School Lead Chef (Catering Leader)

About the role

Join a large, high‑performing primary school in Brent as the Lead Chef, overseeing a busy kitchen that serves hundreds of pupils each day. You will take full ownership of menu planning, food preparation and kitchen operations, ensuring nutritious meals that meet school food standards.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and manage the day‑to‑day running of the school kitchen.
• Plan, prepare and serve balanced meals in line with statutory standards.
• Control stock, place orders and maintain supplier relationships.
• Oversee hygiene, food safety compliance and kitchen inspections.
• Supervise, train and support kitchen staff.
• Ensure meals are delivered efficiently and on schedule.

Required profile

• Proven experience in school catering.
• Previous leadership or supervisory experience in a kitchen environment.
• Strong knowledge of food hygiene and safety regulations.
• Relevant food safety qualifications (Level 2 minimum, Level 3 desirable).
• Ability to manage high‑volume catering in a fast‑paced setting.
• Excellent organisational and leadership abilities.

Required skills

• Food Hygiene Level 2
• Food Safety Level 3
• Stock Management

What we offer

• Up to £18 per hour, dependent on experience.
• 7:00 am – 3:00 pm working hours (term‑time).
• Supportive, professional school environment with stable, long‑term opportunity.
• Dedicated recruitment consultant from SANZA.