Head Chef

Head ChefClayesmore School, The Writers BlockContract type: 52 Weeks a yearHours of Work: Full time, 40 hours per weekContract term: PermanentStart date: ASAPWe are seeking to appoint a Head Chef to join Clayesmore School's Cafe Bistro (The Writer’s Block). This is an exciting opportunity to join and work within our fantastic bistro restaurant serving food made with local produce to a high standard.The Writer’s Block is a successful café ready for its next chapter. We’re looking for a Head Chef to help shape its evolution into an all-day café bistro, with wood-fired cooking at the heart of the experience.The Head Chef will be responsible for leading the kitchen operation for Clayesmore School's Cafe Bistro (The Writer’s Block), delivering consistently high standards of food quality, presentation, safety and value.We are looking for a head chef who will be responsible for planning and developing menus, managing food production, purchasing, stock and kitchen costs, and leading, training and motivating the kitchen team. Working closely with the Cafe Bistro and wider School teams, the Head Chef will ensure an excellent food offer for pupils, staff, parents, visitors and guests. The Head Chef may also provide culinary support for weddings, functions and other events held at the School, working in conjunction with the School Catering Team, but will not hold overall responsibility for their planning or delivery.You’ll lead the kitchen team and turn that vision into menus that work for breakfast and brunch, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner. You’ll have room to bring your own ideas, alongside responsibility for food standards, team development, purchasing, stock, costs, allergens and kitchen safety. You’ll work closely with the café bistro and wider School teams, and provide culinary support for School events and functions when needed.We’d love to hear from an experienced senior chef who enjoys building something with a team. You’ll be a hands-on, calm leader with strong menu and costing skills, a sound grasp of food safety, and the judgement to deliver quality at pace. Experience with wood-fired cooking would be especially welcome, as would an interest in seasonal produce and working with local suppliers where it makes sense.This is a chance to put your mark on an established café as it grows into a new dining destination for the School community, local residents and visitors.We look forward to your application. Please apply by visiting https://www.clayesmore.com/work-for-usWe reserve the right to close this vacancy earlier than the date advertised. Interviews will take place on a rolling basis, as applications are received.Clayesmore School is totally committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening, as all new staff will be subject to enhanced DBS clearance, identity checks, qualification checks and employment checks to include an exploration of any gaps within employment, two satisfactory references and registration with the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).