Head Chef (Private Education Sector)

We are seeking a creative, attentive and proactive Head Chef. This role is ideal for a culinary professional who is passionate about creating wholesome, balanced and nourishing meals that support the wellbeing of children and staff

Overview: Our client, a private boutique educational institution, is seeking a creative, attentive and proactive Head Chef to take full ownership of their kitchen and lead with both skill and heart. This role is ideal for a culinary professional who is passionate about creating wholesome, balanced and nourishing meals that support the wellbeing of children and staff.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Prepares daily nutritious snacks and lunches for children and staff.
• Ensures meals are balanced, appealing and aligned with the school’s holistic and healthy food principles.
• Supports dietary needs and adapts meals when required.
• Conducts advance preparation of ingredients (cutting, soaking, pre-cooking).
• Organizes daily and weekly workflow for efficient meal production.
• Takes full responsibility for timely ordering and restocking of kitchen supplies.
• Manages relationships with local suppliers and ensures quality and value for money.
• Maintains stock control and inventory records.
• Visits local markets weekly to source fresh, seasonal ingredients.
• Prepares and confirms shopping lists in advance as needed.
• Repeats established, approved recipes.
• Gradually introduces new, creative dishes and flavors suited to children’s tastes.
• Plans menus that reflect balance, seasonality and variety.
• Maintains a clean, organized and structured kitchen environment.
• Strictly adheres to sanitary and hygiene regulations.
• Ensures proper food storage, monitors expiration dates, and conducts regular deep     cleaning of surfaces, refrigerators and storage areas.
• Maintains accurate hygiene and temperature logs as required.

 Desired Skills

• Knowledgeable and capable of preparing varied meal options including gluten free and vegan meals.
• Must be proactive and able to identify needs and act without reminders.
• Must pay attention to detail and consistently uphold standards.
• Capable of adjusting to the school’s holistic nutrition focus and must be able to design and adapt meals to meet children’s dietary needs.
• Must be reliable with excellent time management skills while remaining consistent and accountable.
• Should be team-oriented and able to communicate clearly and work collaboratively with staff.