Job Description

Salary 36,014.38 per annum


Job Reference eton/TP/40245/1244


Contract Type 52 weeks, Full Time, Permanent


Working Hours 42.5


Closing Date 27 June, 2025


Job Category Operations


Business Unit Central Catering


Location Eton College, United Kingdom


Posted on 13 June, 2025

Role Introduction

Bekynton is the central catering facility in Eton College and we predominantly cater for breakfast, lunch and supper for all the boys of 12 out of the 25 boarding houses. Bekynton currently serves around 15,000 meals per week over 37 weeks per year, equalling 555,000 meals per annum-and growing! Bekynton also prepares and delivers 32,000 packed meals for sports events around the campus, 9,500 hot and cold sports teas each year and has currently catered in 64 differing venues around Eton. Many community events are catered for with relish - like the provision of catering for House Events, Eton Action Fair and many other events where entertaining is required.


You will be instrumental in crafting exceptional dining experiences at Eton College and Dorney Lake.

Due to the needs of the school and the department, we may interview suitable candidates before the closing date. This job may also close early if a large number of applications are received. You are advised to submit your application as early as possible to avoid missing your chance to apply.

Main Duties

Key Tasks and Responsibilities

Be a visual and approachable culinary figurehead for Hospitality at Eton College and Dorney; Ensure timely and efficient preparation of all hospitality within all catering areas and venues within the School, this may include core feeding from time to time; Ensure food production meets the client expectation of delivering the very best food and service in the independent school sector; Manage all aspects of service planning and execution of Fine Dining, Casual Dining, Conferences and House requirements for both Eton College and external customer groups; Motivate and inspire others around you to get excited about food and culinary creativity - this may be the chef team, the front of house team or pupil; Adhere to all current Food Safety and Health and Safety across all aspects of the business, especially allergens management and promote a safe and hygienic environment; Deliver a front to back first-class hospitality experience to all Eton College stakeholders, both internal and external to the clients satisfaction and maintaining the cleanliness and hygiene of the school to the required standard; Taking full accountability and lead the hospitality kitchen team, including the people and operations within it; Ensuring all our customers have a first-class experience, with prompt and efficient service; ensuring expectations are consistently exceeded; Plan for success by concentrating on attention to detail of both standards and service; Manage resources and promote an ethos of teamwork and to instil a culture of innovation and continuous improvement; To continually assess and monitor team performance, whilst recognising the need for training, and potential for development; Ensure uniform and appearance of yourself meet company specifications at all times; Ensure all preparation for functions is completed well ahead of any event; Undertake occasional duties outside the normal routine but within the scope of the position and the department's activities. All employees of Eton College are also expected to: + Develop a good understanding of safeguarding procedures, given all positions at Eton are classed as 'regulated activity';
+ Demonstrate a commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. This includes but is not limited to completing safeguarding training as required, complying with all safeguarding procedures and ensuring any safeguarding updates issued by the College are read and understood.
+ Understand and comply with procedures and legislation relating to confidentiality;
+ Display a commitment to and promotion of equality, diversity and inclusion.

The Ideal Candidate

To be successful in this role, the incumbent should have:

Previous chef experience within restaurant, hotel, contract catering or similar environment; A relevant catering qualification would be desirable (NVQ Level 2); A passion for delivering high standards in food, service, and customer care; A Basic food hygiene certificate as a minimum; Excellent understanding of high-level hospitality, ideally within education environment and restaurant/hotel experience; The ability to communicate effectively with customers, clients and staff; A calm, professional manner with strong communication and interpersonal skill; A clear understanding of Health and Safety legislation; A clear understanding of Food Hygiene legislation; The ability to lead and motivate a team. The ability to manage food allergens in accordance with the school's processes and procedures. You may also enjoy this role if you: Have a flexible approach to work and a 'can do' attitude; Have great attention to detail and take pride in your work; Have the ability to work well under pressure in a fast-passed environment; Enjoy working as part of a team and you are happy to get stuck in and support your colleagues; Ability to come up with creative solutions to problems.

Working Pattern

Your working hours will be 42.5 hours per week; You will be working 5 days a week (including evenings and weekends); You will be working 48 weeks per year: 34 weeks term time, 6 weeks summer schools, 2 weeks out of term work and 6 weeks paid holiday entitlement (You will be paid over 12 months).

Benefits

Eton College offers a wide range of benefits, including an 11% employer contribution to your pension (with 4.9% employee contribution), Employee Assistance Programme, enhanced Maternity / Paternity scheme, a cycle to work scheme, subsidised lunches during term time, free or heavily discounted access to the College's sport and leisure facilities and discounts at local retailers and businesses.

About the College

We are an equal opportunities employer and are seeking applications from suitable candidates from all backgrounds. We are dedicated to creating and sustaining an environment that values individuality and difference and celebrates the diversity of both staff and pupils by fostering perseverance, tolerance and integrity. We believe in equal opportunity for everyone, irrespective of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation or socio-economic background.


If you have any queries about the application process or any problem with submitting your application online, the Recruitment Team will be happy to help. Should you require any reasonable adjustments to be made or facilities provided to enable you to apply online, please do not hesitate to contact us on recruitment@etoncollege.org.uk so we can make adjustments accordingly.

DISCLOSURE CHECKS

Eton College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including, but not limited to, reference checks with past employers, an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (including Barred List information), an online search and, where applicable, Prohibition checks. If you are successful in your application, you will be required to complete a DBS Disclosure Application Form. Any information disclosed will be handled in accordance with any guidance and/or Code of Practice published by the DBS. The College is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore all convictions, cautions, reprimands and final warnings (including those which would normally be considered as "spent" under the Act) must be declared, subject to the DBS filtering rules. It is a criminal offence for any person who is barred from working with children to attempt to apply for a position at the College.