School Chef | Catering Lead

Location: Burnley, Lancashire Salary: Competitive hourly rate (Equivalent up to £26,000 - £29,000 pro-rata, depending on experience) Contract Type: Full-Time, Temporary to Permanent (Temp-to-Perm) Hours: Monday to Friday (Daytime hours only - no evenings or weekends) Start Date: ASAP About the RoleAre you a skilled chef looking to trade unsociable restaurant hours for a rewarding role that offers a fantastic work-life balance? We are seeking a passionate, organised, and reliable School Chef to join a vibrant school community in Burnley starting immediately. This is a brilliant temp-to-perm opportunity, allowing you to establish yourself within a supportive school environment with the security of a permanent contract on the horizon. You will take the reins of the school kitchen, preparing nutritious, fresh, and appetising meals that fuel our students' learning and well-being. Key Responsibilities • Meal Preparation: Plan, cook, and present high-quality, nutritious breakfasts, lunches, and snacks for students and staff in line with School Food Standards. • Menu & Nutrition: Maintain appealing, balanced menus while catering to specific dietary requirements, allergies, and cultural food preferences. • Kitchen Management: Oversee daily kitchen operations, including stock control, ordering, and minimizing food waste. • Hygiene & Compliance: Ensure strict adherence to food safety, COSHH, and health and safety regulations, maintaining impeccable kitchen cleanliness and robust HACCP documentation. • Team Leadership: Guide and motivate a small team of kitchen assistants to ensure smooth, timely service during busy lunch periods. What We Are Looking For • Proven Experience: A strong background as a Head Chef, Sous Chef, or Cook, ideally within an education, care, or high-volume catering environment. • Qualifications: City & Guilds 706/1 & 2 or NVQ Level 2/3 in Professional Cookery (or equivalent experience) and a current Level 3 Food Safety Certificate. • Dietary Knowledge: A solid understanding of food allergens, nutrition, and standard kitchen health and safety. • Reliability & Pace: The ability to work efficiently under pressure to meet tight service deadlines while keeping a warm, approachable attitude for the pupils. What We Offer • Work-Life Balance: Sociable, family-friendly daytime hours with no split shifts, evenings, or weekends. • Immediate Start: Get to work straight away with weekly pay during the initial temporary period. • Career Security: A clear, direct pathway to a permanent school contract for the right candidate. • Community Impact: The genuine satisfaction of providing healthy meals that directly support the health and growth of local children. How to ApplyIf you are a talented chef ready for a refreshing change of pace and want to make a difference in Burnley starting immediately, we want to hear from you. To Apply: Please submit your CV highlighting your relevant catering experience.