Head Chef
Salary: £31,000 – £34,000 per annum, depending on experience
Location: Somerset Cultural Centre, Knowle Hall, Bawdrip, Bridgwater
Organisation: Yew Wah International Education Foundation
Start date: As soon as possible
Closing date: Friday 11th September 2026
Interviews: Week commencing Monday 14th September 2026
Are you a passionate and adaptable chef who enjoys creating great food and being part of something a little different?
Somerset Cultural Centre, part of the Yew Wah International Education Foundation (YWIEF), is looking for an experienced and enthusiastic Head Chef to lead our catering provision for visiting international student groups.
This is not a typical Head Chef role. Our Centre welcomes groups of young people, predominantly from China, who come to Somerset to experience British education, culture and life in the UK. Food is an important part of their experience, and we are looking for someone who can provide nutritious, enjoyable and varied meals while leading a small and supportive kitchen team.
If you enjoy variety, take pride in high standards and would like a role where no two weeks are quite the same, we would love to hear from you.
About the Role
As Head Chef, you will take responsibility for the day-to-day operation of the Centre's kitchen and catering provision, ensuring high standards of food quality, hygiene, safety and organisation.
You will plan and prepare varied menus that meet the needs of our international students, visiting staff and other Centre users. Our menus include a combination of British, Westernand East Asian-style dishes, so experience or an interest in preparing Chinese or East Asian cuisine would be particularly welcomed.
You will work closely with the Centre Manager and wider Centre team to ensure catering arrangements support each student programme and provide a positive experience for everyone staying with us.
Key Responsibilities
Your responsibilities will include:
- Planning and preparing nutritious, varied and appealing menus for students, staff and visitors.
- Preparing and overseeing breakfast, lunch and evening meal services according to the programme schedule.
- Producing a range of British, Western and East Asian-style meals.
- Catering appropriately for allergies, dietary requirements, cultural requirements and individual needs.
- Leading, supporting and organising the kitchen team, including allocating duties and providing guidance where required.
- Maintaining excellent standards of food hygiene, cleanliness and food safety.
- Ensuring compliance with HACCP procedures, allergen requirements and relevant food-safety legislation.
- Managing food ordering, stock levels, storage and stock rotation.
- Monitoring food costs and helping to minimise unnecessary waste.
- Maintaining accurate kitchen, temperature, allergen and food-safety records.
- Ensuring kitchen equipment and working areas are used safely and appropriately.
- Working collaboratively with colleagues across the Centre to support the successful delivery of student programmes.
- Supporting food shopping and collection of supplies when required.
- Undertaking other reasonable duties appropriate to the role and the needs of the Centre.
Working Pattern
Our student programmes operate at different times throughout the year, so the working pattern will vary depending on when groups are staying at the Centre.
The role will include early mornings, evenings and weekends when students are on site. Flexibility is therefore essential.
Working hours and rotas will be planned around the requirements of each student programme and communicated in advance wherever possible.
Flexibility Outside Student Programmes
Our student programmes vary throughout the year, so flexibility is an important part of working at the Centre.
During periods when students are not on site and catering requirements are reduced, the Head Chef may be required to support other areas of the Centre's operations. This may include undertaking reasonable duties appropriate to their skills and capabilities, including supporting the Facilities & Grounds team where appropriate, to help support the wider Centre and fulfil their contracted hours.
About You
We are looking for someone who is:
- An experienced chef with the confidence and ability to take responsibility for a busy kitchen.
- Passionate about producing good-quality, nutritious and enjoyable food.
- Organised, reliable and able to plan ahead.
- Comfortable leading and supporting a small kitchen team.
- Flexible and willing to adapt to changing programme requirements.
- Able to work independently and use their own initiative.
- Calm and organised when working under pressure.
- A strong team player who is happy to contribute to the wider operation of the Centre.
- Comfortable working in a multicultural and international environment.
- Willing to work early mornings, evenings and weekends when required.
Experience preparing Chinese, East Asian or other international cuisine would be an advantage but is not essential.
Essential Requirements
Applicants should have:
- Previous professional catering experience at an appropriate level.
- Experience supervising or leading others within a kitchen environment.
- A good understanding of food hygiene, HACCP and allergen management.
- Appropriate Food Hygiene/Food Safety certification.
- Good organisational and communication skills.
- The ability to work flexibly according to operational requirements.
- A full UK driving licence and willingness to drive as part of the role when required.
The successful applicant may be required to drive a Centre vehicle or minibus for operational purposes, such as collecting food or supplies. Appropriate training and authorisation will be provided where necessary.
Safeguarding
Somerset Cultural Centre is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.
The successful applicant will be required to undergo appropriate pre-employment checks, including an Enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references and confirmation of their right to work in the UK.
Why Join Us?
This is an opportunity to join a friendly, international Centre where your role goes beyond simply running a kitchen.
You'll have the opportunity to:
- Lead and shape the Centre's catering provision.
- Bring your own ideas and creativity to our menus.
- Introduce young people from around the world to British food and culture.
- Work with an international and multicultural team.
- Enjoy a varied role where each student programme brings something different.
- Become an important part of the wider Centre team.
If you're an experienced chef looking for a role that combines great food, variety, teamwork and an international environment, we'd be delighted to hear from you.
How to Apply
Please contact [email protected] or [email protected] to request an application form.
Applicants will not be considered without a fully completed application form.
Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and early applications are encouraged.
Closing date: Friday 11th September 2026
Interviews: Week commencing Monday 14th September 2026
Start date: As soon as possible
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: £31,000.00-£34,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Education:
- GCSE or equivalent (preferred)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
