About the Role
Sourcing Pro Recruitment is proud to be working on behalf of Nottingham Council to recruit a talented and innovative Development Chef.
In this exciting role, you will inspire and develop school catering teams, ensuring that every kitchen consistently delivers exceptional food and service. You will work closely with the council's catering management team to maintain high standards, carry out audits, and recommend improvements.
With your creativity and expertise, you will design and implement fresh, seasonal menus that meet School Food Standards and Food for Life criteria, while also reflecting the tastes and needs of local school communities.
This role will also involve engaging with schools, pupils, and staff to promote the school meal offer through food demonstrations, tasting sessions, and events. You will support and mentor school cooks, helping them build confidence and develop their craft, while driving continuous improvement across the council's catering service, which provides over 2 million meals a year.
Key Responsibilities
* Inspire, train, and develop catering teams to consistently deliver high-quality food and service.
* Conduct kitchen audits and provide actionable recommendations for improvement.
* Work with the Food Development Officer to design and implement seasonal menus in line with School Food Standards and Food for Life criteria.
* Collaborate with schools, pupils, and staff to create bespoke menus tailored to local preferences.
* Represent Nottingham Council's catering service at school events, showcasing menus through food demonstrations and tasting sessions.
* Support and mentor school cooks to enhance their skills, creativity, and confidence.
* Monitor allergen compliance and ensure food safety standards are upheld.
* Bring innovation and the latest food trends into school catering environments.
* Travel across multiple school sites to provide hands-on support and leadership.
The Ideal Candidate Will Have
* A strong background in high-standard catering, with a genuine passion for fresh, wholesome food.
* Excellent culinary skills, creativity, and attention to detail.
* Awareness of government school food standards and the ability to work within them.
* Experience managing allergen compliance in a school or similar environment.
* Knowledge and/or experience of primary school catering, or the ability to adapt expertise to this setting.
* Natural leadership skills with the ability to inspire and collaborate effectively.
* Enthusiasm for bringing new food trends and flavours into school kitchens.
* A valid driving licence and willingness to travel between sites.
What We Offer
* The opportunity to make a real difference in children's daily lives through food.
* A collaborative and supportive council team environment.
* Professional development and training opportunities.
* Competitive salary and benefits package.
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