Head Chef - St James' School, Leyland
Location: Leyland, Lancashire
Job Title: Head Chef
Reporting to: School Business Manager / Catering Manager
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced and passionate Head Chef to lead the catering operation at St James' School in Leyland. The successful candidate will be responsible for delivering nutritious, high-quality meals to pupils and staff while ensuring the kitchen operates safely, efficiently, and in full compliance with food safety regulations.
This is an excellent opportunity for a talented chef with strong leadership skills who enjoys making a positive impact on children's wellbeing through food.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage the daily operation of the school kitchen.
- Plan and prepare nutritious, balanced meals in line with School Food Standards.
- Develop seasonal menus that cater for dietary requirements, allergies, and special nutritional needs.
- Manage food ordering, stock control, and supplier relationships.
- Monitor food costs and kitchen budgets to minimise waste and maximise value.
- Ensure full compliance with Food Hygiene Regulations, HACCP procedures, and Health & Safety legislation.
- Maintain high standards of food quality, presentation, cleanliness, and customer service.
- Supervise, train, and develop kitchen staff.
- Complete all required food safety, temperature, cleaning, and stock control records.
- Organise and support special events, themed menu days, and school functions where required.
- Promote a positive food culture within the school and encourage healthy eating choices.
- Ensure the kitchen and dining areas are maintained to the highest standards of cleanliness and hygiene.
Essential Requirements
- Enhanced DBS Vetted
- Previous experience as a Head Chef, Sous Chef, or Kitchen Manager.
- Level 3 Food Safety & Hygiene qualification (or willingness to obtain).
- Experience managing a commercial or large-scale catering operation.
- Knowledge of allergen management and special dietary requirements.
- Strong leadership and people management skills.
- Excellent organisational and time management abilities.
- Understanding of food cost control and stock management.
- Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
Desirable Requirements
- Previous experience within a school, education, healthcare, or contract catering environment.
- NVQ Level 2 or 3 Professional Cookery (or equivalent).
- First Aid qualification.
- Knowledge of School Food Standards.
Personal Attributes
- Passionate about providing high-quality food.
- Positive, enthusiastic, and approachable.
- Excellent communication skills.
- Highly organised and able to work under pressure.
- Reliable and committed to maintaining exceptional standards.
- Strong team player with the ability to motivate others.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary.
- Term-time working pattern (where applicable).
- Pension scheme.
- Ongoing training and development opportunities.
- A supportive school environment where you can make a real difference to children's health and wellbeing.
If you are an experienced chef looking to lead a successful school catering team and create healthy, delicious meals for pupils every day, we would love to hear from you.
Blue Arrow is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to helping find great work opportunities for great people.
