Executive Chef - Independent Preparatory School

Executive Chef
Independent Preparatory School | Buckhurst Hill, Essex
Permanent | Full-Time | Immediate start
Salary: £40,000-£50,000 | 40 hours per week | Flexible hours & shifts

Hays Education is proud to be supporting a prestigious and expanding independent preparatory school in Buckhurst Hill, Essex with the appointment of an exceptional Executive Chef to lead and develop its catering provision ahead of an exciting new phase of growth.

This is a rare opportunity for a talented culinary professional to take ownership of a high-profile school catering operation, delivering outstanding food experiences for pupils, staff, parents, and visitors. The successful candidate will play a key leadership role in shaping a fresh, innovative, and health-focused diningculture within a thriving educational environment.

The Opportunity:

Our client is seeking an experienced and passionate Executive Chef who shares their commitment to excellence, creativity, and high standards. This position offers the chance to build and lead a catering team, design inspiring menus, and oversee the delivery of exceptional food services across the school.

The successful candidate will be responsible for creating a dining experience that reflects the school's values, with a strong emphasis on nutrition, quality ingredients, sustainability, and outstanding customer service.

Key Responsibilities

As Executive Chef, you will:

• Lead the overall catering operation across the school site.
• Design and implement seasonal, nutritious, and innovative menus.
• Cater for daily breakfast, lunch, snacks, and special dietary requirements.
• Manage food preparation and service to the highest standards of quality and presentation.
• Oversee all kitchen staff, providing leadership, training, and performance management.
• Control food purchasing, supplier relationships, and stock management.
• Manage budgets effectively while maintaining exceptional standards.
• Ensure full compliance with food hygiene, health and safety, allergen management, and safeguarding regulations.
• Develop sustainable purchasing and waste reduction initiatives.
• Lead catering provision for school events, open days, parent functions, celebrations, and VIP visits.
• Build positive relationships with pupils, staff, families, and external stakeholders.
• Continuously review and improve catering standards, processes, and customer satisfaction.

About You

The ideal candidate will have:

• Proven experience as an Executive Chef, Head Chef, or Senior Kitchen Leader.
• A track record of delivering high-quality catering services within education, hospitality, private schools, hotels, or premium dining environments.
• Strong leadership and team management experience.
• Excellent knowledge of nutrition, allergen management, and food safety regulations.
• Experience managing catering budgets and supplier relationships.
• A passion for creating engaging and healthy menus for children and young people.
• Outstanding organisational and communication skills.
• The ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment while maintaining exceptional attention to detail.
• A commitment to continuous improvement and innovation.

Desired Qualifications

• Professional Chef Qualification (City & Guilds, NVQ, or equivalent).
• Level 3 Food Safety Certificate (or willingness to obtain).
• HACCP knowledge and implementation experience.
• Health & Safety qualification desirable.
• Enhanced DBS clearance (or willingness to undertake one).

What the School Offers

• Opportunity to play a pivotal role within an ambitious and growing school.
• Modern facilities and well-equipped kitchen environments.
• Supportive leadership team committed to excellence.
• Significant autonomy to shape the school's catering vision.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• The chance to positively impact the wellbeing and daily experience of pupils and staff.

Hays Specialist Recruitment

At Hays Education, we are committed to matching exceptional professionals with outstanding educational institutions.

We welcome applications from experienced chefs who are looking for an exciting leadership opportunity within a prestigious school environment.

Early applications are encouraged as interviews may bearranged on a rolling basis.

To Apply:

Please apply now or for a confidential discussion, please contact AamirMalik at or call (phone number removed).

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