Executive Head Chef - Independent School - Monday to Friday Lifestyle - £52K
Looking for an Executive Head Chef role with real work–life balance, while still delivering high-quality food and hospitality?
We’re recruiting an Executive Head Chef to lead a prestigious independent boarding school, overseeing a high-volume food operation alongside a strong and growing hospitality offer.
This is a rare opportunity to step into a well-structured, respected environment where you can lead a team, influence the food offer, and enjoy a more balanced lifestyle without stepping away from quality.
The Offer
1. £52,000 salary
2. 52-week contract
3. Typically, 6:30am – 3:00pm (latest finish around 7:00pm)
4. Time off in lieu for additional hours
5. On-site parking
6. Strong work–life balance compared to traditional hospitality
7. Stable, long-term leadership role
The School & Operation
8. Prestigious independent boarding school (Years 7–13).
9. Feeding approximately 1,000 students daily.
10. Monday–Thursday full boarding operation.
11. Friday lighter service, Saturday sports hospitality.
12. £400k–£500k annual hospitality revenue.
13. High-quality, hotel-style hospitality and events.
14. Beautiful, historic dining environment with modern kitchen.
15. Investment into facilities, including new Sixth Form development.
The Role
This is a senior leadership role with full responsibility for the kitchen operation.
16. Lead the kitchen as Executive Head Chef.
17. Manage and develop a team of 9 chefs and 4–5 KPs.
18. Oversee daily delivery across student dining and hospitality.
19. Drive food quality, consistency and presentation.
20. Plan and deliver structured, seasonal school menus.
21. Manage budgets, GP, stock and overall kitchen performance.
22. Lead recruitment, training and team development.
23. Maintain high standards of food safety and compliance.
About You
24. Experienced Executive Head Chef or Head Chef in Independent School Catering.
25. Strong leadership and team development skills.
26. Reliable, consistent and committed to long-term roles.
Why This Role?
This is a genuinely standout education role where:
27. You gain work–life balance without stepping away from quality food.
28. You lead a well-run, respected school operation.
29. You deliverboth high-volume feeding and premium hospitality.
30. You’re part of a stable, long-term environment with real impact.