Location: Leeds | Rate: £19.61 per hour | Contract: Temporary – School setting

**Enhanced DBS Needed

💷 What’s on Offer

• £19.61 per hour (inclusive of holiday pay)

• Temporary contract covering a Head Chef role in an independent school

• Typical hours: term-time, split shifts possible; exact rota to be confirmed

• Supportive catering team and friendly, professional school environment

• Opportunity to make a real impact on pupils’ dining experience and nutrition

We’re seeking an experienced and reliable Temp Head Chef to lead the kitchen at a well-regarded independent school in Leeds. The successful candidate will be responsible for delivering nutritious, well-presented meals that cater to pupils, staff, and visitors, while maintaining high standards of food safety and service.

👨‍🍳 About the Role

• Act as Head Chef during the placement, overseeing kitchen operations for breakfast, lunch and service if required

• Plan and produce balanced menus that meet school nutrition guidelines, including special diets and allergens

• Prepare and present high-quality meals with consistency and attention to portion control

• Manage stock, ordering and basic cost control in line with budget expectations

• Lead, supervise and support kitchen staff and assistants to ensure smooth service

• Maintain rigorous hygiene, food safety and cleanliness standards (HACCP compliant)

• Work collaboratively with school leadership, catering managers and parents where needed

✅ What We’re Looking For

• An experienced Chef with previous management or Head Chef responsibilities

• Proven ability to plan menus for large numbers while meeting nutritional standards

• Strong knowledge of food hygiene and allergen management (Level 2 Food Hygiene or above preferred)

• Excellent organisational and communication skills, with a calm, professional approach

• Comfortable supervising a small team and training less experienced staff

• Flexible, reliable, and able to adapt quickly in a school environment

• DBS check desirable; we can advise on obtaining one if required

Why Join Us

• Work in a welcoming school community where food plays an important role in pupil wellbeing

• Competitive temporary pay rate with straightforward payroll and weekly holiday pay included

• Varied day-to-day tasks and the chance to lead a busy kitchen in an educational setting

• Ongoing support from our recruitment team throughout the placement

If you’re a professional, organised Head Chef who can hit the ground running and deliver consistently excellent food in a school environment, we’d love to hear from you. Please apply with your CV and a brief summary of relevant experience.