Are you a passionate chef looking for your next career move in a truly special setting? King's College Prep School in Taunton is seeking an exceptional individual to take on the role of Head Chef. This is a rare opportunity to join a well-established team and lead a kitchen where fresh, scratch-made food takes centre stage.
As Head Chef, you will:
Oversee daily meal preparation for 30 breakfasts, 300 lunches, and afternoon snacks.Manage a team to increase revenue opportunities, labour efficiency, and generate profits within retail operations.Occasionally support weekend events (rarely).Have the chance to engage with students, building relationships and discussing their food preferences in pupil council meetings.Recruit, develop, and manage talented employees, including performance management and induction.Maintain a professional yet approachable demeanour, balancing friendliness with the ability to connect with children aged 3 months to 13 years.Ensure meticulous attention to detail, especially regarding allergens and food safety.Plan, cost, and implement menus using the Recipe Online planning tool, ensuring variety, seasonality, and innovation.What you Bring:
Organised and detail-oriented.Skilled in team leadership, fostering collaboration and positivity.Flexible and adaptable, thriving in a dynamic school environment.Passionate about cooking fresh, high-quality food from scratch.Eager to balance professionalism with a sense of fun, creating a welcoming dining experience for students and staff alike.For a full list of responsibilities and person specification please view the attached job description
Package Description
Up to £31,000 per annum
45 hours per week
Working Schedule: Monday-Friday (6am-3pm) with occasional Saturdays
Free parking onsite, A free meal on duty and Complimentary uniform provided.
Location: King's College Prep, Kingston Road, Taunton, TA2 8AA
Why Join Us?
Work-Life Balance: Enjoy an enviable schedule with term-time working hours, minimal weekend shifts, and approximately 14 weeks off per year, including a two-week break in December.Creative Freedom: Bring your flair to menu development and delight our students and staff with your culinary creativity.A Supportive Team: You’ll lead a dedicated team of 10, including a Pastry Chef, 2 Chefs covering Salad Bar and Evening Meals, an Apprentice Chef and 5 FOH/KPs. You will be supported by the Chef Manager and Sodexo’s Business Support Chef. The team is flexible and welcoming, with a high skill set.Beautiful Setting: Nestled in a lovely location, our school offers a serene and inspiring environment to work in every day.Career Progression: This role has opened due to the promotion of our current Head ChefPro-Rated Salary: With a pro-rated annual salary based on a 38.4-week working year (plus 5.6 weeks of holiday) paid in 12 equal instalments, this role offers work-life balance with flexibility over 5 days per week, including occasional Saturdays.Working with Sodexo is more than a job; it’s a chance to be part of something greater. You’ll belong in a company and team that values you for you; you’ll act with purpose and have an impact through your everyday actions; and you’ll be able to thrive in your own way. In addition, we offer:
Mental Health Support: Unlimited access to an online platform for mental health and wellbeing.Employee Assistance: Access to support for everyday challenges, including legal and financial advice.Health & Wellbeing App: Enjoy a free app with rewards for healthy living, plus 24/7 virtual GP access.Discounts & Financial Benefits: Exclusive deals through the Sodexo Discounts Scheme, alongside insights and savings via the Salary Finance Platform.Retirement Planning: Join the Sodexo Retirement Plan to secure your future.Death in Service Benefit: Protection for your loved ones in the event of your passing while employed.Career Development: Opportunities for growth through a variety of learning and development tools.Cycle to Work Scheme: Promote a healthier lifestyle while helping the environment.Volunteering Opportunities: Engage in meaningful community support initiatives.Flexible Work Environment: Enjoy a dynamic workplace with competitive compensation.We’re a Disability Confident Leader employer. We’re committed to changing attitudes towards disability, and making sure disabled people have the chance to fulfil their aspirations. We run a Disability Confident interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria for the job.