Chef

Location Reading
Discipline: Education
Job type: Permanent
Contact email: bill.hageman@blackstone-recruitment.co.uk
Job ref: J6536
Startdate: 05/05/2025

Job title: Chef / Cook

Location: Reading, Berkshire

Salary: £13.87ph - £15.33ph (actual annual salary £26,053.38 - £29,171.52) dependant on experience  

Contract: Permanent

Hours: 40 hours per week, term time plus 2 weeks

Start Date: As soon as possible

We're working with a special needs school that supports young people aged 6 -16 with Moderate to Severe Learning and Specific Learning Disabilities needs, including autism spectrum disorders, ADHD and associated difficulties, who require an individualised, specialist approach.

They are currently looking to recruit a Chef / Cook to join their expanding team and work alongside the School Business Manager to provide a nutritious food provision that caterers for all our pupil’s needs.

Key Duties:

  • Establish consistencies in meal and snack preparation whilst considering the dietary & sensory needs of the individual young people
  • Cost meal plans whilst considering a balanced, healthy diet that the young people will enjoy
  • Use creativity and experience to ensure meals are varied
  • Source and build on cost effective supplier relationships
  • Lead, motivate, engage and develop staff to encourage high performance
  • Communicate effectively at all times both verbally and in writing which ensures clarity regarding the ordering, preparation and delivery of all food
  • Ensure that health and safety, food hygiene and other standards are adhered to across the site

Skills and Qualifications

  • Experience of managing a catering environment with the potential for multiple and complex dietary requirements
  • Experience of planning and preparing menus to ensure balanced, healthy eating and variety
  • Working knowledge of health and safety legislation (including COSHH regulations, manual handling and food hygiene procedures) and requirements in relation to food preparation
  • Experienced in carrying regular equipment/maintenance check and recording as and when required
  • Good standards of literacy, numeracy, written and verbal communication
  • Possess good working knowledge of kitchen equipment and cleaning schedules
  • Proven ability to prioritise tasks and work flexibly as appropriate
  • Committed to promoting the health, welfare and safeguarding of children and young adults
  • Level 2 Food Hygiene Certified or above
  • Have experience of cooking for between 40 -80 people

If you are interested in this opportunity please contact Bill.Hageman@blackstone-recruitment.co.uk or apply hear