Chef

Wilson Vale; Nottingham; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading contract catering company in Nottingham seeks a Chef for a temporary maternity cover position. You will join a small team catering for up to 100 staff daily, focusing on food preparation and service, including maintaining kitchen hygiene and documentation. The role offers excellent work-life balance with regular hours from Monday to Friday. Ideal candidates will have experience in a similar environment and possess strong food hygiene practices. Enjoy a supportive work atmosphere in a creative kitchen environment.

Benefits

Work-life balance

Craft Works training program

Paid bespoke training

Employee Assistance Programme

Online employee benefits scheme

Birthday off after 1 year's service

Enhanced Maternity Pay

Qualifications

• Have experience working in a similar role and environment.
• Ensure you have high standards of food hygiene and follow the rules of health and safety.
• Be willing to participate and enjoy working as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Chef Manager with all aspects of food preparation and cooking.
• Prepare hot main dishes and maintain the salad bar.
• Help with pot washing and general kitchen cleaning.

Skills

Experience in similar role

Highly organized

High standards of food hygiene

Excellent customer service

Basic food knowledge

Job description

We are currently recruiting for a Chef to join our team at one of our workplace restaurants in Nottingham city centre, conveniently located just a ten-minute walk from Nottingham train station. This is a temporary position to cover maternity leave. The role is Monday to Friday, working 40 hours per week from 7:00am to 3:30pm, offering an excellent work–life balance.

Wilson Vale is an established, quality‑led contract caterer. We work with amazing clients across the UK who place huge value on great food as a key part of their culture and community. We work in office restaurants, independent schools and at conference venues with the same high‑end ethos throughout.

You will be part of a small, close‑knit team of three, catering for up to 100 staff each day within a fresh food‑led operation that places a strong focus on sustainability and innovation. The kitchen delivers a varied and exciting offer inspired by world cuisine, with menus changing weekly. The Chef Manager has full autonomy over menu development, and you will support them in bringing these menus to life through preparation and service.

The food offer includes a full hot breakfast service with porridge, cereals, a toast station and daily specials. At lunchtime, the restaurant provides two hot options each day, including a meat and a vegetarian dish, alongside a freshly prepared salad bar, a grab‑and‑go deli sandwich fridge, fresh bakes, daily soup and jacket potatoes. Creativity, freshness and consistency are at the heart of the operation.

This maternity cover role involves assisting the Chef Manager with all aspects of food preparation and cooking. Responsibilities include preparing hot main dishes, creating and maintaining the salad bar, making sandwiches, baking cakes and desserts, and producing both savoury and sweet hospitality buffets. You will be expected to uphold all due diligence requirements, including completing relevant paperwork, maintaining accurate allergen documentation and ensuring the highest standards of food safety and kitchen cleanliness at all times.

As part of a three‑person team, you will be involved in all areas of kitchen operation. This includes pot washing and general washing up, cleaning sections, sweeping and mopping floors, rotating stock, and cleaning equipment. An element of customer service is also required, and full training will be provided on the till system. The kitchen is fast paced but friendly and supportive, offering an enjoyable and rewarding working environment for the right candidate.

The proposed start date is 23rd February 2026.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Have experience working in a similar role and environment
• Be highly organised and comfortable working in a high‑pressured environment
• Ensure you have high standards of food hygiene and follow the rules of health and safety
• Keep up standards of hygiene and ensure all areas are clean and tidy
• Have excellent customer service and social skills
• Be responsible for the preparation and serving of food to staff
• Have a can‑do attitude and will work well as part of a team of 3
• Be customer focused
• Have basic food knowledge
• Be willing to participate and enjoy working part of the team

WILSON VALE PERKS:

• Our working hours are some of the best you’ll find in catering – we are strong believers in work‑life balance
• Our working environment is fun and inspiring, with excellent career development opportunities
• Craft Works – Free craft‑focused career development training programme
• Paid training bespoke to you
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme – your wellbeing is very important to us
• Online employee benefits scheme – monetary savings on everyday items!
• Your Birthday off every year after 1 year’s service.
• Enhanced Maternity Pay

Wilson Vale is an equal opportunities employer that strives to create an inclusive working environment for all. We are committed to supporting our people and do not tolerate discrimination of any kind. From each and every person in our catering teams, to our operations and central support teams – everyone at has a voice.