Assistant Chef

We’re a specialist catering company dedicated to providing delicious, healthy and exciting food for Independent Schools. We know the crucial role that food can play on a pupil’s ability to learn, develop and ultimately flourish. Food isn’t simply fuel, it’s critical to creating happy, healthy and inquisitive young minds.

Lexington is committed to safeguarding children and colleagues. Candidates that are shortlisted for this role, will be required to have an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, including Children's Barred List.

Assistant Chef

Working pattern: Term-time only, Monday to Friday, including INSET days, with a requirement to work up to two Saturdays per year to support key school events.

Contracted weeks: Approximately 39.4 weeks per year, inclusive of 5.6 weeks’ annual leave entitlement.

Job ID: 7683

What you’ll be serving up…

As an Assistant Chef, you’ll play an important role in the day-to-day running of the kitchen, supporting the wider catering team to deliver a safe, organised and high-quality food service.

This is a varied, hands-on role that goes beyond food preparation. You’ll support all areas of the kitchen operation, including food preparation and cooking, lunch service, kitchen cleanliness, deliveries, stock management, food safety, allergen management and completion of due diligence.

You’ll work closely with the Chef and wider kitchen team to make sure everything is prepared, organised and ready for service, helping to keep the kitchen running smoothly throughout the day.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Assisting with the preparation and cooking of food in line with agreed menus, recipes and standards
• Supporting the kitchen team before, during and after lunch service
• Helping ensure food is presented and served to a consistently high standard
• Supporting portion control and replenishment throughout service
• Maintaining excellent standards of cleanliness, hygiene and organisation across the kitchen, preparation and service areas
• Cleaning kitchen equipment and work areas in accordance with agreed cleaning schedules
• Completing and supporting food safety and due diligence records accurately and on time
• Following all food hygiene, health and safety and company procedures
• Supporting the safe management of allergens and dietary requirements
• Following allergen procedures carefully during food preparation and service
• Receiving and checking deliveries, including quality, quantity and temperature checks where required
• Ensuring deliveries are stored correctly and promptly
• Supporting stock control, stock rotation, date labelling and monitoring of stock levels
• Highlighting low stock levels, shortages or quality concerns to the Chef or manager
• Helping minimise food waste and ensuring ingredients are stored and used effectively
• Supporting the organisation and smooth running of the kitchen throughout the working day
• Raising any concerns relating to food safety, allergens, equipment, stock or service with the appropriate manager
• Working collaboratively with colleagues and supporting other areas of the catering operation where required
• Contributing to a positive, professional and supportive team environment

The ingredients you’ll bring…

You’ll be someone who enjoys working as part of a busy kitchen team and takes pride in maintaining high standards.

Ideally, you’ll bring:

• Previous experience within a kitchen, catering or food preparation environment, or a genuine interest in developing your skills
• A basic understanding of food hygiene and food safety
• An understanding of the importance of allergen management and following agreed procedures
• A strong focus on cleanliness, organisation and attention to detail
• The ability to work effectively during busy service periods
• Good communication and teamwork skills
• Good time management and the ability to prioritise tasks
• A willingness to support across all areas of the kitchen operation
• The ability to follow instructions, procedures and recipes accurately
• A willingness to learn and develop your kitchen and catering skills
• Reliability, flexibility and a strong work ethic
• A positive attitude and a desire to contribute to a great food service

Working pattern

This is a term-time-only position, contracted for approximately 39.4 weeks per year, inclusive of 5.6 weeks’ annual leave entitlement.

The normal working pattern is Monday to Friday during term time, including designated INSET days.

Due to the nature of the school catering operation, you will also be required to work up to two Saturdays per year to support key school events. These dates will normally be communicated in advance.

Brilliant Work Deserves Brilliant Perks!

At Elior, we believe that when you love where you work, it shows. That’s why we make sure our team feels appreciated, supported, and set up for success! Here’s what’s waiting for you:

• Free, tasty meals - Enjoy tasty, nutritious food on us while you work!
• Flexible working - including part time roles, because life doesn’t run on a 9-5 schedule.
• Plenty of Time to Unwind - Flexibility around family life with holidays that match the school calendar.
• Leave for life’s important moments - whether family, personal or unexpected.
• Give back time - paid volunteering days for the causes you care about.
• Room to grow - career development and learning opportunities for all stages of your career.
• Wellbeing first - mental health support and wellbeing perks.
• Financial security - pension schemes and life assurance.
• Exclusive discounts - save on entertainment, leisure, and even travel!

One small thing - we welcome you to apply using the name you feel most comfortable with! No need for legal names at this stage.

Why You’ll Love Working Here

We’re a people-first business with over 10,000 colleagues across the UK, serving everything from stadiums to hospitals, schools to workplaces. Our mission? To enrich lives everywhere, every day.

And here’s the best part - 87% of our team say they’re proud to work here! Why? Because we create a place where you’re listened to, trusted, supported, and valued.

Not sure you match every single requirement? Apply anyway! Research shows that many people - especially women and those from underrepresented backgrounds - hold back unless they meet 100% of the criteria. But we hire for potential, not just experience. If you’re passionate and ready to grow, we want to hear from you!

We Celebrate You!

At Elior, diversity and inclusion aren’t just policies, they’re who we are. We know that different perspectives make us stronger, and we’re dedicated to creating an environment where everyone feels seen, heard, and empowered to succeed.

Need any support or adjustments during the application process? Just let us know - we’re happy to help!

Ready to join us? Hit ‘Apply Now’ and let’s chat!