Head Chef

We are looking for an experienced and passionate Head House Chef to lead the catering operation at Lodestone House, Uppingham School. You will take ownership of the kitchen, delivering fresh, nutritious and high-quality food across breakfast, supper, weekends and special events. You will lead and develop the catering team, manage budgets and purchasing, and work closely with House Staff and the wider School community to create a welcoming dining experience for pupils and staff. This is a hands-on leadership role offering the opportunity to put your own stamp on the food offer and play an important part in the life and wellbeing of the boarding house., Culinary & Kitchen Leadership

• Lead the day-to-day catering operation within Lodestone House.
• Plan and deliver varied, seasonal and nutritious menus across all services.
• Maintain high standards of food quality, flavour, presentation and service.
• Introduce creative menus, themed meals and special dining experiences.
• Ensure all dietary, allergy, medical, cultural and religious requirements are safely managed.
• Oversee food ordering, stock control, kitchen standards and day-to-day operations.
• Minimise food waste and manage food costs within agreed budgets.
• Ensure the kitchen is consistently inspection and audit ready.
Team Leadership
• Lead, motivate and develop the boarding house catering team.
• Plan rotas and staffing levels to meet operational requirements.
• Coach team members and support their training and development.
• Set high standards and lead by example across food preparation, service, hygiene and professionalism.
• Build strong relationships with House Staff, pupils and the wider catering team.
Pupil Experience
• Create a warm, welcoming and enjoyable dining environment.
• Engage with pupils and use their feedback to continually improve the food offer.
• Promote healthy eating, wellbeing and positive food choices.
• Support house events, celebrations, open days and other hospitality occasions.
• Contribute positively to the wider boarding house community.
Food Safety & Compliance
• Ensure full compliance with food safety legislation, HACCP, allergen regulations and Compass policies.
• Maintain excellent standards of cleanliness, hygiene and food safety.
• Ensure all food safety, allergen and compliance records are completed accurately.
• Ensure the team is appropriately trained in food safety and allergen management.
• Follow all Uppingham School safeguarding, health & safety, fire safety and security procedures.
  
  Essential
• Professional Cookery qualification such as NVQ Level 2/3, City & Guilds or equivalent.
• Significant experience as a Chef within hospitality, education, contract catering, residential or a similar environment.
• Previous experience leading a kitchen or catering operation.
• Strong experience in menu planning, purchasing, stock control and food costs.
• Excellent knowledge of food safety, HACCP and allergen management.
• Experience catering for a range of dietary requirements.
• Strong leadership, communication and organisational skills.
• A genuine passion for fresh, nutritious and high-quality food.
• A proactive, flexible and solutions-focused approach.
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.
Desirable
• Experience within an independent school or boarding environment.
• Food Safety Level 3 qualification.
• Experience managing and developing a catering team.
• Experience delivering hospitality, functions and special events.
• Knowledge of seasonal and sustainable food sourcing.
• Understanding of adolescent nutrition and wellbeing.
  
  As part of Compass you'll help to feed people, fuel progress and forge connections in around 6,000 venues. Join us to grow your career with the industry leader, and get competitive pay, great perks and unrivalled opportunities for learning and development, at one of the UK's biggest businesses.
  
  We ensure you're rewarded for all your hard work, which is why we offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes but is not limited to:
• Paid overtime (£2-3k)
• Contributory pension scheme
• Grow your career with our Career Pathways and MyLearning programmes
• Quick access for you and your immediate family to a Digital GP, and wider healthcare benefits
• Exclusive travel discounts with TUI, Expedia, Booking.com and many more
• Save money on your food shop with discounts on Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrisons and many more
• Up to 44% off cinema tickets to enjoy your favourite blockbuster
• Receive cash rewards every time you spend and use them on a wide range of brands
• Un-wind with us with free wellness, mindfulness and exercise classes
• You can share all discounts and offers with your friends and families
• Working 5 days out of 7, This is a full-time role working 5 days out of 7, with a flexible working pattern to meet the needs of the boarding house.
The role will include early mornings, evenings, weekends and occasional special events. Paid overtime is available where applicable. Safeguarding Uppingham School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff are expected to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory pre-employment screening in accordance with statutory guidance. Why Join Lodestone House? This is an opportunity to take real ownership of a boarding house kitchen within Uppingham School, putting your own stamp on the food offer while leading and developing a team. You'll have the support of the wider Compass and Uppingham School catering operation, combined with the autonomy and creativity that comes with running your own kitchen. If you're an ambitious chef who loves great food, enjoys leading people and wants to make a genuine difference to the daily experience of pupils, we'd love to hear from you.