Area Support Chef

What we are looking for: We are currently seeking an Area Support Chef to join our amazing team!  The Area Support Chef plays a vital role in ensuring the smooth operation and high-quality culinary standards across multiple school locations within a designated area.  Duties: The position involves providing culinary support, training, and guidance to kitchen teams, ensuring adherence to menus, recipes, and health and safety regulations. Work closely with the Account Director & Food Team to deliver quality service across the business.  Provide culinary expertise and support to kitchen teams in multiple school locations. Ensure that all meals are prepared and presented according to established menus, recipes, and quality standards. Monitor food preparation processes to maintain consistency and quality across sites. Collaborate with the Head of Food & Culinary Development chef to plan and develop menus that meet nutritional guidelines and cater to diverse tastes and dietary requirements. Assist in the creation of seasonal menus and special event menus. Train and mentor kitchen staff on proper cooking techniques, food safety practices, and sanitation procedures. Conduct regular training sessions to ensure that all kitchen staff are up to date with best practices and procedures. Conduct regular audits and inspections of kitchen operations to ensure compliance with food safety and sanitation standards. Conduct regular health and safety inspections and address any issues or concerns immediately. Maintain positive relationships with school administrators, staff, and students. Address any feedback or concerns from clients or stakeholders in a professional and timely manner. Assist in the planning and execution of special events, themed days, and catering functions as required Culinary degree or equivalent certification preferred. Full clean UK driving Licence. Qualifications   Experience: A good level of culinary experience, including experience in a leadership or supervisory role. Familiarity with nutritional standards for school meals, food safety regulations, and industry best practices.   Skills and Abilities Strong culinary skills and knowledge of food preparation techniques. Excellent leadership and team management abilities. Knowledge of nutrition and dietary requirements, particularly in a school catering context. Strong communication and interpersonal skills. Attention to detail and a commitment to food quality and safety. Primarily kitchen-based with regular travel between school locations. May require some evening or weekend work to support special events or catering functions.   Working Arrangements: Working pattern: 36 hours per week, Monday to Friday (Typically core hours will range from 7am till 3.30pm). Number of working weeks: 52 weeks (Annual leave to be taken during school half term). Location: As per business requirement – Flexible. Travel within the borough will be required. A full clean driving licence would be beneficial.    About Us: We are facilities services company, providing a range of services for public and private sector clients currently across London and the Southeast, but with aspirations to broaden our geographies over time. Our mission is to help communities live, work and grow to fulfil their potential through the delivery of safe, high-quality services based on our unique understanding of local needs.    Benefits: In addition to an attractive salary, our benefits package includes: Heart Hub rewards, perks & benefits platform! Group Life Assurance Competitive Salaries Pension Scheme Paid Holidays from 21 days Family Friendly Policies making work-life balance achievable Health & wellbeing support including an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) Career development and training A GREAT TEAM!   To Apply: If you are keen to be considered for this opportunity to join a great team, please click 'apply' below to submit your CV and outline relevant skills and experience via the application form. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis so if you are keen to be considered for this role, please apply as soon as possible and do not wait until the closing date. REF-(Apply online only)