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- Tasks: Create delicious, high-quality meals and lead a positive kitchen team.
- Company: Join Chartwells, a leader in catering for the education sector, serving millions weekly.
- Benefits: Enjoy career progression, recognition, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that values individuality and makes a real impact on students' lives.
- Qualifications: Must have City & Guilds 706/1 & 2 or NVQ equivalent and experience as a Head Chef.
- Other info: This role is part-time, contracted for 30 hours per week, and requires a commitment to child welfare.
We’re currently recruiting an ambitious Head Chef to help us create exceptional food experiences for Chartwells on a part time basis, contracted to 30 hours per week.
As a Head Chef, you will be responsible for creating an outstanding culinary experience. In return, you will have the chance to progress your career with a company that invests in its people, celebrates individuality, and rewards and recognises employees who go beyond the plate.
Could you bring your spark to Chartwells? Here’s what you need to know before applying for a Head Chef position with Compass Group UK&I.
Please note: This role is contracted to 43 weeks per year
Your key responsibilities will include:
- Preparing delicious, high-quality food that delights our clients and customers
- Identifying opportunities to improve our food service
- Creating a positive kitchen environment where your team feel welcomed and supported
- Delivering our tasty food concepts to our customers
- Representing Compass Group UK&I and maintaining a positive brand image
- Ordering food, looking after stock control and controlling food waste
- Overseeing kitchen cleaning responsibilities to maintain hygiene standards
- Managing budgets and successfully meeting financial targets
- Complying with Food Handling & Hygiene standards
- Complying with Health & Safety regulations
Our ideal Head Chef will:
- Hold a City & Guilds 706/1 & 2 or NVQ equivalent
- Create a positive work environment where the whole team can thrive
- Be a brilliant communicator and easily build relationships
- Have experience in a similar Head Chef role
- Strive for excellence in an enthusiastic and motivated manner
- Take initiative and make decisions that are right for our customers
- Have a desire to succeed in your role
- Possess the ability to work under pressure
- Demonstrate exceptional timekeeping and reliability
- Have a safety-first mind set
- Passionate about food
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.
Job Reference: com BU
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!
Cook - Wokingham employer: Compass Group UK
Contact Detail:
Compass Group UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Cook - Wokingham
✨Tip Number 1
Showcase your culinary creativity! When you network or during interviews, share specific examples of unique dishes you've created or innovative cooking techniques you've implemented. This will demonstrate your passion for food and your ability to enhance the dining experience.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarize yourself with Chartwells' mission and values. Understanding their commitment to nutrition and education can help you align your answers during interviews, showing that you're not just a great chef but also a good fit for their culture.
✨Tip Number 3
Highlight your leadership skills! As a Head Chef, you'll be managing a team. Be prepared to discuss how you've successfully led teams in the past, created a positive work environment, and handled challenges in the kitchen.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on food safety regulations and trends in the culinary world. Being knowledgeable about current standards and practices will not only impress your interviewers but also show your commitment to maintaining high-quality service.
We think you need these skills to ace Cook - Wokingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Head Chef position at Chartwells. Highlight your relevant experience in your application to show that you are a great fit.
Tailor Your CV: Customize your CV to reflect your culinary skills, leadership experience, and any relevant qualifications such as City & Guilds 706/1 & 2 or NVQ equivalent. Emphasize your ability to create a positive kitchen environment and manage budgets.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for food and your commitment to excellence. Mention specific examples of how you've improved food service or created a positive team atmosphere in previous roles.
Highlight Your Commitment to Safety: Since the role involves compliance with Food Handling & Hygiene standards and Health & Safety regulations, make sure to mention your experience and dedication to maintaining high safety standards in the kitchen.
How to prepare for a job interview at Compass Group UK
✨Show Your Passion for Food
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for cooking and food preparation during the interview. Share specific examples of dishes you love to create and how you ensure high-quality standards in your kitchen.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a Head Chef, you'll need to lead your team effectively. Discuss your experience in creating a positive work environment and how you've supported your team in previous roles. Highlight any successful initiatives you've implemented.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions about how you would handle specific kitchen scenarios, such as managing food waste or maintaining hygiene standards. Think through your responses and be ready to provide examples from your past experiences.
✨Emphasize Communication Abilities
Strong communication is key in a kitchen setting. Be prepared to discuss how you build relationships with your team and other departments. Share instances where effective communication led to improved service or team morale.
