Activate Learning
Chef/Cook
Get notified of more jobs like this · No spam, ever
How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
Working Pattern
Permanent, full-time position
37 hours per week, 38 weeks per year (0.84 FTE)
Primarily Monday to Friday, 7am-3pm
Occasional planned evening and weekend work for Open Days and College events
Salary up to £15.18ph/£29,277 pro rata
Term-Time Working: You will be required to work 38 weeks per year and will be paid for 44 weeks per year, which includes your annual leave entitlement
About The Role
As a Chef/Cook, we are looking for an experienced and enthusiastic individual to join our in-house Catering team at Merrist Wood College. You will prepare and cook fresh food from scratch to a high standard for students, staff, and visitors, while supporting the smooth day-to-day operation of our kitchen and catering service.
Working alongside the Chef Manager, you will take responsibility for food preparation, cooking, food safety, and maintaining high standards across the kitchen. You will also supervise and support staff and students and, when required, take responsibility for the kitchen as the duty chef in the Chef Manager's absence.
This is a hands-on role suited to an experienced chef or cook who enjoys preparing food from fresh ingredients and has experience working in a professional or commercial kitchen. We would welcome applications from candidates who have worked in roles such as Chef, Cook, Catering Chef, Chef de Partie, Sous Chef, School Chef, College Chef, or similar professional kitchen roles.
Key Responsibilities
- Prepare and cook fresh food from scratch to a consistently high standard, ensuring meals are produced on time and presented to the required quality.
- Support the day-to-day running of the kitchen, including supervising staff and students and taking responsibility as duty chef when required.
- Maintain high standards of food safety, hygiene, and health & safety, including allergen management and completion of relevant records and checks.
- Support kitchen management, including food ordering, stock control, menu planning, portion control, and effective use of the catering budget.
- Work collaboratively with the Chef Manager and Catering team to deliver a consistent food and hospitality offer and support College events and activities.
About You
An experienced and enthusiastic chef or cook who takes pride in preparing and cooking food from scratch using fresh ingredients. The successful candidate will have practical experience working in a professional or commercial kitchen, with the confidence to produce high-quality food consistently in a busy service environment.
Reasons to use Rodeo
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
It searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
You will be organized, reliable, and safety-conscious, with a positive approach to working in an education environment. The role requires someone who can work independently, support colleagues and students, and take responsibility for the kitchen when required.
You Will Have
- Strong practical chef/cook skills, with experience preparing and cooking fresh food from scratch in a professional or commercial kitchen.
- Relevant professional kitchen experience, which could include roles such as Chef, Cook, Catering Chef, Chef de Partie, Sous Chef, School Chef, College Chef, or a similar position.
- Experience of kitchen supervision or basic management, with the confidence to work independently and take responsibility for kitchen operations when required.
- Food safety knowledge, including a Food Hygiene Certificate or willingness to work towards one, together with an understanding of allergen management, HACCP principles, and safe food handling.
- Good communication and teamwork skills, with an understanding of kitchen health and safety, including manual handling, COSHH, and the safe use of kitchen equipment.
Please note: This role does not meet the criteria for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship.
Who We Are
Activate Learning is a pioneering education group with a global reach, committed to transforming lives through our approach to learning.
We see our employees as individuals, empowering them to make the right choices for their ambitions and careers. We value our people as vital to our continued success and aspire to a diverse, open, and inclusive environment that provides the motivation for everyone to pursue their career goals and flourish.
When you work for Activate Learning, you’re working for an organisation that provides you with the advantages of a large employer, a trusted partner in your career development, and a transformational way of working while also investing in building a community environment for everyone.
Together, we will bring out the best version of yourself.
Why work with the Activate Learning Group?
Activate Learning Group Employee Benefits
- Monthly Staff Appreciation Awards: Celebrating staff for their dedication and accomplishments aligned to our award-winning Learning Philosophy.
- Wellbeing & Resources Groups: Comprehensive range of resources, guides, and tools to support staff wellbeing.
- Company benefits: Including free eye tests and will writing, plus access to a Health Cash Plan covering optical, dental, health screening, and therapy treatments for you and your dependents.
- Learning and Development: Continuous opportunities for professional growth and skill enhancement through our in-house L&D team.
- Teaching Support: Tailored induction and development programs for teaching staff.
- Pension Schemes: Teacher and Local Government pension schemes for Activate Learning staff.
- Generous Annual Leave: Up to 6 weeks paid leave.
- Competitive salaries: Annual incremental progression and a twelve-point pay scale for teachers.
- On-Site Facilities: Free parking at all campuses, refectories, hair and beauty salons & gym access.
Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
For a comprehensive list of all of our benefits, please visit our Wellbeing Page.
Application Process
Applicants should apply at the earliest opportunity; closed vacancies will prevent application form submission.
Applications are reviewed and shortlisted on a rolling basis, we reserve the right to interview, appoint, and close adverts.
Activate Learning is committed to safeguarding and expect all our staff to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be required to undergo a DBS check at the appropriate level.
Applications are encouraged from all candidates who meet or exceed minimum criteria, regardless of age, disability, gender, orientation, race, religion, or ethnicity. Activate Learning is committed to employing people with disabilities and will ensure our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible. If you require any reasonable adjustments either at application or interview stage, please contact the talent team directly.
Note: Some positions may require a legally mandated health surveillance check for exposure to hazardous conditions.
Recruitment agencies who submit unsolicited CVs to any partner or employee at Activate Learning have no authority to enter an arrangement. Recruitment agencies engaging with Activate Learning Talent Team will be on our PSL.
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London