Executive Chef - Independent Boarding School - East-England – £55K

We’re recruiting an Executive Chef to lead a prestigious independent boarding school in East of England, overseeing a large-scale student dining operation alongside a growing hospitality & events offer.

This is a senior leadership role requiring strong financial control, team management and hospitality experience.

The Offer

• Up to £55,000 salary
• 40 hours per week
• 5 days out of 7
• 52-week contract
• Flexible working structure
• Strong work–life balance vs traditional hospitality
• Long-term leadership opportunity
• Large, well-supported operation

The School & Operation

• Prestigious independent boarding school.
• Students aged 7 - 18.
• Around 1,200 students & staff fed daily.
• Approximately 200 boarders on site.
• Managing 6 catering outlets across the school.
• Main kitchen plus satellite operations.
• Strong hospitality & events offering.
• Formal dinners, private functions & weddings.
• Fresh food, high-volume environment.
• Investment into facilities and growth.

The Food Offer

• 3 core meal options daily.
• 2 meat dishes & 1 vegetarian option.
• Kosher options available.
• Salad bar, soup & pasta station daily.
• Hot & cold desserts.
• Seasonal termly menu changes.
• Hospitality menus for events & formal dining.

The Role

• Lead the full catering operation as Executive Chef.
• Manage a large multi-site school catering team.
• Oversee 16 chefs within a wider 48-person team.
• Drive food quality, consistency & standards.
• Take ownership of GP, budgets & financial performance.
• Lead stock control & purchasing.
• Support and grow the hospitality operation.
• Balance office-based management with kitchen leadership.
• Maintain high H&S and compliance standards.
• Develop structure, culture & team performance.

About You

• Experienced Executive Head Chef or Head Chef in Independent School Catering.
• Strong leadership and team development skills.
• Reliable, consistent and committed to long-term roles.

If you are keen to discuss the details further, please apply today or send your cv to yasmin at COREcruitment dot com