Head Chef

Your future is here

A place to inspire

Being part of Nottingham College means playing a vital part in helping thousands of people reach their potential. Together, we’re making a positive difference to our learners, to our communities and to each other. We’re building better futures, for others and for ourselves. Here, you’ll have the freedom to work in a way that suits you, the support to thrive and the opportunity to shape your career.

What you'll do

We are looking for an experienced and enthusiastic Head Chef to oversee the day-to-day operation of our Realistic Working Environment (RWE), ensuring the delivery of high-quality food and service while providing outstanding practical training and supervision to students across a range of hospitality programmes. Supporting and developing students on their culinary journey adding valuable and relevant culinary experience.

You will work closely with students, lecturers, assessors, curriculum teams and industry partners to develop engaging learning experiences, support students in building industry-standard skills, and maintain a professional commercial kitchen environment. You will be responsible for menu planning, stock ordering, supplier management, budget monitoring and ensuring full compliance with Health & Safety, HACCP and food safety legislation.

What you’ll bring

This role requires a proactive and innovative individual who can balance commercial performance with educational excellence, developing contemporary menus and events that meet the expectations of a modern hospitality business while delivering value for money. You will build strong supplier relationships, negotiate cost-effective purchasing arrangements, and contribute to the College’s wider strategic priorities, continuous improvement culture and commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.

The ideal candidate will have substantial professional kitchen experience, strong organisational and leadership skills, knowledge of food safety and kitchen compliance requirements, and a passion for developing the next generation of hospitality professionals within a dynamic learning environment.

For further details on this post which the job description and person specification cannot answer for you, please contact Ben Payne on 0115 838 0189 or email ben.payne@nottinghamcollege.ac.uk . 

Interviews / Assessments are planned for: Monday 27th July 09:30

Why Join us

• Competitive salary – £29,290 to £33,602 FTE. (This will be pro-rata for part time posts)
• 35 days Annual Leave + 8 Bank Holidays + Opportunity to purchase up to 5 days annual leave 
• Access to Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
• Discounts at various stores and services across the UK via our Vivup App  
• Various travel schemes including cycle to work, local transport season tickets and car salary sacrifice scheme 
• Opportunities for professional development including 8 dedicated Continued Personal Development (CPD) days and our Request to Invest Programme 

A place to belong

At Nottingham College, we’re committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels supported, valued, and understood.

We’re proud to be recognised as a Carer Confident employer, acknowledging the tailored support we offer to staff who balance their roles with caring responsibilities. As part of the Endometriosis Friendly Employer scheme, we’re actively tackling the stigma around menstrual health and providing meaningful support to those affected.

Our commitment to wellbeing continues as we work towards becoming a Menopause Friendly accredited employer, ensuring those experiencing menopause and peri-menopause feel heard and supported.

Mental health matters here too — our network of accredited Mental Health First Aiders is always growing, helping to foster a culture of compassion and understanding across the college.

Through our Wellness Cafés – informal gatherings that invite open conversation – colleagues are encouraged to share experiences and support one another. Whether navigating health challenges or balancing work and personal life, wellbeing is prioritised at Nottingham College, allowing you to thrive in your career.

Nottingham College is a place where you can share your ideas, work with people from all kinds of backgrounds and together, make a positive difference. Within our inclusive workplace, everyone is given the opportunity to belong. As part of this we are happy to consider any reasonable adjustments that successful candidates may need. 

Nottingham College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the wellbeing of our students and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Background checks including employer references, and an enhanced DBS check will be required for this role.

Apply Now

If you’re ready to be part of something special, the future is here.

To apply, click ‘Apply for this job’ on the Nottingham College website, or visit Nottingham College – Current Vacancies  if viewing externally.

We value accessibility and inclusion throughout our recruitment process. If you need help or information in another format, contact Peopleservices@nottinghamcollege.ac.uk or call us on  0115 884 2222.  

We review applications as they are received, so please apply early. We may close the advert early if we receive a high volume of applications, and interview dates may change.

Please note that this role does not meet the standard salary requirements for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. However, Home Office exemptions may apply depending on individual circumstances. Candidates are advised to review the Skilled Worker visa criteria on GOV.UK before applying.