Chef

Busy Bees In Portishead; Macclesfield; On-site; GBP 40,000 - GBP 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading nursery group in the UK is seeking a Chef to join their kitchen team in Macclesfield. The role involves preparing nutritious meals for children, ensuring food safety, and managing kitchen operations. The ideal candidate should have a Food Hygiene Certificate and experience in catering. Join a nurturing environment dedicated to supporting children's development while enjoying competitive salary and extensive benefits, including professional development and childcare discounts.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Ongoing professional development

‘Hive’ benefits and wellbeing hub

Up to 28 days holiday per year

Birthday off

25% childcare discount

Enhanced family leave

Menopause support

Financial support through Salary Finance

Employee Assistance Programme

Cycle to Work scheme

Discounted Private Medical Insurance

Qualifications

• Must hold a valid Food Hygiene Certificate.
• Proven experience in kitchen operations is essential.
• Ability to understand and cater to unique dietary needs of children.

Responsibilities

• Prepare healthy, nutritious meals that meet dietary needs.
• Oversee kitchen operations ensuring food safety and hygiene compliance.
• Manage kitchen staff and collaborate with regulatory bodies during inspections.
• Maintain kitchen inventory and efficiently manage purchasing.

Skills

Food Hygiene Certificate (Level 2 or above)

Experience in catering or kitchen operations

Empathy and understanding

Job description

Overview

Join Our Team at Busy Bees – Leading Nursery Group in the UK

Are you passionate about cooking and providing nutritious meals for young children? As a Chef at Busy Bees, you’ll be a key part of our kitchen team, preparing healthy meals that support children's growth and development. This is an exciting opportunity to work in a nurturing environment where you will contribute to the wellbeing of children while gaining valuable experience in catering within the early years sector.

About Us

Busy Bees is the UK's leading nursery group, with nearly 400 nurseries across the UK and more overseas. We are dedicated to giving every child the best start in life and are proud to have won awards for our workplace culture. At Busy Bees, we ensure that every member of our team feels heard, valued, and nurtured.

Why Work at Busy Bees?

We offer a supportive environment that empowers you to create engaging, educational spaces where children can thrive. As part of our team, you’ll be introduced to our unique Bee Curious curriculum, designed to foster curiosity and confidence in young learners.

Our Charitable Commitment

Through our partnership with BBC Children in Need, we offer fantastic opportunities for community involvement and fundraising to support children's lives.

About our Nursery

Alderley Day Nursery has a capacity of 94 children and was established in 2007. This Montessori nursery features eight main activity rooms designed for children from babies to preschoolers. Nestled in the open countryside of Nether Alderley, the nursery is purpose-built and includes an expansive outdoor space accessible from each room. This design aims to use the outdoors as an extension of the indoor environment, providing children with firsthand experiences of their natural world during this crucial stage of development. Located approximately a 15-minute drive from Macclesfield, Alderley Day Nursery offers a delightful setting for learning and growth. Free parking is available.

Busy Bees Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Ongoing professional development and career progression
• Our ‘Hive’ benefits and wellbeing hub, with discounts across a huge range of retailers
• Up to 28 days holiday per year (including bank holidays)
• Your birthday off – it’s our gift to you!
• 25% childcare discount
• Enhanced family leave and return to work bonus
• Menopause support through Peppy
• Financial support through Salary Finance
• Employee Assistance Programme and Mental Health First Aiders
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Easy access to your workplace pension through Cushon
• Discounted Private Medical Insurance (PMI)

Additionally, you’ll have access to our Benefits and Wellbeing platform, Hive, offering a wide range of discounts to help your money go further, and a Wellbeing Hub with resources to support your physical and mental health. There is a Celebrating You section recognizing and rewarding our valued team members, and a Grow with Us area sharing development opportunities and training to help you thrive at Busy Bees.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare healthy, nutritious meals that meet dietary needs.
• Oversee kitchen operations ensuring food safety and hygiene compliance.
• Manage kitchen staff and collaborate with regulatory bodies during inspections.
• Maintain kitchen inventory and efficiently manage purchasing.

Ideal Candidate

• Food Hygiene Certificate (Level 2 or above).
• Experience in catering or kitchen operations.
• Empathy and understanding – each child is unique.

If you’re passionate about food and nutrition and have experience as a Chef, Assistant Chef, Cook, or have managed a cafe, apply now!