Set in beautiful grounds in the heart of Dover, with circa 250 pupils, Dover College requires an experienced and ‘hands on’ Chef to join our established kitchen team. This is not your average school kitchen. We are looking for people with passion, with a true commitment to providing a high quality, exciting, healthy and varied meal selection for our pupils.
Ideally, you will have previous experience working in a busy kitchen, potentially within a school or care environment, and have an understanding of safeguarding of young people. With boarders and day pupils, you will become familiar with the pupils and encourage their wellbeing.
You will also ideally have energy, an enthusiastic approach, and a desire to contribute to the creation of a happy and stable environment for the boarders at our school.
This role requires reliability, flexibility and a can do attitude. You will be expected to contribute to the day to day operation of a busy kitchen and assist others where required in a calm and positive manner. The role includes all elements of food preparation, cooking, serving and cleaning.
You will have a good understanding of dietary requirements, allergens and intolerances and be qualified in at least Level 2 Food Safety and Hygiene for Catering.
Your responsibilities will include (but not limited to)
- Assist in menu planning and recipe development
- Ensure food quality and presentation meets high standards
- Maintain a clean and organized kitchen environment
- Collaborate with other Chef's and the Chef Manager to create new dishes and specials
- Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations
We expect the successful candidate to possess:
- Strong, creative culinary skills with a focus on food preparation and production
- Proven experience as a chef in a busy kitchen environment (Schools/Care Homes advantageous)
- Strong organisational and time management skills
- Knowledge of kitchen equipment operation and maintenance
- Passion for food and creativity in menu development
- Ability to work well under pressure in a high-volume setting
- Shift pattern ranges between 6am and 7pm (6am to 2pm and 11am to 7pm)
- Alternate weekend working required during term time
- Ability to work overtime to cover functions
The role is full time working 40 hours per week, consisting of 5 shifts which will include alternate weekends.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Benefits:
- Canteen
- Company pension
- Discounted or free food
- Employee discount
- Free parking
- Health & wellbeing programme
- On-site parking
- Sick pay
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift
- Day shift
- Holidays
- Monday to Friday
- Weekend availability
Experience:
- Chef: 1 year (required)
- Cooking: 1 year (required)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Dover College is committed to the safeguarding of its pupils and staff. The successful candidate will be subject to safer recruitment background checks. If you are invited to interview you will be asked to complete an application form. To learn more about our safeguarding policy, visit our website: https://www.dovercollege.org.uk/
Work Location: In person
The closing date for applicants is 28th August 2026 with interviews being held on 2nd September 2026. We hold the right to interview before either date for the right candidate.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £12.71 per hour
Work Location: In person
