Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare and serve delicious food while overseeing menu changes and maintaining hygiene standards.
- Company: Join CH&CO, a leading UK food service company that values individuality and invests in its people.
- Benefits: Enjoy perks like operational training, wellbeing support, holiday purchase schemes, and high street discounts.
- Why this job: Be part of a vibrant team that celebrates culinary creativity and offers opportunities for career growth.
- Qualifications: Passion for food, supervisory experience, relevant qualifications, and a Food Hygiene certificate required.
- Other info: This part-time role is contracted for 39 weeks per year with a flexible shift pattern.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
We are currently recruiting an ambitious Chef to help us create exceptional food experiences for CH&CO on a part-time basis contracted to 30 hours per week. As a Chef, you will be responsible for preparing and serving food that brightens our clients' and customers' days, within the market-leading food service company in the UK. You'll have opportunities to progress within a company that invests in its people, celebrates individuality, and rewards employees who go beyond the plate.
We value our people and offer a range of benefits and development opportunities:
- Operational training and development
- Life assurance scheme
- Personal development and training opportunities
- Wellbeing strategy including access to our Employee Assistance Programme
- Regular social events and communication with leaders
- Holiday purchase scheme
- High street discount vouchers
Here’s an idea of your shift pattern:
- Monday: Full-time (Days)
- Tuesday: Full-time (Days)
- Wednesday: Full-time (Days)
- Thursday: Full-time (Days)
- Friday: Full-time (Days)
- Saturday: Off
- Sunday: Off
Please note: This role is contracted to 39 weeks per year.
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 to and acting on customer feedback
- Supporting the creation of new menus and food concepts
- Representing CH&CO and maintaining a positive brand image
- Monitoring inventories to keep kitchens well-stocked
- Maintaining hygiene standards through kitchen cleaning responsibilities
- Complying with Food Handling, Hygiene, and Health and Safety regulations
Our ideal Chef will:
- Be passionate about great-tasting food and 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
- Be flexible in working hours
CH&CO, part of Compass Group UK&I, is committed to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive and have equal opportunities for career advancement. We celebrate diversity and aim to create a culture where all team members feel valued, empowered, and able to reach their full potential.
Contact Detail:
Chartwells Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Cook
✨Tip Number 1
Showcase your passion for food and customer service during any interactions with us. Whether it's in an informal chat or a formal interview, let your enthusiasm shine through. This role is all about creating exceptional experiences, so demonstrating your love for culinary arts can set you apart.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with our brand and values before applying. Understanding what CH&CO stands for and how we operate will help you align your answers and show that you're a great fit for our team. Research our menu offerings and recent initiatives to discuss them confidently.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your previous experience in supervising a team and how you've implemented menu changes in the past. We value leadership and innovation, so having specific examples ready will demonstrate your capability and readiness for this role.
✨Tip Number 4
Be ready to talk about how you maintain hygiene standards and comply with health regulations. This is crucial in our industry, and showing that you prioritise safety and cleanliness will reassure us of your professionalism and commitment to excellence.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Cook
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant culinary experience, especially in roles similar to a Head Cook. Emphasise any supervisory experience and your qualifications, such as the City & Guilds 706/1 & 2 or NVQ equivalent.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for food and customer service. Mention specific examples of how you've improved food services or created new menus in previous roles.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, clearly outline your skills related to food hygiene, menu planning, and team supervision. This will demonstrate your capability to meet the responsibilities listed in the job description.
Show Enthusiasm for the Company: Research CH&CO and mention why you want to work for them specifically. Highlight their commitment to inclusivity and employee development, and express how you align with their values.
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 commitment to quality.
✨Highlight Your Team Leadership Skills
Since the role involves supervising a team, be prepared to discuss your leadership style and experiences. Share instances where you successfully led a team in a kitchen environment, focusing on how you motivated and supported your colleagues.
✨Demonstrate Knowledge of Food Safety Standards
Familiarise yourself with Food Handling, Hygiene, and Health and Safety regulations. Be ready to discuss how you ensure compliance in your kitchen practices, as this is crucial for maintaining high standards in food service.
✨Prepare for Menu Discussion
Think about innovative menu ideas or improvements you could suggest for CH&CO. Being able to discuss potential menu changes or new concepts shows your creativity and willingness to contribute to the company's success.
