Head Chef

Location: Ipswich, Suffolk
Contract: Full Time – (5 days out of 7)
Salary: Up to £50,000 per annum
Free On-Site Parking Available

Benefits

• Free meals on duty

• Free on-site parking

• Volunteers leave – up to one day per year

• Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoptive leave

• Cycle to work scheme

• Recommend a friend bonus

• Unrivalled individual training and development

• Well-established apprenticeship programme

• Team & company social events

• Employee assistance programme

• Workplace pension

• Discounts at major retailers, restaurants, gyms, and more

We are seeking an experienced and passionate Head Chef to lead the catering operation at a prestigious day and boarding co-educational school in Ipswich, as Head Chef in Suffolk you will be catering for approximately 400 pupils and staff daily.

This is a dynamic, 7-day operation delivering breakfast, lunch, supper, and both internal and external hospitality services and events. Working closely with the Catering Team , you will play a pivotal role in delivering exceptional food standards and operational excellence, this is a hands on the tools Head chef role.

Head Chef Duties

• Lead, inspire, and manage the kitchen team to deliver high-quality food across all services

• Oversee daily catering operations including breakfast, lunch, supper, and hospitality events

• Ensure food quality, presentation, and service standards consistently exceed expectations

• Plan and develop innovative, nutritious, and seasonal menus

• Manage food purchasing, stock control, and supplier relationships

• Maintain strict compliance with food safety, hygiene, and health & safety regulations

• Control labour and food costs in line with agreed budgets

• Monitor financial performance and manage the site’s catering budget effectively

• Support and develop team members through training and mentoring

• Work collaboratively with senior leadership

• Drive continuous improvement across food offer and operational efficiency

Requirements & Background

• Proven experience as a Head Chef or senior kitchen leader in a similar high-volume environment ideally contract catering

• Strong financial acumen with experience managing budgets and food cost controls

• Experience within education, contract catering, hospitality, or similar multi-service operations preferred

• Excellent leadership and team development skills

• Strong knowledge of food safety legislation and HACCP

• Passion for fresh food, nutrition, and menu innovation

• Ability to work flexibly across a 7-day operation (5 days out of 7)

• Relevant professional cookery qualifications (NVQ Level 3 or equivalent desirable)

• Strong organisational and communication skills