Location
London

Hours
Term Time Only, Monday to Friday, contracted to 40.8 weeks per year

Salary
£43,200 per annum

About the Role
Wimbledon High School is a prestigious independent school with an excellent reputation. Our catering team prepares fresh, nutritious meals from scratch, serving approximately 1,000 pupils and staff each day. Alongside our breakfast and lunch service, we deliver a varied hospitality programme throughout the year, including canapé receptions, three-course fine dining events and buffets. We are looking for a Head Chef who is passionate about quality food and has the creativity and experience to lead both our daily catering and hospitality offering on a term time only basis.

As Head Chef, you will plan, organise and direct the preparation and cooking of food, ensuring the company’s reputation for quality is enhanced with customers and clients at all times. You will take responsibility for food production with a hands-on approach, drive sales through centrally driven menu planning, promotions and preferred suppliers, and be responsible for all aspects of food safety, health and safety, and COSHH compliance.

You will also implement and maintain food monitoring procedures to facilitate budgetary control and monitor all kitchen costs against agreed budgets.

As part of Compass Group UK&I, you will benefit from a comprehensive support and development programme to grow within the business alongside a competitive salary and excellent benefits.

Experience
Proven experience as a Head Chef or in a senior culinary role with responsibility for food production, menu planning, and kitchen management.

About you
- Excellent and innovative culinary and presentation skills
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Energetic with a passion for delivering high-quality food
- Able to manage staff in a calm and inspirational manner
- Forward-thinking with the ability to prevent wastage
- Passionate about food and a team player
- Excellent organisational skills
- Numerate and computer literate with an understanding of financial drivers
- Clear understanding of profit margins, purchasing policy, budgeting and food costing

Qualifications
Relevant culinary qualifications and food safety certifications are desirable but not explicitly stated. A commitment to maintaining high standards of food safety and hygiene is essential.