Job Introduction
Head Chef
Permanent
37 hours per week, 39 weeks per year (Term Time Only)
Grade F – pro rata starting salary for term time only is £36,066.72 per annum (Full Time Equivalent £41,985)
Local Government Pension Scheme
Park Community School wishes to appoint an experienced chef to join our multiple award-winning Catering team. Our Catering Service is based in our state-of-the-art kitchen and dining room and is managed in-house. We are an innovative school, running the Coach House Tea Rooms at Staunton Country Park, as well as developing other new ventures. This is a fantastic opportunity to shape and expand a successful and highly acclaimed service.
Main purposes of the role include:
- Leadership of the catering operation within the school, to include provision when required outside of the normal school day.
- Supporting the Executive Head Chef as required.
- Responsibility for the marketing and promotion for the catering provision in school.
- Sourcing the best quality food within the given budget using local and organic and halal produce wherever possible.
- Ongoing support and training of the catering team to ensure food is prepared and served to the highest standards; training of apprentices in the kitchen.
- To continually adopt a commercial/retail approach and to strive for the improvement of the quality of food, quality of service, gross profit margins, efficiencies and the financial results of the department.
- To monitor, personally, the quality of food produced within the kitchen, and ensuring that any issues are dealt with immediately and robustly.
- To ensure compliance with the requirements of food hygiene regulations, allergy and dietary standards, Health and Safety, COSH regulations and risk
- Building a wider appreciation of food.
The successful candidate will have proven experience in the catering industry at a similar level, including food handling, hygiene and safety, Health and Safety knowledge and a high standard of food preparation and presentation with excellent and proven cooking skills and the drive and enthusiasm to manage a small team.
Applicants may have experience working in restaurant settings in addition to any contract catering roles. Experience of design and implementation of menus is important. Some flexibility around hours worked will be vital.
Closing date: 9 November 2026
Interviews: To be arranged.
To download a Support Staff Application Form, please visit www.pcs.hants.sch.uk/employment.php, and e-mail your completed application to recruitment@pcs.hants.sch.uk.
Agencies, please note that we only accept direct applications from candidates.
Park Community School is committed to safeguarding children and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All successful candidates will be subject to Disclosure & Barring Services (DBS) checks along with other relevant employment checks.
In promoting equal opportunities, the School welcomes applications from all sections of the community.
