Location: Knottingley, West Yorkshire
Pay Rate: £15.68 per hour
Type: Full-Time, Term-Time Only Contract (Independent School Setting)

***DBS Required

Lead Culinary Excellence in Education – Head Chef Careers in Independent Schools Knottingley

Join a respected independent school in Knottingley as Head Chef and bring your culinary talent to an environment where quality, nutrition, and creativity go hand in hand. This is a fantastic opportunity for a passionate chef to shape menus, inspire a small team, and ensure every meal supports learning and well-being.

Your Impact – Head Chef Responsibilities at a Knottingley Independent School

• Lead all catering operations, delivering fresh, high-quality, and nutritious food for pupils, staff, and guests in line with school and statutory dietary guidelines.
• Design, update, and implement seasonal menus that cater to diverse tastes, dietary requirements, and allergen needs.
• Maintain excellent food safety, hygiene, and allergen practices to ensure a compliant and safe school kitchen.
• Oversee stock control, ordering, and supplier management, ensuring best value and minimal food waste.
• Train, motivate, and coordinate a small team of catering staff—scheduling rotas, delegating tasks, and fostering a positive, inclusive workplace culture.
• Support and promote special school events, catering for celebrations, open days, and parents’ evenings with professionalism and flair.

Who Thrives Here? – Head Chef Candidate Profile (School Catering, Knottingley)

• Experienced chef with a background in school, contract, or commercial catering, and a solid understanding of large-scale food preparation.
• Proven kitchen leader—organized, hands-on, and able to train and develop others with empathy and professionalism.
• Up-to-date knowledge of food safety, HACCP, allergens, and health & safety regulations in a UK education or care environment.
• Passion for fresh, nutritious food with a creative approach to menu planning and presentation.
• Excellent communicator committed to making mealtimes positive for pupils, colleagues, and visitors.
• Right to work in the UK and enhanced DBS (or willingness to obtain).

What’s On Offer – School Head Chef Benefits Knottingley

• Competitive hourly pay – £15.68 per hour (term-time only, paid pro-rata).
• Consistent, family-friendly hours within the school day and minimal evening or weekend work.
• Supportive, purpose-driven work environment where your food genuinely makes a difference.
• Training and career development opportunities in educational and contract catering.
• Free meals on duty, workplace pension, and onsite parking.
• Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion in every aspect of the school community.

Apply Now – Head Chef Jobs in Education Knottingley

Are you ready to inspire with your cooking, lead a team, and enhance students’ daily lives? Join our independent school community as Head Chef in Knottingley and shape a rewarding culinary career with purpose. Apply today for this school catering leadership opportunity.

We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of gender identity, age, race, religion, disability, or background. This school values equal opportunities and an inclusive workplace.