St George's School · Harpenden, East of England
We are seeking an experienced and dedicated Head Chef to join our Catering team. This is a permanent, full-time position of 37 hours per week, across 42 weeks of the year (term time plus four weeks). The post holder is expected to work a rotating shift pattern, involving weekday morning and afternoon shifts, and weekend shifts. Reporting to the Catering Manager, you will be overseeing the preparation and delivery of fresh, home-cooked meals for approximately 1,500 pupils and staff, as well as a boarding community of around 120 boarders. The successful candidate should: Have relevant training and certificates in catering Have experience of high volume catering to a high standard Have line management experience of at least a team of 10 staff Demonstrate good communication skills with a wide range of stakeholders Be proactive with strong problem-solving skills Contract: Full-time, Permanent contract Grade: H9 (Full-time equivalent salary: £39,152 to £41,771 per year, plus outer fringe allowance of £729 per annum) Actual Salary: £37,095 to £39,531 per annum (inclusive of outer fringe) based on a Term time plus 4 weeks (42 weeks) contract, with opportunity to work additional hours Hours: 37 hours per week with a rotating shift pattern Working across 42 weeks of the year, with opportunity to work additional hours Weekday shifts: include morning shift (6:30am - 3:00pm) and afternoon shift (11:00am - 7.30pm) Weekend shift: 10:00am - 7:00pm Expectation to work one week in three of evenings and one weekend in three, depending on business needs Start Date: September 2026 (or sooner) - subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks For further details, please refer to: Application Pack & Job Description Working at St George’s School Selection Process The selection process will consist of two stages. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend a face-to-face interview at St George's School. Candidates who are successful at interview stage will then be invited to complete a practical assessment within the catering environment to further demonstrate your skills, knowledge and suitability for the role. We can offer: Additional training and support Ongoing professional development Free Lunch on working days Free parking on school site Generous Pension Scheme Use of the school’s fitness suite/Gym Staff Wellbeing Programme Employee Assistance Programme Exclusive discounts, cashback and vouchers As a permanent member of staff you benefit from the application being favourably ranked if you apply for a day admission place for your child at St George’s school, subject to meeting the requirements of our published Admissions Criteria and Policy Applications will be shortlisted throughout the process and we may interview and close the advert early if we are in a position to recruit a suitable candidate. We therefore encourage interested candidates to apply early. Your Application Pe