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- Tasks: Lead a dynamic kitchen team to create delicious, nutritious meals in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: Join a vibrant catering company dedicated to high standards and exceptional customer service.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, career progression opportunities, and a supportive team culture.
- Why this job: Be part of a creative culinary team that values innovation and teamwork while making a real impact.
- Qualifications: Must have relevant culinary qualifications and experience in managing dietary needs and large-scale catering.
- Other info: Full UK driving licence and enhanced DBS check required.
Location: Ashford, Kent
Salary: £27,227 Per Annum
Overview: To support a high standard dining experience in a fast-paced environment, you will provide appetising, nutritious meals and excellent customer service, ensuring catering provision consistently meets our clients' standards and safety procedures.
Responsibilities:
- Oversee food storage, preparation, cooking, and serving procedures, ensuring adherence to labelling, temperature checks, allergy management, and effective implementation of the HACCP system.
- Champion and maintain high standards of cleanliness and hygiene in the kitchen, while monitoring due diligence records and providing guidance on corrective actions.
- Train Chefs and Assistant Chefs in food safety procedures and the HACCP plan, providing ongoing supervision and coaching, and conducting risk assessments to address hazards.
- Ensure adherence to recipe specifications from the Nutritics system, maintain a safe working environment, and communicate effectively with Front of House colleagues.
- Utilise the Management System to track and record training completion and monitor workplace performance, providing colleagues with regular 1:1 feedback and using coaching and mentoring to assist and encourage development and career progression.
- Manage colleague scheduling within the kitchen, ensuring alignment with contracted hours, customer needs, and business requirements.
- Apply effective communication techniques and delegation skills to manage teams in high-risk and pressurised environments, fostering a strong team ethos through leadership and team-building activities.
- Maintain precise food ordering to match volume requirements and minimise excess waste.
- Implement effective stock rotation practices.
- Record all kitchen and servery waste using the Sharepoint system, leveraging data for informed production planning.
- Communicate production plans to the chef team, promptly informing the Catering Manager and General Manager of any significant budget variances and adhering to approved supply chain protocols.
Qualifications:
- City & Guilds 7061/2 or NVQ equivalent, or relevant industry experience.
- Experience in managing complex dietary needs.
- Experience in catering for large numbers.
- Experience of working with strict procedures, paperwork & admin systems.
- Level 3 food safety and Allergen Management.
- Management Qualification e.g. ILM l3 Award/ILM NVQ Level 3 Management.
- Completed the PGL Leadership and Management Programme (If internal).
- GCSE Grade A-C English, Maths or Functional Skills L2, resulting in a proficient level of spoken and written English.
- Enhanced DBS check.
- Full UK Drivers licence.
Head Chef employer: First Military Recruitment Ltd
Contact Detail:
First Military Recruitment Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the HACCP system and food safety regulations. Being well-versed in these areas will not only boost your confidence during interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to maintaining high standards in the kitchen.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your leadership skills by preparing examples of how you've successfully managed a team in a high-pressure environment. Highlighting your ability to train and mentor others will make you stand out as a candidate who can foster a strong team ethos.
✨Tip Number 3
Research the specific dietary needs and preferences of the clientele you’ll be serving. Understanding these requirements will allow you to tailor your approach and show that you can provide appetising, nutritious meals that meet diverse needs.
✨Tip Number 4
Network with other professionals in the catering industry, especially those who have experience in large-scale operations. Building connections can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to recommendations that could help you land the job.
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 managing kitchens, food safety procedures, and team leadership. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to oversee food preparation and maintain high standards.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for providing excellent dining experiences. Mention your qualifications, such as your City & Guilds or NVQ, and how they relate to the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Emphasise your experience in training and mentoring kitchen staff. Provide examples of how you've successfully managed teams in high-pressure environments and fostered a strong team ethos.
Highlight Your Attention to Detail: Discuss your experience with HACCP systems, food safety, and allergen management. Mention any specific instances where your attention to detail has positively impacted kitchen operations or customer satisfaction.
How to prepare for a job interview at First Military Recruitment Ltd
✨Showcase Your Culinary Skills
Be prepared to discuss your cooking techniques and experiences in detail. Bring examples of dishes you've created or managed, and be ready to explain how you ensure quality and safety in food preparation.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Experience
Highlight your experience in managing kitchen teams and training staff. Share specific examples of how you've fostered a positive team environment and handled high-pressure situations effectively.
✨Understand Food Safety Regulations
Familiarise yourself with HACCP principles and food safety standards. Be ready to discuss how you implement these practices in the kitchen and ensure compliance among your team.
✨Communicate Effectively
Prepare to demonstrate your communication skills, especially in coordinating with front-of-house staff. Discuss how you keep everyone informed about production plans and any changes that may affect service.
