Job Description

Join our dedicated catering team and help keep our kitchen running smoothly!

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced

Chef

to join our catering team at Windermere School, Browhead Campus a prestigious private school. The role involves preparing and serving high-quality meals for both day and boarding students, as well as staff, across breakfast, lunch, and dinner services. The school operates during regular term time and hosts international school program during holidays, offering learning and adventure activities from 3 to 18 years pupils.

If you're looking for a rewarding role in a supportive environment where your work truly makes a difference, we'd love to hear from you!

Job Title:

Chef

Location:

Browhead Campus, Windermere LA23 1NW

Contract Type:

Full-Time (42.5 hours per week)

Working Hours:

Shift-based, 5 days over 7 (including weekends),

7:00am-3:00pm or 9:00am-7:00pm

Salary:

27,779.70 per annum (12.57 per hour)

Reports To:

Head Chef and Operations Manager/Assistant

Closing date

: 24 October 2025

You will be part of a dynamic team responsible for catering to approximately:

60 boarding students

300 day students

Support staff

Meals include:

Fully cooked buffet-style breakfast

Three-course buffet-style lunch

Nutritious evening dinner

Benefits

Free meals while on duty Uniform provided Training and progression opportunities Generous employer pension contribution Sick pay from day one (terms apply) 33 days annual leave including a two-week Christmas closure Additional holiday entitlement accrued as and when required Free on-site parking Supportive and caring work environment with wellbeing at its heart

Key Responsibilities:

Prepare and cook meals to a high standard, ensuring variety, nutrition, and presentation. Support the delivery of breakfast, lunch, and dinner services on a rotating shift basis. Assist in menu planning and contribute ideas for seasonal and international dishes. Maintain cleanliness and hygiene in all food preparation and storage areas. Ensure compliance with all food safety, health, and hygiene regulations. Monitor stock levels and assist with ordering supplies as needed. Work collaboratively with the catering team to meet service deadlines. Cater to special dietary requirements and allergens with accuracy and care. Support the catering needs of the international summer school program and other forth term events. Participate in weekend and holiday working as required by the rota and business needs.

Health & Safety Responsibilities:

Adhere strictly to

Food Safety Act 1990

,

HACCP principles

, and

school-specific policies

. Maintain up-to-date knowledge of

COSHH

,

manual handling

, and

temperature control procedures

. Ensure all kitchen equipment is used safely and maintained appropriately. Report any hazards, incidents, or maintenance issues promptly. Participate in regular health and safety training and fire drills.

Safeguarding Responsibility

The post-holder's responsibility for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children and young people for whom they are responsible, or with whom they come into contact, will be to adhere to and always ensure compliance with the School's Safeguarding Policy. If in the course of carrying out the duties of the post the post-holder becomes aware of any actual or potential risks to the safety or welfare of children in the School they must report any concerns to the School's Designated Safeguarding Lead. Windermere School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

The postholder will be required to undergo an Enhanced DBS check.

Miscellaneous

The School operates a No Smoking or vaping policy within its buildings and grounds.

Windermere School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

If you're looking for a rewarding role in a supportive environment where your work truly makes a difference, we'd love to hear from you!

Person Specification:

Essential:

Proven experience as a chef in a similar high-volume environment. Food Hygiene Level 2 (minimum). Strong understanding of dietary needs and allergen management. Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Excellent time management and organisational skills. Flexibility to work shifts including weekends and school holidays.

Desirable:

Experience in educational, residential catering or hospitality. Food Hygiene Level 2 or equivalent (qualification can be provided). First Aid certification (training given)

Closing Date 24th October 2025

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: 27,779.70 per year

Benefits:

Company pension Employee discount On-site parking Sick pay
Ability to commute/relocate:

Cumbria LA23 1NW: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Experience:

Cooking: 1 year (preferred)
Work authorisation:

United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person