School Chef – Public & Independent Schools

Guildford | Monday to Friday | Daytime Hours | Competitive Pay

Are you a passionate Chef looking for a role that offers an excellent work-life balance? Join our catering team supporting a variety of public and independent schools across the Guildford area, preparing fresh, nutritious meals for pupils, staff and visitors.

Working in a school environment gives you the opportunity to showcase your culinary skills while enjoying regular weekday hours and being part of a friendly, supportive team. Whether you're looking for full-time work or flexible shifts, we'd love to hear from you.

Shift Information

• Monday to Friday shifts
• Typical working hours: 7:00am – 3:00pm
• School term-time opportunities
• Flexible shifts available to suit your availability
• Opportunity to pick up additional shifts at over 5,000 Compass venues across the UK

What You'll Be Doing

• Preparing and cooking fresh, high-quality meals in line with menus and food safety standards
• Supporting the smooth day-to-day running of the kitchen
• Maintaining the highest standards of food hygiene, cleanliness and food presentation
• Communicating effectively with colleagues to ensure an efficient kitchen operation
• Supporting and coaching new team members where required
• Helping to create a positive dining experience for pupils, staff and visitors
• Following Food Safety, Health & Safety, COSHH and allergen procedures at all times
• Working collaboratively as part of a busy and professional catering team

What We Offer

• Enhanced DBS certificate provided where required
• Competitive pay
• Monday to Friday daytime shifts offering an excellent work-life balance
• Ongoing opportunities across public and independent schools in Guildford
• Full training and continuous professional development
• Opportunity to work at over 5,000 Compass venues across the UK
• Compass Exclusive Benefits
• Lifestyle Benefits "Perks" Platform
• Health & Wellbeing Support Programme, including access to our Employee Assistance Programme

What We're Looking For

• An experienced Chef with a passion for producing fresh, high-quality food
• A positive, professional and team-focused attitude
• Strong organisational and time management skills
• Excellent knowledge of food hygiene and kitchen standards
• Ability to work efficiently in a busy kitchen environment
• Commitment to delivering an exceptional dining experience

Skills & Qualifications

• Previous chef or catering experience is preferred.
• As these roles are based within educational settings, an Enhanced DBS Check is required. If you already hold one, please let our recruitment team know. If not, we'll arrange this as part of your onboarding.
• Sous Chef level and above must hold a Level 3 Food Hygiene Certificate.

Why Join Us?

Working as a School Chef offers the perfect combination of a rewarding culinary career and a fantastic work-life balance. You'll prepare nutritious meals that make a real difference while enjoying regular weekday hours, ongoing training and excellent career development opportunities.

With competitive pay, outstanding employee benefits and access to work across thousands of Compass venues nationwide, there's never been a better time to join our team.

Apply online today using our quick 1-minute application form.

We'll be in touch as soon as possible and, if successful, you could be working as a School Chef in one of our fantastic Guildford schools within just a few days.