Our client is an all-through school for girls and boys from ages 3 to 16, which offers a high-quality, broad and balanced curriculum for pupils of all abilities, within a strong Christian community. It is based in South East London and they are seeking a Head Chef. The position is permanent.
Reporting into the Catering Manager, the successful candidate will be responsible for managing the smooth and efficient operation of the kitchen to ensure that food quality is maintained at all times.
You will ensure supplies are correctly issued, used and accounted for and you will carry out stock takes and food rotation procedures.
You will set objectives and be responsible for the day to day running of food production and kitchen health and safety.
You will maintain records relating to food production activities and supplier information as required by the Catering Manager.
You will ensure Health and Safety and Food Safety Standards are maintained in line with school policy.
You will contribute to meetings to communicate targets and standards required by the academy on a regular basis.
You will ensure that customers are given a prompt and efficient service and the expectations are exceeded. 
You will be approachable and customer focused at all times and will deal with complaints and feedback in a positive way.
You will assist the Catering Manager in assessing the kitchen team performance and recognise individual training needs and potential as appropriate. 
You will assist the Catering Manager in developing the team by delegating tasks as appropriate, being supportive and encouraging staff as necessary.
You will motivate and lead by example, ensuring that you and your team show respect to each other and are proud of your efforts.
You will ensure that all standard of food preparation and service are established and achieved in line with your budget.  You will constantly look at ways of maximising income through effective purchasing and promotions and you will complete, on a monthly basis, a stock take and evaluate the cost of sales results.
You will ensure that the kitchen meets the statutory and company requirements of health and safety, food safety and environmental legislations and procedures.  You will conduct food safety and health and safety risk assessments and ensure that all standards and procedures with regard to these are maintained.
You will make recommendations for renewal and replacement of equipment when it is required. 
You will maintain the cleaning schedule and ensure that all procedures and work instructions are fully understood and practised any all catering employees. 
You will attend all Health and Safety training courses as and when required and also promote and encourage initiatives to improve the environment, as appropriate within the business.
You will take responsibility for contributing towards your own development with the guidance of the Catering Manager and to attend training courses as identified.
Finally you will follow school absence procedures and assist and deputise for the Catering Manager in his/her absence. 
The position involves working term time only.
You should be an accomplished Head Chef or possibly a Sous Chef looking for the next step up.
You should have a passion for food and be able to plan tasty and nutritional dishes within a budget.
You should have flair and innovation with menus and be willing to learn all aspects of school catering.  You should be able to lead and inspire a team.
You should have management experience, menu planning for young children and a food record of continuous professional and career development.
You will have City & Guilds or NVQ 2 in Catering or equivalent along with Basic and Intermediate Hygiene Certificates.
You will possess excellent communication, organisational and presentational skills and be able to work under pressure while maintaining a positive professional attitude.
You will have excellent inter-personal skills and have the ability to work collaboratively, leading to professional development of other staff.
You will be able to prioritise workloads and work on your own initiative, able to direct and monitor effectively the work and contribution of others in the team.
You should have a strong personal commitment to equal opportunities in practice which encompasses gender, race, religion, disability and sexual orientation.
You should have respect for the principles and practices of the Roman Catholic Church and have a willingness to meet the needs of bilingual and special educational needs pupils.
You should be pc / IT literate.  The actual salary payable for 39 weeks working per annum starts at £20,427.