Location: Chipping Norton
Salary: £19.61 per hour
Hours: Full-time, temporary (maternity cover/short-term contract)
Venue: Independent school

**Enhanced DBS Required

Will include cooking, serving and washing up.

Benefits

• Competitive hourly rate of £19.61

• Paid breaks and holiday entitlement (pro rata)

• Free on-site meals while on duty

• Supportive team environment within an educational setting

• Opportunities for professional development and accredited training

• Clear contract length with possibility of extension depending on needs

The Opportunity – Temp Head Chef (Independent School)

We are recruiting a reliable and experienced Temp Head Chef to lead the catering operation at a busy independent school in Chipping Norton. This is a hands-on leadership role responsible for planning, preparing and delivering nutritious, well-presented food for pupils and staff across breakfast, lunch and occasional events.

The successful candidate will manage a small kitchen team, maintain high standards of food safety and hygiene, and ensure menus meet dietary requirements and school policies. This role suits someone who is organised, adaptable and comfortable working within an educational environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and prepare balanced, portion-controlled menus in line with the school’s nutrition standards and seasonal availability

• Lead, supervise and motivate the kitchen team, ensuring efficient service at peak meal times

• Ensure strict adherence to food safety, hygiene and allergen procedures (HACCP) and maintain accurate records

• Manage food ordering, stock rotation and basic food cost control to minimise waste

• Prepare special dietary meals as required (allergens, medical, cultural or vegetarian/vegan needs)

• Oversee cleaning schedules and equipment maintenance to ensure a safe kitchen environment

• Support service for school functions, meetings and occasional evening events as required

• Communicate effectively with school staff, catering managers and suppliers

What We’re Looking For

• Proven experience in a supervisory or head chef role within a busy catering environment, ideally in schools, healthcare or hospitality

• Strong knowledge of food safety regulations and HACCP systems; food hygiene certificate (Level 2 or above) desirable

• Ability to plan menus, manage stock and control food costs while maintaining quality

• Excellent organisational skills, punctuality and reliability

• Good communication and team leadership skills with a collaborative, approachable manner

• Flexibility to cover the full span of school meal services and occasional events

• Enhanced DBS check may be required due to working in a school environment

Additional Information

• Temporary contract with clear start and end dates; potential for extension subject to school requirements

• Shift patterns typically cover early starts and midday service; some flexibility required for events

• On-site parking and good transport links in Chipping Norton

Why Join?

This is an excellent short-term opportunity for an experienced chef to make a positive impact on pupils’ daily dining experience within a supportive school setting. You will lead a friendly team, work with clear procedures, and deliver nutritious meals that support pupil wellbeing and learning.

About Chefs for Chefs

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