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- Tasks: Join our kitchen team to create delicious dishes from fresh, seasonal ingredients.
- Company: The National Trust is a leading organisation in food and hospitality across the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy perks like a substantial pension, discounts, flexible working, and free entry to National Trust sites.
- Why this job: Be part of a vibrant team in a historic setting, serving thousands of visitors each year.
- Qualifications: Experience as a chef or cook, with a passion for food and teamwork.
- Other info: Regular weekend work required; consider transport options to our rural location.
The predicted salary is between 22794 - 30592 £ per year.
Are you looking to step up your career in food and beverage? The National Trust is renowned for its food and hospitality. We run 185 cafes, tea-rooms, and restaurants all over England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and we would love you to join us.
Because we are in a rural area, please think about how you would be able to get here for work, before applying for the job.
Benefits:We want to help you look after the things that matter to you, such as saving for your future, getting a discount on your weekly shop, or encouraging you to find a work-life balance. Please read our package, below, to see what benefits we offer you.
Hours:37.5 hours a week working 5 out of 7 days, on average 8:30am - 4:30pm. Regular weekend working is required.
Salary:£26,793 per annum
Duration:Permanent
What it’s like to work here:Reporting to the Head Chef, you will join a team of 6. You will be assisting the Head Chef at Hardwick Hall with the day-to-day running of the kitchen and helping run an established and experienced kitchen team when the Head Chef is off. As a busy Spectacular Elizabethan Property with over 300 thousand visitors a year, you will be supporting 3 outlets, one being a large restaurant in the Stable yard and two smaller outlets in the wider estate, providing all aspects of food production and service for our visitors.
What you’ll be doing:Your main focus is the kitchen, a busy and creative hub. You will be working within the framework of our 'National Trust Cookbook' to prepare delicious food from scratch using fresh, seasonal ingredients. Your food will be served directly to visitors.
You will help to build a great place to work, which includes showing empathy and giving support to team members when needed. The aim is to foster a positive spirit where everyone is focused on giving the best possible service to visitors.
By maintaining high standards of food hygiene and COSHH procedures, you will minimise risks to visitors, staff and contractors.
We will give you an induction that fits the job, and training in allergens and food safety, plus any mentoring needed to help you in your role. You can sign up for further professional training and development if you wish.
Who we’re looking for:We would love to hear from you if you are:
- Experienced as a professional chef or cook, with a passion for food and a friendly and positive attitude
- Confident about following recipes and batch-cooking, and willing to learn
- Aware of health and safety compliance
- Happy working within a team, and good at communicating with people
The National Trust has the motto 'For everyone, for ever' at its heart. We are working hard to create an inclusive culture, where everyone feels they belong. It’s important that our people reflect and represent the diversity of the communities and audiences we serve. We welcome and value difference, so when we say we’re for everyone, we want everyone to be welcome in our teams too.
- Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary
- Free entry to National Trust places for you, a guest and your children (under 18)
- Rental deposit loan scheme
- Season ticket loan
- EV car lease scheme
- Perks at work discounts such as gym memberships, shopping discount codes, cinema discounts
- Holiday allowance up to 32 days relating to length of service, plus holiday purchase scheme, subject to meeting minimum criteria.
- Flexible working whenever possible
- Employee assistance programme
- Free parking at most Trust places
Chef employer: The National Trust For Places of Historic Interest or Natural Beauty
Contact Detail:
The National Trust For Places of Historic Interest or Natural Beauty Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the National Trust's values and mission. Understanding their commitment to sustainability and local sourcing can help you align your culinary approach with their ethos, making you a more attractive candidate.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your experience in high-pressure kitchen environments. Highlight any previous roles where you successfully managed busy service periods, as this will demonstrate your ability to thrive in the fast-paced setting of a popular venue.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your teamwork skills during the interview. The role requires collaboration with a diverse team, so be ready to share examples of how you've supported colleagues and contributed to a positive work environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Consider your transport options to the rural location. Being able to demonstrate a reliable plan for commuting can reassure the hiring team that you are committed and ready to take on the role without logistical issues.
We think you need these skills to ace Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Chef position. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experience and skills that align with what the National Trust is looking for.
Craft a Compelling CV: Ensure your CV is up-to-date and clearly outlines your culinary experience, including any specific roles you've held, types of cuisine you're familiar with, and any relevant certifications. Highlight your teamwork and communication skills, as these are essential for the role.
Write a Personalised Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for food and hospitality. Mention why you want to work for the National Trust specifically and how your values align with their mission. Include examples of how you've contributed to a positive team environment in previous roles.
Showcase Your Knowledge of Food Safety: Since the role involves maintaining high standards of food hygiene and safety, mention any relevant training or experience you have in this area. This could include certifications in food safety or specific practices you've implemented in past kitchens.
How to prepare for a job interview at The National Trust For Places of Historic Interest or Natural Beauty
✨Show Your Passion for Food
Make sure to express your love for cooking and food during the interview. Share any personal experiences or inspirations that have shaped your culinary journey, as this will resonate well with the interviewers at the National Trust.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Since you'll be working closely with a team, highlight your ability to collaborate and support your colleagues. Share examples of how you've contributed to a positive work environment in previous roles.
✨Know the National Trust's Values
Familiarise yourself with the National Trust's mission and values. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to their goal of providing excellent service and maintaining high standards in food production.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
Expect questions about your cooking techniques, recipe adherence, and food safety practices. Brush up on your knowledge of health and safety compliance, as well as any relevant regulations, to demonstrate your professionalism.
