School Chef & Food Programme Lead
Full Time | Permanent | 8:00am–5:00pm | Edinburgh Montessori Arts School (EMAS), Edinburgh
Cook with purpose. Lead with passion. Inspire the next generation.
This is far more than a school chef position.
At Edinburgh Montessori Arts School (EMAS), we believe food is one of life’s greatest teachers. Every meal is an opportunity to build independence, nurture wellbeing, develop practical skills and bring our community together.
We are looking for an outstanding School Chef & Food Programme Lead to shape the food culture of our school. You will lead our kitchen as both a professional catering environment and an inspiring educational space, preparing fresh vegetarian meals while mentoring young people and working alongside teachers to bring learning to life through food.
If you are an exceptional chef who enjoys sharing your knowledge, values healthy, seasonal cooking and wants your work to make a genuine difference, we’d love to hear from you.
About EMAS
Edinburgh Montessori Arts School is an independent Montessori school for children aged 1–18, located on a beautiful campus with gardens, a polytunnel, orchards, outdoor classrooms and animals.
Our children grow vegetables, bake bread, prepare meals, learn about nutrition, study food science and develop practical life skills every day. We believe children become confident, capable adults when they are trusted with meaningful work.
Food is woven throughout the life of the school, and the kitchen sits at the heart of our community.
The Role
As our School Chef & Food Programme Lead you will:
- Prepare healthy, nutritious vegetarian lunches and snacks each day for approximately 25–50 children and staff.
- Design varied seasonal menus using fresh, locally sourced ingredients wherever possible.
- Manage all aspects of kitchen operation, including ordering, stock control, budgeting and food safety.
- Maintain excellent standards of hygiene in line with Environmental Health requirements.
- Lead the kitchen as both a professional catering environment and a teaching space.
- Mentor teenagers as they learn practical cooking, hospitality and food preparation skills.
- Work alongside teachers to deliver cooking, nutrition, gardening and enterprise projects.
- Support children of all ages to develop confidence, independence and practical life skills in the kitchen.
- Help children understand where food comes from by connecting cooking with our gardens and growing spaces.
- Plan and lead our food-based holiday club during school holiday periods, offering exciting hands-on cooking experiences, baking, food preservation, nutrition and seasonal projects.
We Are Looking For Someone Who
- Is an experienced chef with a genuine passion for healthy cooking.
- Enjoys working with children and young people.
- Sees teaching and mentoring as a rewarding part of the role.
- Is organised and capable of independently managing a busy kitchen.
- Takes pride in producing high-quality vegetarian food from fresh ingredients.
- Can confidently cater for allergies and dietary requirements.
- Is creative, flexible and enjoys trying new ideas.
- Values sustainability, seasonal produce and reducing food waste.
- Enjoys being part of a collaborative, supportive team.
- Brings warmth, professionalism and a calm presence to a busy school environment.
Experience in education is welcomed but not essential. We are equally interested in experienced chefs who are excited by the opportunity to work in a unique educational environment.
A Typical Week Might Include
- Preparing homemade soups, fresh bread and nutritious vegetarian lunches.
- Harvesting herbs and vegetables from the school gardens.
- Teaching teenagers knife skills, baking or food preparation.
- Supporting younger children to make butter, bake bread or prepare soup.
- Planning menus around seasonal produce.
- Working with teachers on projects exploring nutrition, sustainability or world cuisines.
- Running cooking sessions during our holiday programme.
- Sharing lunch with children and colleagues as part of our school community.
No two weeks are the same.
Salary & Benefits
- Permanent, full-time position
- Monday to Friday, 8:00am–4:00pm
- Full-year contract (this is not a term-time only role)
- 35 days annual leave to be taken during school holidays, plus closure days.
- Competitive salary dependent upon experience
- Professional development opportunities
- Supportive, friendly staff team
- The opportunity to shape an innovative food education programme unlike any other in Scotland
Why EMAS?
At EMAS we don’t simply educate children—we help them become capable, confident and compassionate young people.
Our staff are trusted to be creative, contribute ideas and build something meaningful together. We value curiosity, craftsmanship, kindness and lifelong learning.
You’ll work in a beautiful setting where gardens, animals, nature, art and food are part of everyday life.
Most importantly, you’ll know that your work matters.
Safeguarding
Edinburgh Montessori Arts School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The successful applicant will be required to join the PVG Scheme and undergo all appropriate pre-employment safeguarding checks, including satisfactory references.
How to Apply
Please send your CV together with a covering letter explaining why this role appeals to you and what you could bring to our school community.
Email: [email protected]
Help us create a kitchen where children don’t just eat well—they learn, grow and discover every single day.
Pay: £35,000.00 per year
Benefits:
Work Location: In person
