Nursery Chef – Permanent, Full Time – 8674
Location: Hook, Hampshire
Salary: £28,932 – £31,200 per annum, DOE.
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30am–5:30pm (No evenings, weekends, bank holidays or Christmas working)

One of our clients, a respected family-owned group of nurseries across Hampshire, is seeking an experienced and passionate Nursery Chef to join the team at in Hook on a permanent basis.

This is an excellent opportunity for a chef looking to achieve a positive work-life balance without compromising on creativity, quality, or professional standards.

About the Role

As Nursery Chef, you will take full responsibility for the daily preparation of freshly cooked meals for up to 110 children, supported by a Kitchen Assistant.

The nursery is proud of its long-standing 5* Environmental Health rating and Award of Excellence, and the successful candidate will play a key role in maintaining these exceptional standards.

You will be responsible for:

• Preparing nutritious, home-cooked meals from a 4-week rolling menu
• Delivering two-course lunches, hot teas with side dishes, and two daily snacks
• Catering for allergies, intolerances, and cultural or personal dietary requirements
• Planning and delivering special event catering including picnic teas, party food, and Christmas lunch
• Creating themed menus for International Days, celebrating the diverse nursery community
• Maintaining exemplary hygiene and food safety standards
• Supporting Environmental Health inspections

Candidate Requirements

We are looking for a chef who is:

• Qualified to Level 2 or 3 in Catering or a food-related discipline
• In possession of a valid Food Hygiene Certificate
• Trained in Allergen Awareness
• Experienced in catering for young children and babies (essential)
• Confident managing kitchen compliance and food safety standards
• Able to work independently and as part of a small kitchen team

Experience within nurseries, schools, or care homes is highly desirable. Chefs from hospitality backgrounds seeking improved working hours are also encouraged to apply.

What’s on Offer

• Competitive salary of £28,932–£31,200 per year
• Full-time, permanent contract
• Monday–Friday working (51 weeks per year)
• No evenings, weekends, bank holidays, or Christmas working
• Well-equipped commercial kitchen
• Supportive and welcoming team environment
• Benefits package including:
  • Childcare discount
  • Discounted or free meals
  • Health & wellbeing programme
  • Referral scheme
  • Store discounts

If you are passionate about producing wholesome, nourishing food and would value a structured working week with a genuine work-life balance, we would love to hear from you.

We do receive a significant number of applications. If you have not been contacted by a member of our team within 10 days of your application, please note that on this occasion you have not be shortlisted for the position. If you are ever in doubt about this, please call our team.

By applying to this vacancy, you accept Jade Recruitment Limited’s Privacy and GDPR Policy which can be found via our website, in turn giving us consent to contact you.

Jade Recruitment Limited are acting as a recruitment agency in relation to this vacancy and are an equal opportunities employer.