Job Description
General Job Description
As a Chef at St Mary’s School, you will support the preparation and delivery of fresh, high-quality meals for pupils and staff. Working as part of a professional kitchen team, you’ll help maintain excellent food safety, hygiene, and presentation standards, contribute to daily service and special events, and ensure a positive dining experience in a school environment.
Key Responsibilities
* Support the preparation, cooking, and presentation of food in line with company and client standards
* Assist with menu planning, food orders, stock control, and cost management
* Ensure smooth day-to-day running of the kitchen
* Deliver excellent customer service and maintain high standards of food quality and presentation
* Work collaboratively with the kitchen team, supporting training, motivation, and development
* Maintain strict compliance with Health & Safety, Food Safety, and environmental standards
* Uphold safeguarding requirements and act as a positive ambassador for Holroyd Howe
* Support the Chef Manager as required, including deputising when necessary
Qualifications
Candidate Profile:
* Previous experience as a Chef Manager or similar role within contract catering, ideally the Independent Education sector
* Strong kitchen management and leadership skills
* Passionate about using fresh, seasonal ingredients to create balanced, appealing menus
* Excellent organisational and communication skills
* Knowledge of food safety standards, allergen management, and sustainability best practices
Additional Information
We pride ourselves on:
People first
We’re a company of individuals, united in doing our best for our clients.
Great food, always
Using only the best ingredients, our food is fresh, authentic and tailored to each school, age group, and specific needs and preferences.
Food education
We educate pupils through food, encouraging them to understand and develop their own personal tastes and make informed food choices.
Respect in everything we do
Our respectful codes of conduct inform how we behave towards our clients and customers, suppliers and business partners, and each other.
Fresh thinking
New ideas for food, service and ways of working help us maintain our position as creative leaders in school catering.
In order to be considered for this role you must be able to demonstrate that you have the Right to Work in the UK.
Holroyd Howe is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all employees to share this commitment. All roles within Holroyd Howe involve regulated activity. It is a criminal offence for individuals barred from working with children to apply for such roles. An Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, including a Barred List check will be required for all successful applicants. Shortlisted applicants will be asked to provide information about relevant criminal offences and will be subject to an online search of publicly available information. This search helps identify any issues that may affect suitability to work with children.
This appointment is offered on the return of satisfactory professional references.