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- Tasks: Lead the kitchen team and create delicious dishes daily.
- Company: Join a vibrant culinary team at Walthamstow Wetlands.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days off, discounts, and support for your well-being.
- Why this job: Be part of a creative environment that values your culinary skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in a professional kitchen is essential.
- Other info: Opportunity for growth and development in a supportive setting.
The predicted salary is between 22908 - 45700 £ per year.
Salary: £38,180
We also offer:
- 25 days annual leave (plus bank holidays) and a discretionary Christmas closure
- Benefits platform with discounts on retail, dining and days out
- Salary sacrifice schemes for gym, bicycles and nursery/childcare
- Access to a free Employee Assistance Scheme to support you inside and outside of work
- Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
Location: Walthamstow Wetlands (N17) with occasional time spent at Camley Street Natural Park (Kings Cross) and Woodberry Wetlands (N16)
Role & Responsibilities
As part of the Trusts portfolio of nature reserves, the Trust manage three sites with visitor centres: Walthamstow Wetlands, Camley Street Natural Park and Woodberry Wetlands. This includes the running of our cafés and commercial events.
This is a brand new role within the team, creating an exciting opportunity for an experienced chef to build the team, develop the menu offering, and take the lead on our event catering.
- Lead on the delivery of event catering including working lunch buffets and canape receptions
- Lead on menu planning, recipe development, and food costing for all cafes and events
- Produce high quality food, using fresh produce where possible and design environmentally conscious menus in line with the Trusts core mission
- Supervise and coordinate kitchen staff creating production schedules, cleaning schedules, action Food Safety audits
- Coordinate food production for other sites, leading on food preparation for events
- Monitor food costs, minimizing waste and implementing cost-saving measures to optimize profitability
- Implement and enforce strict food safety protocols, complying with food hygiene regulations
- Oversee all the aspects of the day-to-day operations of the kitchen, including food production, plating, and presentation
Our ideal Head Chef
- Proven experience at senior level in café or restaurant environment
- A passion for the hospitality industry and creating good quality food items
- A working knowledge of Health and Safety responsibilities in a catering environment
- Ability to work under pressure, offer a swift service, making high standard items every time
- An ability to give clear instructions, prioritise workload and organise work effectively to meet deadlines
(Please see job description for full person specification)
Closing Date:14thMarch at 9am
Interviews:Are scheduled to take place on 24thMarch and reasonable adjustments will be offered to all candidates.
Does this sound like you? Wed love to hear from you!
Our vision is a London alive with wildlife, with nature in everyone's neighbourhood. To achieve our goal of inspiring everyone to help restore Londons wildlife, we recognise that our team must better reflect and represent all of Londons diverse communities. Find out more about London Wildlife Trusts commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion on our website .
We are also committed to ensuring that the safety and wellbeing of children, young people and adults at risk is at the heart of our engagement with people. Read about our commitment to safeguarding on our website .
AMRT1_UKCT
Head Chef employer: London Wildlife Trust
Contact Detail:
London Wildlife Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Make sure to showcase your culinary creativity and leadership skills during the interview. Prepare to discuss specific dishes you've created and how you've managed kitchen teams in the past.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarize yourself with the local food scene in Walthamstow. Being knowledgeable about local ingredients and dining trends can give you an edge in demonstrating your passion for the area.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with other chefs and industry professionals. Attend local culinary events or workshops to make connections that could help you learn more about the position and the team you'll be working with.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare thoughtful questions to ask during your interview. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand the expectations and culture of the kitchen at Walthamstow Wetlands.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in the culinary field, especially any leadership roles or achievements as a chef. Emphasize your skills in menu creation, team management, and kitchen operations.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for cooking and your vision for the role of Head Chef. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to lead a kitchen and create exceptional dining experiences.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Include any culinary qualifications, certifications, or training that are relevant to the position. This could include food safety certifications, management training, or specialized culinary courses.
Showcase Your Creativity: If possible, include examples of your culinary creations or innovative dishes you have developed. This could be in the form of a portfolio or links to social media where you showcase your work.
How to prepare for a job interview at London Wildlife Trust
✨Showcase Your Culinary Skills
Be prepared to discuss your cooking techniques and culinary philosophy. Bring examples of dishes you've created or menus you've designed to demonstrate your creativity and expertise.
✨Discuss Leadership Experience
As a Head Chef, you'll need strong leadership skills. Share specific examples of how you've managed a kitchen team, resolved conflicts, and trained staff to ensure a smooth operation.
✨Understand the Business Side
Familiarize yourself with budgeting, inventory management, and cost control. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to the financial success of the kitchen while maintaining high-quality standards.
✨Emphasize Adaptability
The culinary world is fast-paced and ever-changing. Highlight your ability to adapt to new trends, dietary restrictions, and customer feedback to create a dynamic dining experience.
