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- Tasks: Prepare and serve delicious food while overseeing menu changes and maintaining hygiene standards.
- Company: Join Chartwells, the UK's leading education catering provider, serving millions of meals weekly.
- Benefits: Enjoy a supportive work environment with opportunities for career progression and recognition.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that values individuality and makes a positive impact on students' lives.
- Qualifications: Passion for food, experience in a similar role, and relevant culinary qualifications required.
- Other info: This role is contracted for 46 weeks per year, with full-time hours from Monday to Friday.
We're currently recruiting an ambitious Chef to help us create exceptional food experiences for Chartwells on a full time basis contracted to 35 hours per week. As a Chef, you will be responsible for preparing and serving the kind of food that truly brightens our clients' and customers' days, all within the market-leading food service company in the UK. You'll get given every opportunity to progress within a company that invests in its people, celebrates individuality, and rewards and recognises employees who go beyond the plate.
Here's an idea of what your shift pattern will be:
- Mon: Full-time (Days)
- Tues: Full-time (Days)
- Weds: Full-time (Days)
- Thurs: Full-time (Days)
- Fri: Full-time (Days)
- Sat:
- Sun:
Please note: This role is contracted to 46 weeks per year.
Could you bring your passion and culinary skill to Chartwells? Here's what you need to know before applying:
Your key responsibilities will include:
- Preparing delicious, high-quality food that delights our clients and customers
- Overseeing and implementing menu changes
- Identifying opportunities to improve our food services
- Listening and acting on customer feedback to consistently improve our food services
- Supporting with the creation of new menus and creative food concepts
- Representing Chartwells and maintaining a positive brand image
- Monitoring inventories to keep our kitchens well-stocked
- Overseeing kitchen cleaning responsibilities to maintain hygiene standards
- Complying with Food Handling, Hygiene and Health and Safety regulations
Our ideal Chef will:
- Be passionate about great-tasting food and exceptional customer service
- Hold a City & Guilds 706/1 & 2 or NVQ equivalent
- Have experience supervising a team
- Have experience in a similar Chef role
- Hold a Food Hygiene certificate
- Have a flexible approach to working
Part of Compass Group UK&I, Chartwells is the leading provider of catering and support services to the education sector. For over a quarter of a century, Chartwells has been focusing on helping those in education to build strong bodies, sharp minds and lead long healthy lives. Every week, Chartwells serves millions of nutritious and delicious meals to pupils and students in primary and secondary schools, academies, independent schools, colleges, and universities across the UK. Chartwells is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all employees to share this commitment. Any offer of employment will be subject to successfully completing pre-employment checks, including an enhanced DBS disclosure and a Children's Barred List check. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and we ask applicants to declare all previous convictions and cautions in order to assess their suitability to work with children.
Compass Group UK&I is committed to fostering an environment where every individual can truly be themselves at work and has equal opportunities to advance in their careers. We strive to build a culture that respects and celebrates the unique talents, beliefs, backgrounds, and abilities of all our team members. We want our colleagues to feel valued, empowered to reach their full potential, and to thrive - because diversity is our strength!
School Chef employer: Chartwells
Contact Detail:
Chartwells Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land School Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Showcase your passion for food by sharing your culinary creations on social media or a personal blog. This not only highlights your skills but also demonstrates your enthusiasm for the role, which is something we value at StudySmarter.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with other chefs and professionals in the catering industry. Attend local food events or workshops to connect with potential colleagues and learn more about the latest trends in school catering, which can give you an edge in your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Familiarise yourself with Chartwells' values and mission. Understanding our commitment to providing nutritious meals and promoting healthy lifestyles will help you align your interview responses with what we stand for.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your experience in menu planning and customer feedback implementation. Being able to provide specific examples of how you've improved food services in previous roles will demonstrate your capability and fit for the Chef position.
We think you need these skills to ace School Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the key responsibilities and requirements for the School Chef position. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with what Chartwells is looking for.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise any previous experience you have in a similar chef role, especially in educational settings. Mention specific achievements or contributions that demonstrate your culinary skills and ability to manage a kitchen.
Show Your Passion: Express your passion for food and customer service in your application. Share examples of how you've gone above and beyond to create exceptional dining experiences, as this aligns with Chartwells' commitment to quality.
Prepare for Compliance: Be ready to discuss your knowledge of food hygiene and safety regulations. Mention any relevant certifications, such as a Food Hygiene certificate, and be prepared to explain how you ensure compliance in the kitchen.
How to prepare for a job interview at Chartwells
✨Show Your Passion for Food
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for cooking and creating exceptional food experiences. Share specific examples of dishes you've prepared that delighted customers, as this will demonstrate your passion and skill.
✨Highlight Your Team Leadership Skills
Since the role involves supervising a team, be prepared to discuss your experience in leading and motivating others. Share instances where you successfully managed a kitchen team or implemented menu changes based on feedback.
✨Demonstrate Knowledge of Food Hygiene Standards
Familiarise yourself with food handling, hygiene, and health and safety regulations. Be ready to discuss how you ensure compliance in the kitchen and maintain high standards of cleanliness and safety.
✨Prepare for Customer Feedback Scenarios
Think about how you would handle customer feedback, both positive and negative. Be ready to provide examples of how you've used feedback to improve food services or menu offerings in the past.
