Peter Symonds is a vibrant sixth form college in Winchester, proud to be rated by Ofsted as ‘outstanding’ in every respect. We have a large team of committed and talented staff who are central to the college's success.
We are seeking a highly skilled Head Chef to lead our extensive catering operation. This pivotal role reports to the Catering Manager and is responsible for managing the kitchen and daily catering services for approximately 5,000-day students, providing dedicated service for 73 boarding students, and overseeing our growing in-house hospitality offerings.
The ideal candidate will be a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef with extensive experience in high-volume catering (ideally 2000+ meals daily). They should be a strong, inspirational leader with a proven track record of managing and developing large kitchen teams (15-20 staff). The candidate must possess exceptional culinary skills, creativity, and a passion for delivering fresh, high-quality food. In-depth knowledge of HACCP, food safety, and health & safety regulations is essential. Financial acumen is also important, including experience in menu costing, budgeting, and waste reduction. The candidate should thrive under pressure, be highly organized, and have strong communication skills, along with empathy and a genuine interest in catering for young people.
We offer a stimulating environment where your culinary vision can flourish, along with a competitive salary and benefits package.
Department: Catering Services
Hours: 37 hours per week–term time (39 weeks), requiring flexibility to cover weekends, events, and boarding services when necessary.
Responsible to: Catering Manager, and in the absence of the Catering Manager, the Deputy Catering Manager.
Supervises: The Catering Team (approximately 20 staff, including 5 chefs, kitchen porters, front of house servers when performing kitchen duties, and casual weekend catering staff).
Main purpose: The Head Chef is a key leadership role responsible for the daily culinary operations at the college. This includes strategic planning, development, and execution of high-quality, nutritious, and diverse menus for a large student body (~5,000 day students), two dedicated boarding houses (73 students), college events, and the expanding hospitality services. The Head Chef will supervise and motivate the catering team, ensuring operational excellence and strict adherence to food safety and hygiene standards. This role is vital in enhancing the student experience through exceptional food provision.
Main duties and responsibilities: The duties listed are typical and not exhaustive; additional responsibilities may be assigned by the college as appropriate.
How to Apply:
Please download and complete the application form (two parts) from our website. Submit the completed form via email, quoting the job title and reference number. If you require acknowledgment of receipt, please request this in your email.
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