scheme
Recommend a friend bonus
Unrivalled individual training and development
Well-established apprenticeship programme
Team & company social events
Employee assistance programme
Workplace pension
Discounts at major retailers, restaurants, gyms, and more
We are seeking an experienced and passionate Head Chef to lead the catering operation at a prestigious day and boarding co-educational school in Ipswich, as Head Chef in Suffolk you will be catering for approximately 400 pupils and staff daily.
This is a dynamic, 7-day operation delivering breakfast, lunch, supper, and both internal and external hospitality services and events. Working closely with the Catering Team, you will play a pivotal role in delivering exceptional food standards and operational excellence, this is a hands on the tools Head chef role.
Head Chef Duties
Lead, inspire, and manage the kitchen team to deliver high-quality food across all services
Oversee daily catering operations including breakfast, lunch, supper, and hospitality events
Ensure food quality, presentation, and service standards consistently exceed expectations
Plan and develop innovative, nutritious, and seasonal menus
Manage food purchasing, stock control, and supplier relationships
Maintain strict compliance with food safety, hygiene, and health & safety regulations
Control labour and food costs in line with agreed budgets
Monitor financial performance and manage the sites catering budget effectively
Support and develop team members through training and mentoring
Work collaboratively with senior leadership
Drive continuous improvement across food offer and operational efficiency
Requirements & Background
Proven experience as a Head Chef or senior kitchen leader in a similar high-volume environment ideally contract catering
Strong financial acumen with experience managing budgets and food cost controls
Experience within education, contract catering, hospitality, or similar multi-service operations preferred
Excellent leadership and team development skills
Strong knowledge of food safety legislation and HACCP
Passion for fresh food, nutrition, and menu innovation
Ability to work flexibly across a 7-day operation (5 days out of 7)
Relevant professional cookery qualifications (NVQ Level 3 or equivalent desirable)
Strong organisational and communication skills
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