Head Chef

Benenden School is looking for an exceptional, qualified and experienced Head Chef.

Benenden School is renowned within the sector for its stunning food and caters for over 700 students and staff three times a day. It also produces high quality food for a wide range of events: including gourmet banquets, vintage afternoon teas, barbecues, picnics, conferences and external events. The focus is always on quality using fresh, seasonal, nutritious and locally sourced food. We are proud of our food and our service and expect the Head Chef to demonstrate the same passion.

The Head Chef has overall responsibility for all food production, both for internal and external events. They will manage the quality and food production of all catering and associated commercial hospitality business activities, including the day-to-day high volume and high-quality school meals production (core business) to an exceptional standard and within budget. They will also take full responsibility of the kitchen staff, food hygiene, health & safety, waste management and stock control.

It is tremendously busy, sometimes challenging but a highly rewarding role.

The successful candidate will possess a City & Guilds Level 3 Diploma in Advanced Professional Cookery and be able to demonstrate inspirational leadership skills in the kitchen.

Hours: 

40 hours per week, all year round, including some evening and weekend work. Flexibility is an essential requirement of this position.                            

Salary:

A highly competitive salary will be paid, based on knowledge and experience.

About Benenden

Benenden is one of the leading day and boarding schools in Britain. We were founded in 1923 and are situated in 250 acres of attractive parkland in Kent. There are 550 girls in the school, aged 11-18, with approximately 190 of those in the Sixth Form. We are an ambitious school, with recent developments including a state-of-the-art Science Centre and All-Weather Sports Pitch, and our new world-class Centenary Hall and Music School opened in June 2022.

Meals are provided to staff whilst on duty. The school’s leisure facilities, including a fitness gym and swimming pool are available for staff to use. 

For a full job description and to apply, please complete an application form on our website by clicking the apply button.

Completed applications should be received by 9:00am on 8 January 2025.

First round interviews likely to be held week commencing 13 January 2025, with second round interviews likely to be week commencing 20 January 2025. 

We reserve the right to appoint early should a suitable candidate be successful in their application.

The post-holder will be responsible for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children with whom they come into contact. They must ensure compliance with the School’s Child Protection Policy Statement at all times. This appointment will be subject to enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service checks. Benenden School is committed to equal opportunities and equal pay for all employees. Whilst Benenden isn’t accredited to the Living Wage Foundation, we do look to the Living Wage for guidance and our starting pay is currently in line with this.