Role Overview
Our client is seeking an exceptional and highly flexible Central Support Chef to deliver outstanding culinary and operational support across a range of educational sites in the Redbridge, Ilford and Stratford areas. This role is integral to maintaining continuity of service, providing interim leadership, and ensuring every site operates to the highest standards during periods of absence, increased demand, or operational change.
The position requires a highly organised professional chef with the ability to adapt quickly to new environments, uphold brand standards consistently, and elevate food and service quality across multiple locations.
Locations:
Redbridge / Ilford / Stratford Area (IG4**, IG1**, E15**)
Salary:
£38,000 per annum
Weeks: 42
Hours: 45
Shift: 07:00am 16:00pm
Key Responsibilities Operational Support & Service Delivery
Provide hands-on kitchen leadership across multiple secondary and primary school sites.
Ensure all meals are produced to a consistently high standard, aligned with nutritional frameworks and the clients food ethos.
Quickly adapt to individual site processes while ensuring company standards are followed uniformly.
Step in seamlessly to cover Chef Manager absences, taking full ownership of kitchen operations.
Culinary Leadership
Deliver high-quality, fresh-cooked dishes appropriate for diverse student demographics.
Support menu implementation, seasonal food changes, and compliance with school-specific dietary needs.
Assist with food innovation, menu testing, and roll-out of new dishes across regions.
Team Training & Development
Mentor and upskill kitchen teams, identifying training needs and supporting ongoing development.
Promote a positive team culture aligned with company values and service expectations.
Compliance, Safety & Audit Standards
Maintain strict adherence to Food Safety, Health & Safety, HACCP, allergen processes, and audit requirements.
Ensure all site documentation, temperature records, and safety procedures are fully completed.
Commercial & Stock Management
Support cost control measures, ordering processes, and stock rotation across multiple sites.
Monitor wastage levels and implement operational improvements to maintain strong GP performance.
Skills & Experience Extensive experience as a Chef Manager or Senior Chef in education or multi-site catering.
Ability to work independently, travel regularly, and adapt quickly to new environments.
Strong leadership, communication, and coaching ability.
Advanced understanding of compliance frameworks and allergen management.
Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel daily.
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