Vacancies

Head Chef - Epsom

Job Description

Head Chef

Salary: £35,000 per annum
Contracted Hours: 40 hours per week (Term Time Only — 39 weeks per year)
Location: Epsom, Surrey
Working Pattern: Monday to Friday (No evenings, no weekends, and school holidays off!)
Contract Type: Full-Time, Permanent

The Opportunity

Pineapple Recruitment is partnering with a market-leading UK education contract caterer to recruit an ambitious, craft-focused Head Chef to lead kitchen operations at an exceptional school facility in Epsom.

This position delivers the ultimate work-life balance for a passionate chef. You will take ownership of day-to-day culinary delivery—combining high-level craft skills and fresh ingredient menu development with operational team supervision, stock management, and strict compliance standards.

Key Responsibilities

Culinary Excellence: Oversee daily fresh food preparation, menu execution, and drive meal uptake through exciting monthly promotions and added-value school food events.
Cost & Operational Support: Assist in managing controllable costs, including food purchasing, stock control, waste reduction, and kitchen labour efficiency.
Team Supervision & Coaching: Supervise, train, and inspire the kitchen brigade to deliver high performance and exceptional food quality every day.
Safety & Compliance: Ensure all kitchen operations comply fully with health and safety regulations, food hygiene standards, HACCP guidelines, and allergen legislation (Natasha's Law).

Skills & Experience Required

Hands-On Craft Skills: Exceptional culinary ability with a strong commitment to fresh, locally sourced ingredients and high-volume meal delivery.
Supervisory Experience: Proven track record in a supervisory or senior chef role, demonstrating an ability to coach, motivate, and lead a happy, productive team.
Commercial Awareness: Good understanding of kitchen cost management, stock control, and wastage reduction.
Compliance Knowledge: Thorough knowledge of food safety, hygiene legislation, and kitchen risk management.
Safeguarding: Must share a commitment to safeguarding and be willing to undergo an Enhanced DBS check.

What’s On Offer

Unbeatable Work-Life Balance: Monday to Friday working hours during school term time only (39 weeks/year)—enjoy all weekends, bank holidays, and school holidays off!
Competitive Salary: £35,000 per annum on a guaranteed 40-hour term-time contract.
Career Growth: Access to structured Learning & Development pathways, accredited qualifications, and clear internal progression opportunities.