Benenden School is renowned within the sector for its stunning food and caters for over 700 students and staff three times a day. It also produces high-quality food for a wide range of events, including gourmet banquets, vintage afternoon teas, barbecues, picnics, conferences, and external events. The focus is always on quality using fresh, seasonal, nutritious, and locally sourced food. It is a tremendously busy, sometimes challenging but highly rewarding role. We are proud of our food and our service and expect the Head Chef to demonstrate the same passion.
The Head Chef has overall responsibility for all food production, both for internal and external events. They will manage the quality and food production of all catering and associated commercial hospitality business activities, including the day-to-day high volume and high-quality school meals production (core business) to an exceptional standard and within budget. They will also take full responsibility for the kitchen staff, food hygiene, health & safety, waste management, and stock control.
We are looking for an exceptional, qualified, and experienced Head Chef with a City & Guilds Level 3 Diploma in Advanced Professional Cookery who is able to demonstrate inspirational leadership skills in the kitchen.
Hours: 40 hours per week, all year round, including some evening and weekend work. Flexibility is an essential requirement of this position.
A highly competitive salary will be paid, based on knowledge and experience.
About Benenden: Benenden is one of the leading day and boarding schools in Britain. We were founded in 1923 and are situated in 250 acres of attractive parkland in Kent. There are 550 girls in the school, aged 11-18, with approximately 190 of those in the Sixth Form. We are an ambitious school, with recent developments including a state-of-the-art Science Centre and All-Weather Sports Pitch, and our new world-class Centenary Hall and Music School opened in June 2022.
Meals are provided to staff whilst on duty. The School’s leisure facilities, including a fitness gym and swimming pool, are available for staff to use.
Application Process: For a full job description and to apply, please complete an application form on our website. Completed applications should be received by 9:00 am on 8 January 2024. First round interviews are likely to be held week commencing 13 January 2025, with second round interviews likely to be week commencing 20 January 2025.
Note: We reserve the right to appoint early should a suitable candidate be successful in their application.
The post-holder will be responsible for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children with whom they come into contact. They must ensure compliance with the School’s Child Protection Policy Statement at all times. This appointment will be subject to enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service checks. Benenden School is committed to equal opportunities and equal pay for all employees. Whilst Benenden isn’t accredited to the Living Wage Foundation, we do look to the Living Wage for guidance and our starting pay is currently in line with this.
Job Summary
08/01/2025
Location:
Competitive
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